#rnc co-chair

[politicalprof]

The grift goes on forever ...

So, independent of the usual campaign merch, proceeds of which supposedly fund his campaign, Donald Trump is currently selling:

--a limited supply of wristwatches, for 100K each;

--an unlimited supply of wristwatches, at $500 each;

--golden tennis shoes;

--cryptocurrency;

--digital NFT trading cards;

--and physical trading cards with a piece of the suit he wore at the debate.

Meanwhile, his daughter-in-law, who is ostensibly the co-Chair of the RNC, is pumping out pseudo-country albums, heavily assisted by autotune.

Jared Kushner, meanwhile, took $2 billion from Saudi investors within weeks of leaving government. He has charged more than $100 million in management fees for these accounts but has returned no profits.

But Kamala Harris didn't list McDonald's on her professional resume, so, nothing to see here ...

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Justin Horowitz at MMFA:

Since becoming co-chair of the Republican National Committee on March 8, right-wing commentator Lara Trump has repeatedly pushed election denial and conspiracy theories on her Right View podcast, which is streamed on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Rumble.  As RNC co-chair, Lara Trump has overseen job cuts of longtime staffers and transformed the organization to directly support her father-in-law, former President Donald Trump, in his presidential campaign and many legal fights. She has also worked to align the RNC with far-right political and media figures, including conservative youth organization and extremist hub Turning Point USA, former Trump strategist and January 6 coup plotter Steve Bannon, and QAnon conspiracy theorist Scott Presler.  On her show, Lara Trump and her guests have repeatedly denied the fact that President Joe Biden won 81 million votes during the 2020 election, suggested that Democrats are already preparing to “cheat” in 2024, and invoked talking points from the white nationalist-linked “great replacement” conspiracy theory, which argues that Democrats are allowing immigrants to cross the border so that they will “replace” white citizens and vote for Democratic candidates.

Since becoming a co-chair for the RNC, Lara Trump has used her podcast show The Right View to push election denialism.

[simply-ivanka]

Former President Donald Trump completed his takeover of the Republican Party Friday, when his daughter-in-law was elected co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC).

Lara Trump took over one of the top roles alongside another Trump loyalist, after Ronna McDaniel stood aside. 

It comes as the former president closes in on his third straight party nomination. 

[republicansaredomesticterrorists]

I don’t believe she even lives in Florida.

🤮

[meret118]

Once the narratives have taken hold, the autocratic leader can change the hardware that runs the country. Most of these steps are incremental and might even be defensible on their own. But together, they build a formidable institutional power base that can keep the leader and his party in power permanently.

Here are some of those steps:

Strengthen Executive Power. After serving one term as prime minister, Orbán lost office in 2002. He resolved that next time, he is going to be much more aggressive in strengthening his hold on power. Trump and his team have prepared for their second term in a similar way. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation behind the infamous Project 2025, portrayed Hungary as “the model for conservative statecraft.” Project 2025 echoes Orbán’s playbook, pushing to dismantle liberal influence in the “administrative state” and strengthen executive power. As Trump’s initial nominees also show, we can expect systematic efforts to sweep out officials deemed disloyal to the president. Trump also plans to centralize control over institutions, ranging from the Federal Reserve Board to the Federal Communications Commission.

Discipline the judiciary. Efforts at reining in the Justice Department and exerting more influence over the judiciary will be crucial. With Republicans already controlling the Supreme Court, any new appointments during Trump’s term would cement a conservative majority for decades. Trump was also open about his plan to fire attorneys who refuse to follow his orders. Vance even mentioned the option of simply disobeying judicial authorities.

Change Election Processes. Manipulating electoral rules and district boundaries to benefit the ruling party is a strategy that Orbán imported from the U.S. The state of Georgia is a case in point, where Republicans have increased their power to change electoral results they deem fraudulent. In Congress, Republicans have proposed far-reaching legislation that could allow Republicans to twist the electoral process to their advantage in future election cycles.

Control the media. Orbán consolidated media control through centralized propaganda, market pressure and loyal billionaires. In the U.S., in addition to the already powerful empire of Rupert Murdoch, several recent examples show the power of friendly tycoons over the media. Elon Musk is a good case study; he used Twitter-turned-X to bolster right-wing populists and now stands to gain much from his relationship with Trump. This mirrors Orbán’s strategy to forge a strong alliance with the country’s billionaires for mutual protection and support. Trump also plans to move fast on a business-friendly agenda of tax cuts, deregulation and expanded energy production.

Secure Control over Party. A final critical step is securing full control over the party. Just as Orbán replaced mainstream leaders with loyal outsiders, Trump co-opted much of the Tea Party in his takeover of the Republican Party. Trump’s team has positioned key allies as candidates and RNC leaders, placing his daughter-in-law as co-chair and pushing out numerous establishment staffers. And his current moves to name uber-loyalists to administration jobs regardless of their qualifications is also an effort to make Republicans in Congress bend to his will.

The Antidote

. . .

The courts. If there are any brazen attacks on constitutional principles, the justice system should be the first line of defense. However, illiberal regimes often operate within legal boundaries, making them harder to challenge. Courts in Europe have so far had little power against Orbán. Litigation or legal restrictions on populists also tend to backfire, boosting their image as outsiders fighting against an unjust, technocratic system, as Trump has already demonstrated in his efforts to discredit the legal cases against him. What this means is that the fight against right-wing populism is primarily political.

The media. Fighting for media pluralism and independence is vital. Investigative journalism helps, but it tends to preach to the converted. There need to be news channels and media outlets for getting messages across to non-metropolitan areas dominated by far-right news sources. Liberal-minded billionaires should not sit idly by as they did in Hungary, watching the right take over the media. The New Right is also significantly more embedded in social media than liberals are. Those of us who favor democracy cannot let Elon Musks and Andrew Tates control the public discourse. Progressive influencers: Time to log in and post away — there’s a narrative battle to win.

States and cities. Democrats cannot win without a powerful social base embedded throughout the country. Fighting for every seat and institution in states and cities is one of the most important things opponents of autocracy need to do. Even in hard illiberal regimes like Turkey or Hungary, free cities are channels for interaction with citizens, provide organizational resources and can be used to present alternative visions of governance.

Countering populist power structures requires first defeating populist narratives — a battle the anti-populist center is losing. The demise of Hungary’s once-strong left-liberal elites, now completely overpowered by the right, should serve as a stark warning, which leads us to the most important battleground: the Democratic Party.To win the fight against autocracy, above all, the Democratic Party must reconnect with the working class to preserve liberal institutions. There are simply not enough educated moderate suburbanites for an electoral majority.

First, this means creating new and strengthening existing local organizational structures, especially labor unions. Popular mobilization is crucial to energize the base. Yet, such mobilization sometimes focuses on issues important to the active base only — a tactical error that should be avoided. For example, the most mobilized segments of Hungarian society tend to focus on media freedom or democracy, but these are not the primary concerns of ordinary citizens, leading to repeated failures of mass mobilizations. To create the groundwork so ordinary people will mobilize during elections, it’s important to engage with them outside elections, focusing on issues that matter to them.

Second, party financing should shift from the corporate elite to small and micro-donations. Fortunately, Democrats already have a strong base of small donors, but it needs to grow. This is the only guarantee against elites capturing the Democratic Party and provides a solid foundation to push through popular reforms that elites oppose. Freeing the party from elite capture will allow it to talk about things that matter, from the decline of middle America to inequality.

Third, commit to left-populist economic policies. Republicans have stolen key populist messages; Democrats need to reclaim them. If done smartly, populist economic policies work and are popular in swing states, even among right-leaning voters. Championing issues like breaking the chokehold of pharmaceuticals over the health system, fighting inflation or increasing the minimum wage are key to overcoming the chasm separating low- and high-income Americans and would allow Democrats to regain their pro-worker bona fides.

More at the link.

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Excellent article! Paste the link here to read it.

[mariacallous]

Donald Trump’s newly installed leadership team at the Republican National Committee on Monday began the process of pushing out dozens of officials, according to two people close to the Trump campaign and the RNC.

All told, the expectation is that more than 60 RNC staffers who work across the political, communications and data departments will be let go. Those being asked to resign include five members of the senior staff, though the names were not made public. Additionally, some vendor contracts are expected to be cut.

In a letter to some political and data staff, Sean Cairncross, the RNC’s new chief operating officer, said that the new committee leadership was “in the process of evaluating the organization and staff to ensure the building is aligned” with its vision. “During this process, certain staff are being asked to resign and reapply for a position on the team.”

The overhaul is aimed at cutting, what one of the people described as, “bureaucracy” at the RNC. But the move also underscores the swiftness with which Trump’s operation is moving to take over the Republican Party’s operations after the former president all but clinched the party’s presidential nomination last week.

Trump’s campaign took over operational control of the RNC on Monday. On Friday, former North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley was elected the RNC’s new chair, and Trump daughter-in-law Lara Trump was elected as co-chair. Both had Trump’s endorsement. Additionally, Trump senior campaign adviser Chris LaCivita was named as the RNC’s new chief of staff.

Whatley is replacing Ronna McDaniel, who stepped down last week after serving more than seven years in the post. Trump and McDaniel had been longtime allies, but the former president had soured on the chairperson as of late because he felt that she was not doing enough on “voter integrity”-related issues, and because she hosted Republican primary debates that she refused to participate in.

Trump advisers have described the RNC’s structure as overly bloated and bureaucratic, which they believe has contributed to the party’s cash woes. The RNC had about $8 million at the end of December, only about one-third as much as the Democratic National Committee.

Under the new structure, the Trump campaign is looking to merge its operations with the RNC. Key departments, such as communications, data and fundraising, will effectively be one and the same.

[pennsyltuckyheathen]

Trump’s 🤥 grifting knows no bounds as he installs one of his MAGA sycophants and ass-kissers from North Carolina to head the Republican National Committee and his daughter-in-law Lara Trump as co-chair. 😠 She’s only there to make sure as much money 💲💲💲 as possible is funneled to TraitorTrump.  

All of which has the stamp of approval from what was formerly known as the Republican party.  MAGA and their criminal leader are not legitimate participants in the democratic processes of our country.  They are a domestic threat which must be held accountable for their high crimes and sedition.  LOCK THEM UP!

VOTE BLUE VOTE BLUE VOTE BLUE VOTE BLUE VOTE BLUE VOTE BLUE

[progressivepower]

Lara Trump Steps Down As RNC Co-Chair, Considers Bid For Florida Senate Seat https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lara-trump-steps-down-rnc-cochair-florida-senate-speculation_n_67566c2ce4b0755e4d59ad5e?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Luckovich, Atlanta Journal Constitution

* * * *

We live in a "34-guilty-verdict" universe

June 3, 2024

ROBERT B. HUBBELL

Based on emails from worried and confused readers, I start with a few additional reflections on the 34 guilty verdicts against Trump.

We now live in a universe in which the laws of physics are based on 34 guilty verdicts. Within that framework, the only “newsworthy” stories (sadly) are ones that discuss why the guilty verdicts might be overturned on appeal or why they were allegedly secured by illegitimate means. Hence, in the “34-guilty-verdict universe,” we should anticipate (and ignore) the deluge of stories raising doubts about Trump's convictions. Henceforth, such negative stories will always receive preferential treatment in all media outlets. “Trump is guilty” is old news and will not drive the same number of clicks as “Trump might overturn the convictions on appeal.”  Do not confuse the frequency of stories with their merit.

The MAGA propaganda machine was prepared for the guilty verdicts and had a PR offensive at the ready. (It also had PR plans for alternative scenarios, but we don’t live in those alternative universes.) To their credit, the RNC responded quickly with vengeance, cynicism, and an ugliness that surprised everyone. Again, don’t confuse their unbridled hypocrisy with truth. We know from long experience that nearly everything in MAGA daily talking points are lies. So, too, with the MAGA propaganda response to the guilty verdicts.

For example,

Trump allegedly raised $53 million after the guilty verdicts. Don’t believe it. He had billionaire donations sitting in the queue waiting for any outcome—guilty, hung jury, acquittal--so he could make exaggerated claims of an outpouring of support in response to whatever verdict the jury announced.

Guilty verdicts supposedly increased his popularity and support. Don’t believe it. Early polling shows the verdicts had an immediate, negative impact on his support. See The Guardian (“A Reuters poll found one in 10 Republicans are less likely to vote for Trump following the conviction. A Morning Consult poll found 49% of independents and 15% of Republicans think Trump should end his presidential campaign as a result of the conviction.”)

Republican leaders are supposedly rallying to defense. Don’t believe it. Trump is using Mafia-like tactics to enforce loyalty. The truth was revealed when Larry Hogan, GOP candidate for US Senator from Maryland, issued a statement before the verdict saying that “we should respect the verdict.” A key Republican strategist responded, “You just ended your campaign.” On Sunday, the co-chair of the Republican National Committee declined to say whether the RNC will support the Republican nominee in Maryland for US Senate! See Politico, Lara Trump declines to say if RNC will support Larry Hogan after trial comments. (“Lara Trump added. “[Hogan] doesn’t deserve the respect of anyone in the Republican Party . . . .”)

Media outlets are peddling and repeating questionable narratives about political motivation for the prosecution. For example, Senator Susan Collins said the verdicts were illegitimate because Alvin Bragg ran for District Attorney on the promise he would indict Trump. Collins’ statement is false, but that mischaracterization of Bragg’s campaign comments has gained widespread currency. See Talking Points Memo, Collins Needs to Retract and Apologize for her Falsehood.

So, relax (a bit). Over the weekend, Republican surrogates were roughed up by interviewers no longer willing to put up with their lies. The GOP surrogates looked silly and stupid. The same will happen with vulnerable Republicans forced to attack true verdicts delivered by honest citizens engaged in a civic duty.

The Biden campaign was slow to leverage the verdicts into a campaign issue. That decision was appropriate and shows a respect for the rule of law and due regard for Joe Biden’s position as the chief law enforcement of officer in the nation. And the American people have already figured out that having a convicted felon for president is not a good thing. Trust most Americans to get it right. That’s all we need for Democrats to win in 2024.

Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter

[viralnewsuc]

#Lara Trump Steps Back from Senate Consideration Lara Trump has officially withdrawn from consideration for a U.S. Senate seat in Florida. After stepping down as RNC co-chair, speculation rose about her replacing Marco Rubio. While expressing gratitude for the support, she hinted at a major announcement coming in January. #LaraTrump #Politics #USSenate #Florida #GOP

#Click for more details:

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Alix Breeden at Daily Kos:

Lara Trump is seemingly following in her father-in-law’s footsteps as she positions herself to profit from her potential new political platform.  The co-chair of the Republican National Committee announced her new activewear line via Instagram Tuesday, touting the brand as patriotic and “of American craftsmanship.” “The LT Brand by Lara Trump Collection isn’t just activewear—it’s a celebration of strength, resilience, and patriotism,” reads one caption alongside a black and white photo of Lara Trump. Trump has splayed images of herself across the social media account promoting the upcoming launch of her brand. One photo shows her draping an American flag behind her as she sports a “USA” T-shirt to accompany her new yoga pants line. 

As Oliver Willis reported for Daily Kos, Republicans attempting to cozy up with Donald Trump ahead of his second term have pushed for Lara Trump to replace Sen. Marco Rubio in Florida, as Trump has picked him to be secretary of state.  While some may call the clothing brand a conflict of interest should Lara Trump take over Rubio’s job, Instagram users and even Donald Trump’s campaign spokesperson seem to be thrilled over the announcement.  “Oh my gosh I’m so excited for this,” wrote Karoline Leavitt. Other commenters praised Trump for her “made in America” brand approach, urging for her to become Florida’s next senator.  The sentiment, however, is not shared outside of her social media bubble. Disgruntled Americans took to Bluesky—a rising alternative to Elon Musk’s X—to slam the conflict of interest. 

RNC co-chair and potential FL-Sen candidate Lara Trump joins the Trump Crime Family’s obsession with hawking products.

See Also:

Ground News: Lara Trump launching American-made activewear line: ‘Red, white, and blue never looked so good’

HuffPost: Lara Trump Announces Clothing Brand Amid Rumors She May Be Next Florida Senator

[mariacallous]

NEW YORK (AP) — Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel will leave her post on March 8, having been forced out of the GOP’s national leadership as Donald Trump moves toward another presidential nomination and asserts control over the party.

McDaniel announced her decision in a statement on Monday morning.

“I have decided to step aside at our Spring Training on March 8 in Houston to allow our nominee to select a Chair of their choosing,” McDaniel said in the statement. “The RNC has historically undergone change once we have a nominee and it has always been my intention to honor that tradition.”

The move was not a surprise. Trump earlier in the month announced his preference for North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley, a little-known veteran operative focused in recent years on the prospect of voter fraud, to replace McDaniel. Trump also picked his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to serve as committee co-chair.

The 50-year-old McDaniel was a strong advocate for the former president and helped reshape the GOP in his image. But Trump’s MAGA movement increasingly blamed McDaniel for the former president’s 2020 loss and the party’s failures to meet expectations in races the last two years.

In addition to McDaniel, RNC co-chair Drew McKissick said he would also leave.

The leadership shakeup comes as the GOP shifts from the primary phase to the general election of the 2024 presidential contest. While former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has remained in the race, Trump has won every state in the primary calendar and could clinch the Republican nomination by mid-March.

Trump cannot make leadership changes without the formal backing of the RNC’s 168-member governing body, but McDaniel had little choice but to acquiesce to Trump’s wishes given his status as the party’s likely presidential nominee and his popularity with party activists. RNC members from across the country are expected to approve Trump’s decision in March.

McDaniel was the the committee’s longest-serving leader since the Civil War. The niece of Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and a former chair of the Michigan GOP, she was Trump’s hand-picked choice to lead the RNC chair shortly after the 2016 election. Her profile as a suburban mother was also considered especially helpful as the party struggled to appeal to suburban women in the Trump era.

McDaniel easily beat back criticism from opponents within the “Make America Great Again” movement to win reelection as party chair a year ago. But her opponents’ voices are carrying more weight. The party is also struggling to raise money. The RNC reported $8.7 million in the bank at the beginning of February compared to the Democratic National Committee’s $24 million.

As Trump’s grip on a third presidential nomination tightens, his allies are moving to direct the party’s resources and activists around his campaign.

Lara Trump has suggested that GOP voters would likely want the RNC to cover her father-in-law’s legal bills given that they see the 91 felony counts against him as an example of political persecution. It’s unclear whether the RNC’s 168 members will eventually agree.

And Trump also wants allies who echo his false theories of voter fraud.

That’s a key reason why Trump is believed to have tapped Whatley, currently the North Carolina GOP chair and general counsel to the RNC.

Trump won North Carolina in 2020 by just over 1 percentage point and the state is expected to be highly competitive again this year.

Whatley has taken credit for hiring an army of lawyers ahead of the 2020 election, which he has said stymied Democratic efforts to commit voter fraud that year. There was no evidence of any intentional efforts to commit widespread voter fraud in multiple investigations and court cases.

Whatley also has strong connections to the political establishment. His resume includes experience as an oil and gas lobbyist and links to establishment figures like George W. Bush and former Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C.