So, here we are again with Mitch McConnell putting on his politician’s smile and trying to rally the troops. McConnell stood before reporters, congratulating President-elect Donald Trump on his historic comeback win, along with the Senate Republicans’ projected return to the majority.
Now, he’s calling it a “happy day” for the GOP. But let’s be honest—most Republicans aren’t exactly lining up to sing his praises. The reality is that McConnell’s grandstanding rings a little hollow when we remember that he’s been lukewarm at best toward Trump and barely represents the spirit of the Republican Party as it stands today.
McConnell gave a nod to Trump’s campaign team, commending Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles for running a “spectacular race.” Sure, Mitch, but let’s not pretend he was sitting in Trump’s corner all along. McConnell’s remarks about “handing over” the majority to his successor may sound noble, but he’s finally stepping back not out of grace but because his influence has dwindled.
The Republican base has shifted, and McConnell’s old-school brand of establishment conservatism isn’t exactly rallying the voters. Even Trump has made it clear he’s ready to see McConnell hit the road, saying at a rally just days ago, “Hopefully we get rid of Mitch McConnell pretty soon.”
Trump’s rally crowd got a kick out of it when he joked about McConnell’s reluctant endorsement, calling it “a painful day in his life.” And that’s the thing—McConnell’s support of Trump feels transactional, at best. We all remember that it wasn’t long ago when Mitch was allegedly calling Trump a “sleazeball” and “narcissist” behind closed doors, according to The Price of Power. He’s always been quick to cozy up when it’s politically convenient and then disappear the second things get rough.
Meanwhile, the Fox News Decision Desk is already projecting a Senate flip, with Republicans expected to secure three blue seats and maybe even more once all the results are in. For McConnell, this is a convenient way to claim a small victory, but make no mistake—this isn’t because of him.
The credit belongs to figures like NRSC Chairman Steve Daines and the actual campaign teams, not Mitch and his half-hearted “support.” Republicans are winning because they’ve been focusing on issues that matter to Americans, not because of backroom maneuvering from the establishment.
Why are GOP Senators telling Trump to stay out of the Senate leadership race? Do they realize that we gave Trump a historic mandate to govern? Our vote was so Trump could be our voice
None of Mitch McConnell’s minions should be allowed anywhere near that power. NO WAY!
— George (@BehizyTweets) November 7, 2024
So, when McConnell starts waxing poetic about the GOP’s new Senate majority, it’s worth asking who he’s really talking to. It’s not the millions of Republican voters who are fed up with the party elite’s lukewarm stances on key issues and their on-again, off-again relationship with Trump. It’s not the grassroots movement that propelled Trump back to the White House. McConnell’s grandstanding is a farewell tour of sorts—one that most Republicans are ready to see end.
RINO Senators John Thune & John Cornyn both want to replace Mitch McConnell, once he finally gets put out to pasture. Both of them also voted to send billions more to Ukraine. MAGA must do everything in our power to stop either of these two RINOs from ever becoming Senate Leader!
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 13, 2024
As the party takes on a new chapter with Trump back at the helm, it’s clear that McConnell’s brand of fence-sitting and backroom deals is increasingly out of place. If he thinks today is a “happy day” for the GOP, maybe he should take a look around and realize that the party is moving on—whether he likes it or not.
