Staff Reports
Eight years ago, Donald Trump was stepping onto the political scene like a toddler in oversized shoes. His shock victory over Hillary Clinton had folks buzzing, but let’s be real—this was a man who was used to giving commands, not taking them in the political arena. The moment he took office, it became glaringly evident that Trump was navigating uncharted waters, with about 4,000 government positions needing to be filled and a Cabinet that resembled a game of musical chairs. It was a bumpy start, with firings and resignations as routine as a morning coffee run.
Fast forward to now, and it’s a whole new ballgame. Trump has traded in his novice status for that of a seasoned professional, gearing up for Trump administration 2.0 with the kind of transition team that could organize a circus in record time. With Republicans regaining control of the Senate, confirmation for his Cabinet picks promises to be smoother than a greased pig at a county fair. Currently boasting a 52-44 majority, the GOP is ready to roll out the red carpet for Trump’s selections, which is a far cry from his rocky start in 2017—where those Democratic senators seemed to pop out of the woodwork like pesky raccoons on garbage night.
In the #EarlyBrief
Welcome (back) to Trump's world.
– The task of filling out a cabinet with loyalists has begun.
– The Senate and a likely GOP House are firmly behind him. We talked to Scalise
– Some Dems fear the shaky guardrails of democracyhttps://t.co/CPt961bFER— Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) November 7, 2024
In stark contrast to when he barely squeaked by with an Electoral College victory while dodging accusations of Russian collusion, Trump is enjoying the fruits of a more robust popular vote this time around. The previous election victory may have felt like winning a game of Jenga where the tower was wobbling, but now it seems he’s got a more stable foundation. Democrats, meanwhile, were left holding the bag after another embarrassing defeat that sent them into a tailspin of finger-pointing and identity crisis.
Trump knows that he needs all hands on deck for this new phase, especially when it comes to finding the right people for key positions. Back in 2016, the Federalist Society stepped in like a superhero, providing recommendations for Supreme Court nominees. But in 2024, there’s a mix of players attempting to influence who fits the bill. The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is trying to flex its muscles, but recent turmoil has raised eyebrows. Maybe Trump will smooth out any misunderstandings, but there’s also the America First Policy Institute lurking, looking to capitalize on his success. In a classic game of political chess, it’s all about who ends up making the right moves.
On the flip side of the coin, Democrats are currently in a deep soul-searching session, not that they seem to know how to read the room. After Vice President Kamala Harris failed to secure a win akin to President Biden’s underwhelming campaign, there’s plenty of blame to go around. Some in the party are dissecting how Biden’s re-election bid was a catastrophe that shut the door on hopes for progress, primarily due to his apparent unwillingness to step aside. It’s as if the party is playing musical chairs, but they’re left to figure out who stands at the end of the game.
Despite all their internal strife, the Democratic Party is beginning to understand that their old plays are no longer effective. The electoral loss has left them scrambling to adapt messages, as the economy tops voters’ concerns. With whispers of the need for a more populist approach and a realistic take on illegal immigration echoing through their ranks, it seems like they’re finally waking up to the reality that just shouting about abortion isn’t selling anymore. The last election demonstrated that voters want real solutions, not just emotionally charged rhetoric. The fact that rough waters lie ahead for Democrats might just be what this country needs to get back on course.
