The Trump Effect

GOP CANDIDATES ARE TRYING TO OUT-MAGA EACH OTHER, VYING FOR THE FORMER PRESIDENT'S BLESSING-AND VOTES

- Steve Friess , Alex Fine

AT A RECENT FOCUS GROUP OF REPUBLICAN VOTERS from swing states, the only surprise came about 80 minutes into the two-hour Zoom session, when participants were questioned about the power of Donald J. Trump's primary endorsements. Until then, the group had shown nothing but enduring loyalty and admiration for the former president. They echoed his views on immigration and critical race theory, questioned the integrity of the 2020 election and wished he were still president. Yet when asked how much Trump's much-heralded and intensely coveted endorsements would influence their vote in upcoming GOP primaries, they all hedged.

Trump plays to the crowd at a rally.

"If I was on the fence, that might be the final factor," a woman from North Carolina said. "But if I truly believed in the opposing candidate, it's not going to make me vote any differently." As long as the person she favors advocates strong America First and Make America Great Again policies, the voter said, she doesn't need to follow Trump's lead to feel she is supporting his creed.