In today’s Republican Party, opposing President Donald Trump is the political equivalent of a death wish — a near-guaranteed descent to irrelevance and diminished influence.
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) has avoided that fate — for now.
Young declared, in no uncertain terms, last year that he wouldn’t be voting for Trump. But Trump won convincingly in November, carrying Republicans to victory up and down the ballot.
So Young has adapted by altering his posture toward Trump and making clear that he’s a “team player” for Republicans — and he certainly has been. Young also sees a chance to pad his extensive legislative record. But it’s a delicate balance, as the Indiana Republican isn’t backing away from his past criticism of Trump.
That means establishing a working relationship with Trump (they’ve spoken several times since November) and voting for his nominees even after having expressed skepticism.
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