Jim Geraghty of National Review and Greg Corombos of Radio America consider whether an independent ticket of Republican John Kasich and Democrat John Hickenlooper in 2020 would damage President Trump or simply dilute the anti-Trump vote. They also demand a firm response from the Trump administration as the evidence of hostile Cuban acts against our diplomats in Havana piles up. And they unload on House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi for trying to deny a permit for a “Patriot Prayer” event in San Francisco because such a gathering is akin to “shouting wolf in a crowded theater.”
2020
Sanctions on N. Korea, Media’s 2020 Obsession, Dunkin’ Donuts Disorder
Jim Geraghty of National Review and Greg Corombos of Radio America like the new sanctions approved against North Korea, and they really like to see China, Russia, and other countries cooperating in this effort to rein in the isolated nation. They rip the New York Times for suggesting Vice President Mike Pence is planning to run for president in 2020 if President Trump does not, all because Pence is doing a lot of fundraising events — and they enjoy a little Kasich-bashing as the same Times article conjectures about Ohio Gov. John Kasich launching a primary challenge to Trump. And they react to Dunkin’ Donuts blaming a confusing store layout for an employee’s refusal to serve two NYPD officers in Brooklyn.
Kelly Takes Command, Murkowski’s Sleepy Dodge, Delaney Who?
Jim Geraghty of National Review and Greg Corombos of Radio America show optimism that new White House Chief of Staff John Kelly will bring stability and focus to the Trump administration. They also criticize Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski for her refusal to answer a question about why she did not vote for the repeal of Obamacare even though she voted in favor of repeal in 2015. And they react to Maryland Rep. John Delaney announcing his candidacy for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president in 2020, right after they figure out who he is.
Karen Handels Ossoff, Dems’ Post Georgia Disarray, Holder Hints At 2020
Jim Geraghty of National Review and Greg Corombos of Radio America celebrate Republican Karen Handel’s win over Democrat Jon Ossoff in Georgia’s special congressional election. They also enjoy watching Democrats fight publicly over what went wrong in a race that was supposedly a referendum on President Trump and a model for winning back the House in 2018. And they react to the news that former Obama Attorney General Eric Holder plans to be much more visible in his “resistance” to President Trump and might run for president in 2020.
Hillary’s Massive Blame Game, Trump Puzzling on Paris, Biden Back in the Game
Jim Geraghty of National Review and Greg Corombos of Radio America are once again relieved that Hillary Clinton is not president after she once again blames everyone and everything but herself for losing to Donald Trump. They are also puzzled as a flurry of lobbying in favor of the climate deal takes place after Turmp supposedly decided to withdraw from it. And they react to former Vice President Joe Biden starting a new Super PAC and fueling speculation that he may run for president in 2020 in a primary that could feature many elderly Democrats.
Flynn Hearing Flops, Kasich & 2020, Trump-Triggered Divorce
Jim Geraghty of National Review and Greg Corombos of Radio America point out the Senate hearings on Michael Flynn produced nothing that wasn’t already known but agree it’s a good thing President Trump removed Flynn after just a few weeks on the job. They also sigh as John Kasich offers a long-winded explanation about why he can’t speculate about running against Trump in 2020. And they discuss the rise of politically-driven divorces, primarily by couples bitterly divided over Trump.
Three Martini Lunch 3/15/17
Jim Geraghty of Radio America and Greg Corombos of Radio America discuss MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow turning a supposedly big scoop on Pres. Trump’s tax history into a dud of a story. They also discuss why some in the media are determined to make Chelsea Clinton into some sort of political power player. And they shake their heads as former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley starts testing the waters for a presidential run in 2020.