Democrats Face Obstacles in Plan to Reorder Presidential Primary Calendar
New York TimesAPR 2023
Republican Peter Meijer Running for Senate in Michigan
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The Spin
Democratic narrative
This is a bad choice by Meijer. Not only did his anti-Trump vote cost him in his last primary election, but Democrats even boosted his radical opponent — betting (eventually correctly) — that Gibbs would be easier to defeat in the general election. There are too many forces working against Meijer for his run to amount to anything that would threaten the Democratic Party.
Pro-Trump narrative
Meijer is an unviable candidate. He didn't just betray Trump — the national leader of the GOP — and the former president’s supporters by voting for impeachment, his voting record in Congress showed a propensity for voting in step with the Biden administration more than any serious Republican should side with the opposing party.
Conservative narrative
Peter Meijer is an ethical Constitutional Conservative who has a strong centrist appeal. While he voted to impeach Trump, he would also support Trump in unseating Joe Biden in 2024. Meijer speaks to a strong current in the GOP base and will be a contender to be Michigan's next senator.