The Point: What Mitch McConnell *isn't* afraid of

View this email in your browser March 31, 2022  | by Chris Cillizza, Shania Shelton and Rachel Janfaza What Mitch McConnell *isn't* afraid of On Thursday, in an interview with Punchbowl News, Mitch McConnell was asked about the prospect of being challenged for his leadership spot by Florida Sen. Rick Scott.   "The election occurs every two years," McConnell responded. "I'm proud that I've been elected eight times without opposition. But I don't own the job. And anybody in the conference can run who chooses to."   In short, what McConnell said was this: Heck no, I'm not worried about Scott or anyone else taking my job as Senate Republican leader.    To be clear: Scott has not publicly signaled interest in taking on McConnell for that post. In fact, I think Scott is far more focused on running for president in 2024 -- if Donald Trump takes a pass.   Speaking of Trump, it's instructive to remember how utterly he has failed at recruiting someone to take on McConnell.   It's been more than a year since Trump ripped into McConnell as a "dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack" (is that all?) and insisted that "if Republican Senators are going to stay with him, they will not win again."   In the interim, Trump has not only continued to slam McConnell publicly, but has also worked to find someone within the GOP conference to take him on.   Last fall, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had spoken with senators and allies about whether any Republicans were interested in challenging McConnell. And last month, Politico reported that Trump personally recruited Scott to run for Senate GOP leader.    But, those efforts haven't amounted to much. While a few Republican Senate candidates -- Eric Greitens in Missouri, Kelly Tshibaka in Alaska, Mo Brooks in Alabama -- have said they would not support McConnell as leader if elected, there is virtually zero groundswell within the GOP conference to replace McConnell.   That's largely because McConnell is utterly in touch with the wants and needs of his 49 colleagues. And if there is one place in the Republican Party where McConnell holds more sway than Trump, it's in the Senate.   So, no, McConnell isn't worried. The Point: If Republicans retake the Senate, Mitch McConnell will be the Senate majority leader. Bank on it.   -- Chris TRIVIA TIME! Which ex-president collapsed on the House floor? (Answer below!) QUOTE OF THE DAY "I don't get invited to the same parties Madison Cawthorn does." -- Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said, referring to recent allegations made by the North Carolina Republican congressman. THURSDAY ON THE SOCIALS 1. Biden's job approval looks bad 2. "Jeopardy!" legend Amy Schneider was at the White House today 3. This is a good point 4. 54 years ago today 5. My dumbest broken bone story (and I have lots) CHRIS' GOOD READS The Washington Post reports that the Justice Department's January 6 investigation is widening.   The Democratic Party is suffering from a major enthusiasm gap, writes Politico. Charlie Cook's latest column is on the loss of political biodiversity.    Politico has a detailed piece on how Mike Pence is trying to position himself vis-à-vis Donald Trump. This is a terrific read from the Washington Post about the rise of Chiney Ogwumike.   I ❤️ "Barry." And Bill Hader. This is a great profile of both in the Hollywood Reporter. MUSICAL INTERLUDE Richard Thompson is one of the best lyricists on the planet today. Thompson also wrote the score for the 2005 Werner Herzog documentary "Grizzly Man," which is being reissued. Check out "Streamwalk" and "Treadwell No More."   -- Chris MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE'S PETE BUTTIGIEG RANT Marjorie Taylor Greene told Pete Buttigieg to "stay out of girls' bathrooms" while calling him out on oil drilling at a campaign rally. In today's episode of The Point, Chris breaks down her comments. ONE BIG NUMBER 180 million President Joe Biden announced an unprecedented release of oil from US reserves Thursday, amounting to 180 million barrels of oil, CNN's Kevin Liptak reports. TRIVIA TIME ANSWER John Quincy Adams had a stroke at his desk on the floor of the House on February 21, 1848. He died two days later. Adams spent nearly two decades in the House after serving as president from 1825-1829.  You are receiving this message because you subscribed to CNN's The Point with Chris Cillizza newsletter. Unsubscribe from this list Check out other CNN Newsletters Create your CNN Account Share the Point Newsletter Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get The Point in your inbox.   Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris Cillizza. You can follow Chris on Twitter and connect with The Point on: Our mailing address is: One CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303   Copyright © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., All rights reserved.