Photo credit: abcnews.go.com

McConnell’s Candid Reflections on Trump Revealed in New Biography

WASHINGTON — A new biography featuring Mitch McConnell unveils a series of candid and critical comments made by the Senate GOP leader regarding former President Donald Trump. According to excerpts from Michael Tackett’s book, “The Price of Power,” McConnell described Trump as “stupid as well as being ill-tempered,” a “despicable human being,” and a “narcissist” following the 2020 presidential election.

These remarks, which were made in private and are part of McConnell’s oral histories, offer a deeper insight into the complex relationship between the two prominent Republican figures. The biography is based on nearly three decades of McConnell’s recorded diaries and extensive interviews, performed by Tackett, who serves as the deputy Washington bureau chief for The Associated Press.

The clash between Trump and McConnell is well documented; Trump has previously referred to McConnell as “a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack.” However, McConnell’s private critiques are particularly stark, suggesting a considerable level of animosity that could be weaponized by Democrats as the upcoming November 5 election approaches. Notably, the biography is set to be released on October 29, just days before a pivotal election in which Trump is vying for a return to the presidency.

In contrast to his private criticisms, McConnell has publicly endorsed Trump’s 2024 presidential run, asserting that it was unsurprising for him to support the Republican nominee. This endorsement was notably reaffirmed when he shook Trump’s hand during a GOP gathering on Capitol Hill in June.

At age 82, McConnell announced plans to step down as Republican leader after the forthcoming election, although he intends to remain onboard in the Senate until the end of his term in 2026.

McConnell’s comments regarding Trump were made during a tense period surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, when Trump was actively contesting the election results against Democrat Joe Biden. McConnell harbored concerns that Trump’s actions could jeopardize Republican chances in a couple of crucial Georgia runoff elections, a prediction that ultimately materialized as Democrats won both races and gained control of the Senate.

While publicly congratulating Biden after the Electoral College affirmed the election outcome, McConnell provided private reflections that illustrated his disdain for Trump’s post-election behavior. He noted that the former president’s actions only emphasized the electoral judgment of the American public. “It’s not just the Democrats who are counting the days,” McConnell remarked, underscoring a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with Trump’s conduct.

McConnell’s commentary reflects an ongoing concern: “For a narcissist like him, that’s been really hard to take,” he stated, alluding to Trump’s escalating erratic behavior following his electoral defeat.

The former president’s handling of a crucial coronavirus aid package was also a point of contention. McConnell criticized Trump for delaying essential relief that many Americans were in dire need of, labeling him a “despicable human being.”

On the day of the Capitol riot, McConnell was placed in a precarious situation, coordinating with military officials and Vice President Mike Pence to ensure Congress’s safety as rioters breached the Capitol building. Following the chaos, he delivered a powerful address on the Senate floor, emphasizing the critical importance of upholding democratic processes.

In a revealing moment recounted in the biography, McConnell emotionally addressed his staff, some of whom had barricaded themselves in his office. “You are my family, and I hate the fact that you had to go through this,” he expressed, offering a glimpse into the gravity of the situation as well as his personal connections to those around him.

In the aftermath of the event, McConnell publicly denounced Trump, asserting he was “practically and morally responsible” for the January 6 attack on Congress, yet he ultimately chose to acquit Trump after the impeachment trial.

In light of ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, McConnell has aligned himself with several GOP figures who were once critical of Trump but have since coalesced around him. “Whatever I may have said about President Trump pales in comparison to what JD Vance, Lindsey Graham, and others have said about him,” McConnell noted, emphasizing his commitment to party unity.

McConnell’s earlier misgivings about Trump were evident as far back as 2016 when he expressed doubts about Trump’s potential presidency to then-Vice President Biden during the certification of the election. Tackett’s work deepens the narrative around their fraught relationship, revealing the dynamic and often contentious interactions that transpired after Trump’s rise to power.

Throughout their evolving relationship, the biography recounts moments of both conflict and collaboration, illustrating a political landscape where allegiances can shift dramatically. In 2017, after Trump publicly chastised McConnell over legislative failures, the two engaged in a heated phone conversation, leading to a temporary falling out until a reconciliatory meeting occurred at the White House.

McConnell’s stance on Trump has evolved over the years, culminating in his endorsement ahead of the 2024 election, a strategic choice that reflects his desire to maintain influence over the Republican agenda. “It was the price he paid for power,” Tackett concludes, encapsulating the delicate balance political leaders must navigate in tumultuous times.

This narrative has been updated to correct the figure for the tax overhaul during Trump’s presidency, clarifying it as $1.5 trillion instead of $1.5 billion.

Source
abcnews.go.com