The simplest way for Republicans to hold these seats and the Senate is to pitch themselves as a balancing force against Biden, preventing him forcing his ‘radical liberal agenda’ on what is still a moderate-to-liberal state. For this to work, however, they need President Trump — who will still have two weeks in office when the runoffs are staged — out of the picture.
If the Trump meltdown does drag out until January, it will have a big impact on upscale, high-turnout swing voters in the Atlanta suburbs, and may end up costing the party its seats. One of the big reasons these voters have shifted away from the GOP was their objections to Trump’s lack of presidential style — which could well be writ large in the coming months.
This leaves the Republicans with an uncomfortable dilemma. If the leadership is seen to be throwing Trump under the bus and not helping him remain in office, their base may well punish the party. Eric Trump, the President’s son, tweeted yesterday: ‘Where are Republicans! Have some backbone. Fight against this fraud. Our voters will never forget you if your sheep!’
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