“Even though he has not yet announced that he is running, and I certainly hope he does, I am giving my Complete and Total Endorsement to Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin,” said Trump. “He is brave, he is bold, he loves our Country, our Military, and our Vets. He will protect our Second Amendment, and everything else we stand for. It is the kind of courage we need in the U.S. Senate. He has no idea how popular he is. Run, Ron, Run!”
Which, well, OK!
The pre-endorsement of Johnson was Trump’s latest attempt to shape the 2022 Senate playing field.
On Wednesday, Trump had waded into what is expected to be a crowded primary race to replace retiring Sen. Richard Shelby (R) by endorsing Rep. Mo Brooks.
“Few Republicans have as much COURAGE and FIGHT as Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks,” said Trump. “Mo Brooks has my Complete and Total Endorsement for the U.S. Senate representing the Great State of Alabama. He will never let you down!”
The Point: Even though we are only a few months into the 2022 election cycle, Trump has already made clear that he wants to — and will — play a central role in selecting Republican candidates. And that his choices will be based far less on which candidate has the best chance to win and more on who agrees with him most often.
