The Other Side Of That Coin

A focus after the midterms is going to be certification of the next presidential race, something a lot of folks seem to be slow to recognize. https://t.co/84ZunJyiwU

— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) September 14, 2021

The argument du jour in California is that Newsom is going to win because Trump endorsed Larry Elder, and that has inspired Democrats to vote who wouldn't bother to vote for or against Newsom otherwise.

I'm not saying that's a valid or invalid analysis, but the idea of endorsements is that immutably they inspire voters to turn out in favor of the candidate endorsed.  I'm not sure that's very true, either.

A Trump endorsement, however, may well be a kiss of death in general elections.  He may tap some fool who plans to play fast and loose with the rules of elections, but that doesn't mean that fool will survive to get voted into office.*  The Trump endorsement meant to bring attention to the fool for the primary, may also bring attention to the fool in the general election.  Offices no one pays much attention to may well get a great deal of attention, and that could shift the outcome out of Trump's favor; again.

Which will, of course, just lead to more whinging about "rigged elections."  That particular cry of "Wolf!" has a shelf-life, and it's rapidly approaching its end.

*And once there she/he may find out the powers of the office are granted and defined by state statutes, and that courts have a power of mandamus to direct the decision of that office conform to the requirements of the law.  Trump's theory of power is that law is a mere inconvenience.  He found out in 60 lawsuits that it's very inconvenient for him.