What if those holdouts — or a large portion of them — maintain their opposition, despite Trump’s entreaties?
In my estimation, such a development would harm Trump in two ways. First, it would show that Trump-sycophants such as Matt Gaetz are no longer willing to do what their hero demands — even if, as a general matter, they express support for him. Second, it would put Trump on the side of the “establishment” (which he is!) against the rebels. Whether they are right or they are wrong, Kevin McCarthy’s most vocal opponents believe themselves to be engaged in a grand plan to drain the swamp. If Donald Trump lines up against them, and loses, it will tell us something important about his standing in the party and beyond.
[Duane made the same point earlier. If Trump wins, though, it may give him a rebound in the 2024 campaign. — Ed]
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