Beau of The Fifth Column

So today, we're going to talk about Hawley vs. Vance, MAGA Successor Edition.

The White House is reportedly furious with Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri after the senator engaged in a little bit of maneuvering that could be seen as him setting the stage for a presidential run.

It seems like the White House was unaware of Hawley's presidential ambitions or his new group until after the news broke.

Even casual political observers have noticed Hawley's shift to more populist rhetoric.

He's been talking about health care, particularly rural health care, and taking positions that are contrary to some of Trump's most unpopular positions.

It's kind of interesting to think about the idea that the Trump administration is so insulated from the pretty obvious moves that they were caught unaware by Hawley's positioning.

So, what was the move that has made the Trump administration so, quote, livid?

Hawley and his wife Erin are reportedly launching a new dark money group to promote and highlight anti-abortion ballot measures.

In other words, he seems to be actively promoting the Trump agenda of restricting women's rights and reproductive rights around the country.

The group has reportedly already put together ad campaigns and maybe even a Super Bowl commercial.

So, why is the Trump administration mad about this?

Because they know this was an example where the Republican Party, through Trump, decided to rule, not represent.

The majority of Americans describe themselves as pro-choice.

Trump knows this is a losing issue in general elections because Republicans need suburban women, now more than ever, since they are continually losing ground with Latino voters.

A Trump advisor told the press, Clearly, Senator Hawley and his political team learned nothing from the 2022 elections.

That's the ultimate irony in the rage from the White House.

The loss of reproductive rights of women around the country is Trump's doing.

He did it.

It was his Supreme Court justices.

They don't want the public reminded of what they did.