It is Debate Day in Alabama! Hello from Tuscaloosa, and thanks for opening up our first newsletter: “Decision Desk ‘24: Blake Burman’s Campaign View.”
Each week, I’ll try to give you a view of what’s happening in and around Washington, including the campaign trail, through the lens of our discussions on The Hill on NewsNation. If you think a friend would enjoy reading this weekly, forward this email to them, and they can subscribe here
It is a consequential day in the political arena, so let’s dive in to it:
The Tussle in Tuscaloosa?
So, what to expect for tonight? Here’s what we know: Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie will be on the debate stage. Consider the calendar: There are roughly two weeks until the holiday break, and then when the new year hits it is two weeks until the Iowa caucuses. Tonight just might be the last chance for these candidates to speak to a broad national audience. Even though this debate is in Alabama (a Super Tuesday state) the candidates will likely aim their talking points to voters in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Is it smart for Donald Trump to skip tonight’s debate? I asked his former press secretary, Sean Spicer, a NewsNation political contributor. Short answer: Sean doesn’t disagree with the decision.
Ramaswamy told me he won’t be going after former president Donald Trump directly, saying “I’m not in this to go after Trump. I’m in this to make the case for myself. And I do expect to be the nominee.” You can watch our full interview:
The Politics of College Football
And then there’s the other HUGE story in Alabama: the Crimson Tide’s upset of Georgia, and the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee deciding the University of Alabama should leap over undefeated Florida State for the final slot in the playoffs. Desantis, Senator Rick Scott, and even Trump (all Floridians) are none too pleased.
NewsNation Political Editor Chris Stirewalt breaks down the politics of college football:
By the way, DeSantis just announced he is asking state lawmakers to budget $1 million in case there’s a lawsuit against the CFP.
End of an Era in Washington?
Remember this book? Well, now the question should be asked: did we just witness the end of an era? Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced in an op-ed today he is leaving Congress, saying, “I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways. I know my work is only getting started.” McCarthy joins his close ally, the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Patrick McHenry. He announced earlier this week he won’t run for reelection.
So what does this mean for the future of the House? We put that question to the panel.
Happenings on The Hill
If there’s another Trump administration and you’d want to work in it, former Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, a NewsNation political and economic contributor, shares what you might want to say and read.
Where are Republican voters right now on the major issues facing the country? Our DDHQ polling breaks it down.
Meet the 17-year-old Alabama conservative who is being labeled as the next political prodigy. Brilyn Hollyhand joined us to share what Wednesday’s debate means to him and younger voters.
With the NewsNation GOP Primary Debate just a few hours away, here’s a quick trip down memory lane of some infamous moments from previous GOP debates.
Tune into “The Hill on NewsNation” weeknights at 5/4C on NewsNation. Find your channel here.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and neccesarily not of NewsNation.