Is Trump's Hold on the Base Slipping?
They may finally have an alternative in DeSantis
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What You May Have Missed
Donald Trump’s hold on the GOP base appears to be slipping, with electability causing concern. A new poll shows Ron DeSantis nine points ahead of Trump nationally even in a crowded race, with his lead expanding to 18 points in a one-on-one matchup.
Paul Ryan says Trump is a “proven loser.” Also no longer Trump fans: Fox News.
Four Trump criminal inquiries are nearing their ends, and a judge has ordered Trump to be deposed in a separate lawsuit.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-IA) is leaning on optimism as he visits Iowa.
With Iowa Democrats losing their lead off slot in their party’s nomination process, some Republicans fear caucus-crossing shenanigans to boost a less electable Republican.
A Los Angeles Times poll on California’s top-two 2024 Senate primary shows Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter in the lead, at 22% and 20% respectively, with Rep. Barbara Lee a distant third at 6%. Rep. Ro Khanna, who has not yet decided if he will run, is at 4%.
The battle for House control in 2024 starts off as a Toss Up.
The Federal Election Commission is probing fundraising for Herschel Walker’s failed Georgia Senate campaign.
Federal prosecutors charged Sam Bankman-Fried with making 300 illegal campaign contributions using a “straw man.” He got hit with four new criminal charges.
The House GOP can’t even agree on its own agenda.
Steve Bannon’s “$FJB” cryptocurrency is F@#*ed.
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Extra Links
Here are some interesting links that didn’t make it into Political Wire today:
Did Putin just inch Russia and the U.S. closer to nuclear war?
Very few analysts expected the past twelve months in Ukraine to play out the way they did —
included.Some employers are snatching back job offers, blaming the economy.
Do we really need a national gun?
That selfie with the Chinese spy balloon was apparently real.
Ron DeSantis failed the Ukraine test, argues
.Feds urge boost in election security ahead of 2024.
Trending on the political dictionary: “witch hunt”
Presented Without Comment

Don Jr. been hanging out with the congressman known Dr. FeelGood it would seem. 😒