Senator Rick Scott, who as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee just oversaw a dismal midterm performance, is challenging Senator Mitch McConnell for the position of Senate minority leader. What exactly is he trying to accomplish?
McConnell is not responsible for the Republican rout. While he deserves some blame, the case against him is largely misguided. For over a decade, McConnell has been a bulwark against progressive excesses. Conservatives should be pleased with how he shepherded President Trump’s judicial nominees through the confirmation process, ultimately leading to Roe’s demise. Some may argue that McConnell could have handled the second impeachment trial better. Nonetheless, he’s best equipped to deliver for the GOP.
Scott, on the other hand, lacks the requisite political acumen. He’s culpable for the abysmal performance of many of the Republican senatorial candidates and offers a nonsensical alternative to the party’s agenda that would “mean raising taxes on about half the country.” If anything, McConnell’s nationalist-populist critics should scoff at the idea of supporting Scott.
Scott’s vacuous candidacy raises questions about what he’s up to. Is he genuinely bothered by what he sees as the shortcomings of McConnell’s tenure, or does he simply see an opening? It’s likely the latter — a cynical ploy to become the Senate GOP’s top dog. Let’s hope the Republican conference sees through it.