From the Politics Desk

Nov. 26, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump is poised to kick off his second term by sending the Senate an unconventional slate of nominees for powerful executive branch positions, seeing his 2024 victory as validation of a voter desire for disruption.

But how much disruption will America’s “cooling saucer” tolerate?

The Senate will be split 53-47 in favor of the Republicans next year, meaning they can lose no more than three votes to confirm nominees without requiring some bipartisan support. A 50-50 tie can be broken by Vice President-elect JD Vance.

Here are the key senators to watch in the nomination battles.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine: The five-term centrist intends to run for re-election in 2026 after Trump lost her state by 7 points. Trump’s Cabinet picks present an opening for Collins to further demonstrate her independent streak if she chooses to vote against some of Trump’s more controversial picks.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska: The moderate has already shown a willingness to be outspoken on Trump’s Cabinet picks, dismissing Matt Gaetz as an unserious choice for attorney general before he withdrew from consideration. Murkowski is also a rare Republican who supports bringing back the abortion rights protections included in Roe v. Wade, which could play a role in health care-related positions. 

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: McConnell is the ultimate free agent as he relinquishes the job of Senate Republican leader after a record 18 years. His quarrels and disagreements with Trump are well documented. As GOP leader, McConnell’s style was usually to read the political winds within his party and follow them. Now, he doesn’t have to. The Cabinet nominees could be an opportunity for him to flex his muscle and use his vote to shape Trump’s agenda.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.: Tillis faces re-election in 2026 after winning his first two elections by less than 2 points. He’ll need to balance appealing to a general electorate in a purple state with securing renomination from a GOP base that has shown a willingness to veer to the right. 

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.: Fetterman has also carved out a unique identity by breaking with his party's left — through his unrelenting support of Israel despite the civilian casualties caused by its military campaign in Gaza and his remark that Democrats “lost ourselves” when it came to key issues like immigration. In a party that’s currently doing some soul-searching, his voice could play a major role in that conversation for Democrats.

Also on the list: Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.; Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.; Sen.-elect John Curtis, R-Utah; and Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.

Read more from Sahil and Frank →

Do you have a news tip for our politics team? Tell us discreetly.

It turns out there’s still something out there that can transcend the country’s deep political and cultural divides and bring Americans together: a big old Butterball.

A new Economist/YouGov poll finds that 67% of Americans who will celebrate Thanksgiving this week plan to have turkey on their plates. And, in a refreshing break from every single political poll during the presidential campaign, the crosstabs in this survey find nothing but consensus on this meal choice.

* There’s no gender gap: 69% of men and 66% of women say they’ll be feasting on turkey.

* Nor is there a racial gap: 69% of white and Hispanic Americans will have turkey, as will 68% of African Americans.

* And there’s not even a meaningful partisan divide: 73% of Republicans and 67% of Democrats say turkey will be part of their meal.

Of course, Thanksgiving typically involves stuffing yourself silly with more than just turkey. And there are five other dishes that lesser majorities of Americans report they will also be noshing on.

* Mashed potatoes: 56%

* Bread or rolls: 55%

* Pie: 54%

* Gravy: 51%

* Stuffing: 51%

Curiously, when it comes to these items, some small partisan fissures do begin to emerge. Sixty-five percent of Republicans will have mashed potatoes, while only 50% of Democrats plan to. And gravy will be served to 59% of Republicans and only 46% of Democrats. Why the tastes of partisans would diverge at all on these two foods is, alas, beyond our remit.   

As for what’ll make up the rest of Americans’ Turkey Day menus, there’s plenty of variety, but no consensus:

* Green beans: 40%

* Sweet potatoes: 39%

* Cranberry sauce: 38%

* Corn: 33%

* Macaroni and cheese: 27%

* Ham: 26%

* Brussel sprouts: 10%

And then there’s what may be the most puzzling group of Americans — the 2% who say they will be having Thanksgiving meals but wouldn’t include a single one of the foods listed above. Maybe the pollsters should have added turducken to the list? 

🤝 We have a deal: President Joe Biden announced that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a United States-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon. Read more →

💲Tariff time: Trump said that his incoming administration would slap new tariffs on imported goods from Mexico, Canada and China, solidifying a key campaign promise that could have a major impact on trade.Read more → 

🗓️ Planning ahead: As his team starts to plan for the inauguration in January, Trump is hoping for fewer protests and “less divisiveness” this time. Read more →

💉 New health proposal: The Biden administration plans to require Medicare and Medicaid to offer coverage of weight loss medications for people seeking obesity treatment. Read more →

📈 Post-Dobbs landscape: Contrary to expectations, the number of abortions in the U.S. went up after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, due to a network of providers who prescribed and shipped abortion pills. Read more → 

🤔 Navigating Trump: Politico reports that progressive lawmakers are weighing a new approach to Trump, looking to work with him on his populist proposals. Read more →

That’s all from the Politics Desk for now. If you have feedback — likes or dislikes — email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com.

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