Some GOP voters say the cost of speaking out against Trump is too high. The Senate delays holiday recess to hammer out an immigration deal. And the U.S. urges Israel to limit its war in Gaza.
Here’s what to know today.
Trump’s secret weapon: Fear
Anti-Donald Trump Republicans know they are in the middle of a critical moment to stop the former president’s political comeback. But for some, the steep cost of voicing resistance to Trump often renders them silent.
“If you go against Trump, like — you’re over,” said Kyle Clare, 20, a member of the University of Iowa’s College Republicans. “I don’t talk about Donald Trump a lot because I’m afraid of the backlash,” said Jody Sears, 66, a registered Republican from Grimes, Iowa.
NBC News first spoke with Clare on the night of the first GOP presidential debate. “I’m just so scared of doing this right now,” Clare said, fighting back tears. “I want to be able to have my opinions on our politicians, and I want to be able to speak freely about them and have people still understand I’m a conservative.”
NBC News spoke to more than a half-dozen Iowa voters turned off by Trump, but some were anxious about talking on the record out of fear of being shunned by friends or family. The fear silencing these voters adds up to signs going unplaced in front lawns, conversations with friends and family about other candidates avoided — and fewer opportunities for opposition to Trump to take hold in different Republican communities.
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Senate delays holiday recess to work on immigration deal
As the House adjourned for holiday recess with plans to return in the new year, the Senate will delay its break and return next week to sort out a deal on immigration and aid to Ukraine and Israel. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Senate hopes to “act as soon as we are ready to move forward.” Some…
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