How Mitch McConnell just made the 'worst political miscalculation of his career'

After the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) was furious with then-President Donald Trump.

The Senate GOP leader blamed Trump for the attack. Yet he opposed a "guilty" vote in Trump's second impeachment trial.

McConnell believed that Trump was diminished as a politician. But according to author/journalist Michael Tackett, that turned out to be the "worst political miscalculation of McConnell's career."

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In an excerpt from his book "The Price of Power: How Mitch McConnell Mastered the Senate, Changed America, And Lost His Party," Tackett explains, "After the Capitol riot was finally contained on January 6, 2021, Mitch McConnell spoke from the Senate floor in unambiguous terms. The Senate, said the then–majority leader, would do its duty 'by the book,' and not be deterred by the violent mob's attempt at intimidation. McConnell said that the rioters had failed in their attempt to disrupt American democracy."

The journalist/author continues, "The Senate affirmed Joe Biden's election, but the American catechism of a peaceful transfer of power had been sullied. This was a moment of moral clarity for McConnell about the threat of Donald Trump, but not a lasting one. Rather, it was merely a prelude to the kind of contradiction that has marked his time as one of the nation's most powerful leaders."

The claim that January 6, 2021 would end Trump's political career was way off base. Trump is now the 2024 GOP presidential nominee, and polls are showing a very close race between him and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. McConnell has endorsed Trump, although unenthusiastically.

"McConnell's goal was to preserve a Senate majority," Tackett explains. "He wanted the energy of Trump's voters in Senate races, without the baggage of Trump. He gambled on his belief that Trump would fade from the political stage in the aftermath of the insurrection. Instead, Trump reemerged every bit as strong among core supporters. It was likely the worst political miscalculation of McConnell’s career."

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Read the full except from Michael Tackett's book at this link (subscription required).