An old campaign adage argued that political endorsements often aren’t worth the paper they are printed on, and until President Donald J. Trump, they were right. Now the most important political asset any Republican candidate could earn is the Trump endorsement, and how he’s using it will continue to reshape the Republican Party and freeze the 2024 field.
We have all watched as past Republican presidents fade into obscurity after departing the Oval Office. In most cases, their departures from D.C. marked the conclusion of their political ambition after weathering the arrows of the White House press corps. In each case, except for Ronald Reagan, their endorsements are seldom sought and matter little.
Just think of the irony, as George P. Bush actively worked to earn President Trump’s endorsement for Texas attorney general. George P., son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and grandson of former President George H.W. Bush, stayed very close to President Trump in his public comments, and came to realize that his family connection and own accomplishments as the current Texas land commissioner weren’t enough in the era of Trump. While Trump ultimately backed incumbent AG Ken Paxton (pictured, at left) for reelection, it illustrated that in today’s Republican Party, there is only one lane: the Trump lane.
That’s why it came as little surprise when news broke late Thursday night that Congressman Anthony Gonzalez — one of the 10 GOP House members who voted to impeach President Trump — announced he would not seek reelection. He was being beaten badly in the polls by Max Miller, his Trump-endorsed challenger, and he recognized there was no viable path to victory.
President Trump’s success and influence continues to defy the political norms of the corrupt political class and, in doing so, he has established an unprecedented level of political influence.
So far in 2021, President Trump’s endorsement record in Republican elections is 10-0. Six of those victories were in competitive elections to lead the national and state Republican parties.
Vito Fossella pictured in front of Brough Hall. July 23, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel)
Another victory came in the Republican primary to lead Staten Island, N.Y., as borough president. Less than 72 hours before polls closed, President Trump endorsed Vito Fossella, a former congressman, who was running against a formidable opponent, the minority leader of the New York City Council. The minority leader campaigned with every major endorsement in Staten Island: the local Republican Party, the police and trade unions, municipal politicians. But, on the Saturday before the Tuesday election, President Trump endorsed Vito Fossella — and Vito won.
In 2020, 120 of the 122 candidates President Trump endorsed in congressional primary elections won, and the two who didn’t, lost to candidates who successfully ran campaigns by arguing they were more “Trump” than their opponents. Moreover,…
The power of Donald Trump’s endorsement (commentary)
An old campaign adage argued that political endorsements often aren’t worth the paper they are printed on, and until President Donald J. Trump, they were right. Now the most important political asset any Republican candidate could earn is the Trump endorsement, and how he’s using it will continue to reshape the Republican Party and freeze the 2024 field.
We have all watched as past Republican presidents fade into obscurity after departing the Oval Office. In most cases, their departures from D.C. marked the conclusion of their political ambition after weathering the arrows of the White House press corps. In each case, except for Ronald Reagan, their endorsements are seldom sought and matter little.
Just think of the irony, as George P. Bush actively worked to earn President Trump’s endorsement for Texas attorney general. George P., son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and grandson of former President George H.W. Bush, stayed very close to President Trump in his public comments, and came to realize that his family connection and own accomplishments as the current Texas land commissioner weren’t enough in the era of Trump. While Trump ultimately backed incumbent AG Ken Paxton (pictured, at left) for reelection, it illustrated that in today’s Republican Party, there is only one lane: the Trump lane.
That’s why it came as little surprise when news broke late Thursday night that Congressman Anthony Gonzalez — one of the 10 GOP House members who voted to impeach President Trump — announced he would not seek reelection. He was being beaten badly in the polls by Max Miller, his Trump-endorsed challenger, and he recognized there was no viable path to victory.
President Trump’s success and influence continues to defy the political norms of the corrupt political class and, in doing so, he has established an unprecedented level of political influence.
So far in 2021, President Trump’s endorsement record in Republican elections is 10-0. Six of those victories were in competitive elections to lead the national and state Republican parties.
Vito Fossella pictured in front of Brough Hall. July 23, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel)
Another victory came in the Republican primary to lead Staten Island, N.Y., as borough president. Less than 72 hours before polls closed, President Trump endorsed Vito Fossella, a former congressman, who was running against a formidable opponent, the minority leader of the New York City Council. The minority leader campaigned with every major endorsement in Staten Island: the local Republican Party, the police and trade unions, municipal politicians. But, on the Saturday before the Tuesday election, President Trump endorsed Vito Fossella — and Vito won.
In 2020, 120 of the 122 candidates President Trump endorsed in congressional primary elections won, and the two who didn’t, lost to candidates who successfully ran campaigns by arguing they were more “Trump” than their opponents. Moreover,…
Read More: The power of Donald Trump’s endorsement (commentary)