REPOST BY REQUEST:  I say gently, don’t look for President Trump to expend valuable political capital on this.

Senator John Thune has been groomed by Mitch McConnell to be his replacement for decades.  Thune’s ascension to the role of Senate Majority Leader was, maybe is, essentially a foregone conclusion.

Senator Thune will carry the full support of roughly 15-to-20 senate DeceptiCons (deceptive conservatives), and perhaps a dozen more squishy ones in the middle who want great committee positions. The important dynamic that comes into play is Senate Committee Chairman “leverage” for Donald Trump’s nominees.

Nov 7th on CNBC Senator John Thune discussed the upcoming secret ballot election for Senate Majority Leader.  WATCH (prompted):

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Essentially, this is Thune’s gentle first shot requesting President Trump “stay out of” the senate caucus decision.  Likely, what matters most to President Trump is getting his nominees past the Republican majority confirmation process.  Thune was in previous talks with President Trump several months ago, and again several weeks ago in Mar-a-Lago.

Senator Thune doesn’t want President Trump to put his finger on the scale. If matters of the Senate are left alone, Thune ascends – period. However, Thune isn’t stupid and would like Trump to support him. Essentially, Thune would welcome intervention so long as the intervention came with an endorsement.

Thune wants to be Senate Majority Leader.  Pragmatic President Trump wants all of his ‘advise and consent’ nominees to glide through confirmation.

We should potentially anticipate President Trump to endorse Thune; generally, that would indicate terms have been agreed and we can be optimistic. Despite his need, perhaps the best situation for Rick Scott is a non-endorsement of anyone.

However, if we see a non-endorsement from President Trump, or if Trump should surprisingly endorse someone else, then we should watch out for full DeceptiCon opposition in the Senate from here on out.

A lot of the dynamic exists without any outside influence.  The two positioned candidates are John Thune (SD) and John Cornyn (TX). Florida Senator Rick Scott is a MAGA favorite, but Thune is heavily favored and has an inside track.  The number of MAGA senators is around ten, not really enough to block any organized leadership challenge.

Our MAGA movement benefits from appointments gaining confirmation.  President Trump well understands the negotiations and maneuvering that will be needed to get the right committee chairs and members in place.

Maybe Scott has a chance… But… Optimal solutions, folks. Optimal solutions.