Republican operatives say that branding Bannon as a racist mastermind of White House decisions may fire up liberals in the short-term. But it’s both incorrect and certain to backfire with the voters Democrats need to bring back into their fold, they add.
“My guess is, the more the Democrats and news media go after Steve Bannon, the more powerful he becomes within the administration, and the more endearing he becomes to Donald Trump,” said John Brabender, a Pennsylvnaia-based GOP strategist.
“It is further alienating conservative and blue collar Democrats who are thrilled with everything Trump is doing right now,” he continued. “I do not believe there is any buyer remorse among Trump voters, and when you look at the battleground states for 2018, that works to President Trump’s advantage.”
White House officials did not respond to requests for comment. Press Secretary Sean Spicer has previously defended Bannon’s role, citing his experience as a naval officer. “He’s got a tremendous understanding of the world and the geopolitical landscape that we have now,” he said at a Jan. 29 press briefing.
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