MSNBC host Chris Hayes argues Mitch McConnell made a 'big tactical error' in Trump's defense

[turbinetree]

Written by Cody Fenwick December 27, 2019

MSNBC host Chris Hayes argued on Thursday that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made a “big tactical error” by admitting on Fox News that he was in lockstep with President Donald Trump’s defense team as the coming impeachment trial looms.

In light of Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s criticism of McConnell’s claims of a complete alliance with the White House as the Senate takes over impeachment is was disturbing, and she said it might confuse voters, Hayes said the leader’s blunder has become clear.

McConnell last week said explicitly to Fox News host Sean Hannity that, heading into the trial, “there will be no difference between the president’s position and our position as to how to handle this.”

“It’s kind of an amazing admission,” Hayes said Thursday.

https://www.alternet.org/2019/12/msnbc-host-chris-hayes-argues-mitch-mcconnell-made-a-big-tactical-error-in-trumps-defense/

[Sewa]

1. I think it was a huge blunder

He was way to cocky and treating the impeachment process like it’s a joke will haunt him

[brush]

11. Right. Admitting favoring one side on TV will backfire.

[mucifer]

2. I think they will get away with it

[sandensea]

3. He did indeed - but like the honey badger, he don't care.

These Republican kleptocarts have come to expect such a degree of impunity, that they really no longer care how anything "looks" anymore.

They're just rubbing it in everyone's faces at this point.

[PatrickforO]

4. Yeah, but in the end that will backfire.

At this point, it isn't even arrogance. It is hubris - a huge overweening arrogance blind to its effect on others.

In the end, good will win out.

It will. I believe that.

[sandensea]

7. Your words to God's ear

If there's anything we've come to expect from politics over the last 20 years or so, it'all the sudden twists and turns (more even than usual!).

Often for worse - but sometimes for the better too.

[Midnight Writer]

5. Exactly. Every Republican knows Trump is guilty. The reason they support him is....They Don't Care

[sandensea]

8. True. Like Ghouliani, they just want to die rich - and if that means treason, so be it.

You make an omelet, you break a few eggs right?

[moondust]

6. Agree.

I thought it was a stupid thing to say when I heard it. I guess that's the unbelievable arrogance of a sick little man utterly corrupted by too much power.

Make him pay big time for it.

[madaboutharry]

9. Murkowski hasn't backtracked or clarified her comment.

It’s been a couple of days now and she’s let it hang out there.

So maybe she means it.

It could be there are others silently standing with her.

Either way I do think McConnell showed he has a big mouth and when he’s over at Fox gets sucked into the hubris vortex and says stupid things.

[ooky]

10. I agree with Chris Hayes.

I think he should recuse, and Lindsey Graham too. Both of them will have to lie when they take the oath based on what they have said publicly and shouldn't be allowed to vote on his guilt or innocence.

[rickyhall]

12. McTurtle shows nothing but contempt for the majority the American people & our Constitution.

[Whiskeytide]

13. The real shame is that it has taken a week ...

... for someone in the MSM to offer that analysis.

[Grasswire2]

14. Maybe we need to make the remuneration and benefits for a Senator less attractive.

They are far too greedily holding on to those seats without regard for their oath of office.

[Grasswire2]

15. Term limits would help. nt

[FiveGoodMen]

21. Term limits would eliminate good politicians as fast as bad ones

No one could vote to keep someone that actually helped or had any experience.

But the lobbyists would still be there to screw up the next round.

And voting for known quantities would go out the window.

Every election would be a crap shoot.

[Mr.Bill]

17. Their salaries are lunch money

compared to the theft and grifting they do.

[comradebillyboy]

16. If Murkowski had three other Rs at her side I'd take it seriously.

Who really expects Susan Collins or Mitt Romney to show much courage. I don't recall who was supposed to be the fourth profile in courage. The republican senators aren't going to turn against Mitch any time soon.

[Thunderbeast]

18. Gardner, McSally, Tillis?

[comradebillyboy]

20. Have we heard a word from those three?

I don't think there are four Republicans with the guts to stand ump to either Trump or McConnell.

[Baked Potato]

19. What's the worst that can happen to him?

Get voted out and go on his merry way... he’s rich. He don’t care...

[gulliver]

22. It seems like such a blunder that it makes you wonder if Trump didn't force him to do it.

McConnell needs Trump as much as Graham does. McGrath is breathing down McConnell's neck.