Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the on the campaign trail, the White House and Capitol Hill.
In today’s edition, senior national political reporter Sahil Kapurbreaks down Mitch McConnell’s decision to step down from his long-held position as Senate Republican leader. Plus, chief Washington correspondent Andrea Mitchell takes a look back at the decisions that defined McConnell’s tenure.
McConnell’s exit as leader highlights Trump’s growing influence over the Senate GOP
By Sahil Kapur
Mitch McConnell made the long-anticipated, yet seismic, announcement on Wednesday that he’ll step down as Senate GOP leader at the end of this year, ending his tenure as the longest-serving Senate leader in U.S. history.
The move is, at least in part, a product of his advanced age. The 82-year-old, first elected 40 years ago, has had a few recent high-profile freeze-ups on camera.
But it’s also driven by political considerations. The Senate Republican conference has increasingly transformed itself in the image of Donald Trump, a dynamic that has diminished McConnell’s once-formidable influence over his members.
That shift was evident in the recent McConnell-backed bipartisan deal for tougher border security and Ukraine aid, which just four of his members supported. In an awkward reversal, McConnell himself voted against it, a stark acknowledgement that he was overruled.
Trump, who had pushed for McConnell’s ouster, recently said he’s not sure he could work with the Kentucky Republican if he returns to the White House. McConnell, whose relationship with Trump broke irreparably in the aftermath of the 2020 election, is the only member of congressional GOP leadership who hasn’t endorsed the former president’s 2024 White House bid, even as he marches to the party’s nomination.
Trump will surely loom large over the battle to replace McConnell as well. That contest begins with the “three Johns” — Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming, John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota — who are all current or former deputies to McConnell. Cornyn and Thune both have mixed histories with Trump, while Barrasso has been more consistently in line with the former president.
McConnell’s internal critics, who were once small and quiet, have grown bigger and louder. He was guaranteed to face a challenge if he sought another term, and his path was rocky, at best. Instead of dealing with that, he’s now leaving leadership on his own terms.
The question now is what role McConnell will play outside of leadership: He indicated in his speech Wednesday that he’ll serve out the remainder of his Senate term, which ends in January 2027.
McConnell’s old-school approach often collided with raw politics
Analysis by Andrea Mitchell
As a leader, Mitch McConnell was a study in contrasts: an old-school Senate “gentleman” from the good old days when your word was your bond.
But he was also willing to break precedents and deny Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee even a hearing at the start of an election year. And then he reversed course to get Donald Trump’s third nominee confirmed a week before Election Day.
Think of McConnell as Lucy with the football: leading Joe Biden as vice president, and then president, to think he could always count on negotiating a deal with his old Senate pal Mitch. Until he couldn’t.
And there’s McConnell denouncing Trump for provoking the Jan. 6 mob at the U.S. Capitol, but a month later protecting Trump from being convicted for it. Then endorsing Trump-backed election deniers for the Senate.
In his announcement that he’ll step aside as Senate Republican leader, McConnell confessed to loving Ronald Reagan so much he married his wife on the former president’s birthday, acknowledging that’s not the most romantic thing to admit. Probably the truest burden contributing to his decision is grief over the death of his beloved sister-in-law, Angela Chao, in a car accident.
Now the Senate minority leader’s final test on an issue of principle could be whether he’s able to persuade an unschooled House speaker to deliver on the Ukraine aid McConnell believes in so fervently, a hallmark of Reagan Republicanism.
That won’t be easy because what was left unsaid in McConnell’s Senate speech: The veteran leader has lost control of his conference — and the GOP — to Trump. And there’s nothing old school in that.
????️ Today’s top stories
???? We have a deal: Congressional leaders have reached an agreement to avert a partial government shutdown — for now. Read more →
⚖️ On the docket: The Supreme Court agreed to decide whether Trump can claim presidential immunity over criminal election interference charges. Justices will hear the case the week of April 22. Read more →
???? Hunted becomes the Hunter : During closed-door congressional testimony on Wednesday, Hunter Biden pushed back on GOP claims that his father was involved in his business dealings. Read more →
⌚ It’s getting late early: Chuck Todd writes about how the window for third-party presidential alternatives may have already closed. Read more →
???? An offer they couldn’t refuse: The Washington Post looks at how NRSC Chair Steve Daines has attempted to avoid messy GOP primary fights this year in what they call the “return of the party boss.” Read more →
???? New maps, New York: State lawmakers approved a new congressional map for New York that will give Democrats a slight boost in their battle for the House majority this fall. Read more →
???? Time for a check-up: A White House doctor said Joe Biden is “fit for duty” after the president underwent a routine physical Wednesday morning. Read more →
???? Guess who’s back: Marianne Williamson announced she is relaunching her Democratic presidential campaign after bowing out of the race weeks ago. Read more →
????️ March Forth: In the DC area on March 4th ? Our friends at MSNBC Live are hosting a power lunch that day to preview Super Tuesday and the State of the Union address – hosted by Luke Russert and featuring Steve Kornacki, Jen Psaki, Stephanie Ruhle, and special guests Quentin Fulks, Former Governor Larry Hogan, and Sophia Bush. The event is invite only and space is limited, so click on the link to request a spot. Please note: request does not guarantee an invitation. Request an invitation →
That’s all from The Politics Desk for now. If you have feedback — likes or dislikes — email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
