The Two Warring Legacies of Mitch McConnell
A Political Giant Steps Down
Senator Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Republican leader in Senate history, has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era in American politics. His departure was expected, given his age—he turned 83 on the day of his announcement—and recent health challenges. His decision not to seek an eighth term in office reflects both personal considerations and shifting political dynamics within the Republican Party.
McConnell’s legacy is complex. While he played a crucial role in elevating the Republican Party to unprecedented power, his influence also enabled the rise of Donald Trump—an outcome that may ultimately reshape the party in ways he never intended.
From Reagan’s GOP to Trump’s Party
McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984, the same year Ronald Reagan won a historic reelection landslide. He embodied Reagan’s brand of conservatism, advocating for tax cuts, strong foreign policy, and institutional Republicanism.
However, McConnell's tenure ends in a very different political climate—one dominated by Trumpism. Unlike Reagan, who championed a strong American role in global affairs, McConnell has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest congressional supporters following Russia’s 2022 invasion. Trump, by contrast, has been openly sympathetic to Russian President Vladimir Putin and has blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the conflict.
This divide symbolizes McConnell’s predicament: he played a pivotal role in ensuring Trump’s 2016 victory and advancing his legislative agenda, but he never fully embraced Trumpism.
The Architect of Conservative Power
McConnell’s influence on American politics is undeniable. He was a mastermind in reshaping campaign finance laws, playing a crucial role in the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which allowed unlimited corporate spending in elections.
His most significant impact, however, came in shaping the judiciary. In 2016, he famously blocked President Barack Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland, from filling the Supreme Court vacancy left by Justice Antonin Scalia’s death. This move energized conservative voters and helped Trump win the presidency. Once in power, McConnell ensured Trump secured three Supreme Court justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—creating a conservative supermajority that continues to issue landmark rulings.
Additionally, McConnell helped push through Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, one of the administration’s major legislative victories.
A Fractured Relationship with Trump
Despite their initial collaboration, McConnell’s relationship with Trump deteriorated over time. The breaking point came on January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. McConnell condemned the attack and held Trump responsible, calling it a “disgraceful” moment in American history.
Yet, when it came time for Trump’s impeachment trial, McConnell ultimately voted to acquit, arguing that Trump could not be convicted since he was no longer in office. This decision allowed Trump to remain politically viable, setting the stage for his 2024 campaign.
Even as he endorsed Trump’s 2024 bid, their personal animosity remained. Trump and his allies have openly criticized McConnell, and some Republican candidates looking to succeed him in the Senate have distanced themselves from his leadership.
McConnell’s Political Influence Lives On
Despite internal party criticism, McConnell’s grip on Senate Republicans remained strong. He controlled the Senate Leadership Fund, a powerful super PAC that funded GOP candidates, sometimes withholding support from those who opposed him. His emphasis was always on winning elections, even if it meant supporting candidates he did not personally align with.
“He never put a litmus test on anybody, other than, ‘Can you win a general election?’” said Republican strategist Scott Jennings. “Because he knew that having a Republican majority or having a Republican White House was the most important thing.”
A Legacy of Power and Consequence
McConnell’s influence on the Senate extended beyond partisan victories. He famously changed Senate rules to allow Supreme Court justices to be confirmed with a simple majority, a move that reshaped the institution’s balance of power.
In his farewell speech, McConnell expressed his faith in the Senate’s resilience, despite the political storms that continue to shake Washington.
“Regardless of the political storms that may wash over this chamber during the time I have remaining, I assure our colleagues that I will depart with great hope for the endurance of the Senate as an institution,” McConnell said. “The Senate is still equipped for work of great consequence, and, to the disappointment of my critics, I’m still here on the job.”
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