Democrats Have Broken Mitch McConnell With Moscow Mitch Nickname

Democrats have broken Mitch McConnell and left the Senate Majority Leader outraged by his nickname “Moscow Mitch.”

The New York Times reported:
Senator Mitch McConnell is usually impervious to criticism, even celebrating the nasty nicknames that have been bestowed on him by critics. But Mr. McConnell, the Senate majority leader, is incensed with his new moniker, “Moscow Mitch,” and even more miffed that he has been called a “Russian asset” by critics who accuse him of single-handedly blocking stronger election security measures after Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.

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With the focus on the issue intensifying, Mr. McConnell and Senate Republicans will face more pressure to act.

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If they do, the most likely result would not be advancing stand-alone bills but instead using the annual spending bills that must pass this fall to funnel more money to states to secure their elections and to make certain they have a paper-ballot trail that can be audited if questions arise about the legitimacy of an outcome. Ten states now lack full capacity to do so, according to the Rules Committee.

Democrats gotten in McConnell’s head

Mitch McConnell has relished his role in killing popular ideas and legislation. He has used his obstructionist behavior as part of his branding back home in Kentucky. McConnell is worried because his potential 2020 Democratic challenger Amy McGrath is a veteran and a patriot. The last thing that Mitch McConnell wants is a contest between a veteran and Moscow Mitch. The nickname Moscow Mitch really took off once Joe Scarborough used it on MSNBC, and it could end up getting safer and more secure 2020 elections for the American people.

Mitch McConnell can’t handle being called Moscow Mitch, and he looks increasingly willing to back paper ballots and more money for state election security to try to make his new nickname go away.

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Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association