McConnell's Political Maneuvering

It has been almost a month since the attack on our Capitol, and I want to focus on the reactions of Republican politicians — particularly Mitch McConnell. 

I was surprisingly reassured when Mitch McConnell’s address began with “The United States Senate will not be intimidated,” according to CNBC.His words gave me hope that Republicans would see what they, along with former President Trump had done to the country. I thought at the end of the day, violent terrorists invading our Capitol would be enough to break the partisan divide hanging over the Senate. 

It was later reported by the New York Times that McConnell was pleased about the impeachment of Trump, and I thought my hopes were being confirmed. Then, McConnell refused to convene the Senate to have a trial for Trump’s conviction. He was trying to appeal to both sides. 

On the Senate floor just 13 days after the attack, McConnell publicly stated the Capitol mob was provoked by Trump, according to CNN, but he still refused to endorse the conviction of Trump. I then realized what was happening; McConnell is using the riot to distance the Republican party from Trump. 

After all, Trump lost the Republicans the House, Senate and presidency. His leadership of the party led to disaster, and he has been impeached twice. Trump has left a stain on the Republican Party that McConnell is desperately trying to wipe away. 

It is why I don’t believe McConnell actually cares about Trump’s conviction trial. 

To him, it is a political opportunity for Republicans to do what Trump’s cabinet officials have been doing best: jumping ship to preserve their reputations and power.