Story thread · 4 reports / 4 sources

Trump’s biggest power over GOP 'doesn’t work' like it used to: Rick Wilson

alternet.org · 1dShare

Conservative commentator Rick Wilson said that President Donald Trump's biggest leverage over Republicans " doesn't work " as it used to, after one of his most devoted supporters went down in flames this week. Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, lost his reelection bid after falling to primary challenger Charlie Hatcher in the race for the GOP nomination. Despite Ogles' checkered past full of controversy and questionable statements, this result was still something of a surprise, considering that he was endorsed by Trump, a distinction that is often seen as make-or-break for Republican candidates. Wilson dug into this story during the most recent episode of the "Fast Politics" podcast with host Molly Jong-Fast. He argued that Ogles' loss was more evidence that Trump's endorsements, which he has long wielded against Republicans to keep them in line, are not as powerful as they used to be. "Andy Ogles thought he had the kiss of life, but had the kiss of death instead," Wilson said, l

First report: After Ogles’ defeat, Trump flips endorsement for Tennessee’s 5th District — timesfreepress.com, 3d