Reince Priebus on GOP Midterm Strategy: Focus on 80% Issues

Election Uncertainty and GOP Strategy

• 💡 Reince Priebus acknowledges the unpredictability of election outcomes, citing past instances where pundits and predictions were incorrect.
• 🎯 He believes the election is not held today, which is positive for Republicans, and emphasizes the importance of focusing on "80% issues" that most people can agree on.

Key "America First" Issues

• 🔑 The core of the "America First" message, according to Priebus, revolves around securing the border and protecting the American worker.
• 🌍 Confronting China for perceived exploitation and stopping endless wars are also highlighted as key components.
• 🤝 A new element is the concept of mutual benefit in foreign policy dealings.

Messaging on Immigration and Crime

• 🗣️ Priebus suggests focusing messaging on deporting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes, framing it as a high-percentage issue (97%).
• ⚖️ He argues that if Democrats push too hard against ICE or DHS, it allows Republicans to shift the focus to deporting those who have committed offenses.
• 💰 The argument is made that the US should not bear the financial burden of supporting illegal immigrants in schools and hospitals.

Financial and Organizational Advantages

• 💰 Donald Trump has significant financial resources at his disposal, estimated to be around $350-$375 million, providing considerable "firepower."
• 📊 The RNC has a substantial money advantage over the DNC, estimated at a 10-to-one ratio, and the DNC also carries significant debt.
• 🗳️ The RNC is performing better than the DNC in crucial operational areas like data, turnout, and absentee ballots, which are vital for getting people to the polls.

Voter ID and Citizenship Proof

• 🆔 The Save Act, requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship, is presented as a strong issue for the GOP.
• 🚫 Democrats' opposition to voter ID is contrasted with the requirement for identification to access social security, Medicaid, and other government assistance programs.
• ⚖️ Priebus dismisses the "Jim Crow" comparison as an insult, stating that proving one's identity and residency should be straightforward.