Welcome to the online version of From the policy deskevening bulletin, bringing you the latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail from the NBC News Politics team.
In today’s edition, two of our Capitol Hill experts, Sahil Kapoor and Frank Thorpe V, break down the key senators to watch for Donald Trump’s Cabinet confirmation battles. Plus, national political reporter Steve Kornacki breaks down polling data on what Americans plan to serve on Thanksgiving this year.
Programming note: The Policy Desk is on holiday break for the rest of the week. We’ll be back in your inbox on Monday, December 2nd. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Key senators to watch in the race for Trump’s Cabinet
Sahil Kapoor and Frank Thorp V
President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to start his second term by sending the Senate non-traditional candidate chart For strong executive positions, seeing his victory in 2024 as confirmation of the voter’s desire to be disrupted.
But how much will America’s activity be disrupted”cooling tray” endure?
The Senate will be split 53-47 in favor of Republicans next year, meaning they can’t lose more than three votes to confirm nominees without needing some bipartisan support. A 50-50 tie could be broken by vice president-elect JD Vance.
Here are the top senators to watch in the race for the nomination.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine: The five-term centrist is seeking re-election in 2026 after Trump lost the state by seven points. Trump’s Cabinet picks provide an opening for Collins to further demonstrate his independence if he chooses to vote against Trump’s more controversial picks.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska: The moderate has already shown a willingness to talk openly about Trump’s Cabinet picks, which Matt Gaetz dismissed as a frivolous choice for attorney general before being considered. Murkowski can also play a role in health care related duties, Roe v. Wade is the rare Republican who supports rolling back abortion rights protections.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: McConnell is the latest free agent as he steps down as Senate Republican leader after a record 18 years. His disputes and disagreements with Trump have been well documented. As GOP leader, McConnell’s style was usually to read and follow the political winds within his party. He doesn’t need it now. The Cabinet nominees could be an opportunity for him to flex his muscles and use his voice to shape Trump’s agenda.
Senator Tom Tillis, RN.C.: Tillis, who won the first two elections by less than 2 points, will be re-elected in 2026. He must balance appealing to the general electorate in a purple state with securing a nomination from a GOP base that has demonstrated a willingness to shift to the right.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.: Fetterman has also broken with the left of his party, creating a unique identity with his relentless support for Israel despite civilian casualties from its military campaign in Gaza and his assertion that Democrats have “lost ourselves” when it comes to key issues like immigration. In a party currently engaged in some soul-searching, his voice could be a big part of that conversation for Democrats.
Also listed: Senator John Thune, RS.D.; Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.; Sen.-elect John Curtis, R-Utah; and Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.
Read more from Sahil and Frank →
What Americans will be feasting on this Thanksgiving
By Steve Kornacki
It turns out there’s still something that can bridge the country’s deep political and cultural divides and bring Americans together: big old Butterball.
New Economist/YouGov survey It 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 political poll during the presidential campaign, crosstabs in this poll find nothing but consensus on this food choice.
* There was no gender difference: 69% of men and 66% of women said they would feast on turkey.
* And there’s no racial difference: 69% of whites and 68% of Hispanic Americans will own a turkey.
* There isn’t even a meaningful partisan breakdown: 73% of Republicans and 67% of Democrats say turkey will be part of their meal.
Of course, Thanksgiving usually involves stuffing yourself silly with a lot more than turkey. Here are five other foods that say less of the majority of Americans.
* mashed potatoes: 56%
* Bread or rolls: 55%
* Pie: 54%
* Sauce: 51%
* Content: 51%
Interestingly, some small partisan cracks are beginning to emerge when it comes to these items. 65 percent of Republicans will have mashed potatoes, while only 50 percent of Democrats plan to. 59% of Republicans and only 46% of Democrats will be given the sauce. Why partisan tastes differ in these two dishes is, unfortunately, beyond our control.
As for what will make up the rest of America’s Turkey Day menu, there’s plenty of variety, but no consensus:
* Green beans: 40%
* Sweet potato: 39%
* Cranberry Sauce: 38%
* corn: 33%
* Macaroni and cheese: 27%
* ham: 26%
* Brussels sprouts: 10%
And then there’s perhaps the most confusing group of Americans – the 2% who say they’ll eat a Thanksgiving meal but won’t include any of the foods listed above. Perhaps the pollsters should have added turducken to the list?
🗞️ The best stories of the day
- 🤝 We have a contract: President Joe Biden announced that Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon with the mediation of the United States. More →
- 💲 Tariff time: Trump said his incoming administration would impose new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, cementing a key campaign promise that would have a major impact on trade. More →
- 🗓️ Planning ahead: As his team begins planning the inauguration in January, Trump is hoping for fewer protests and “less divisiveness” this time around. More →
- 💉 New health offer: The Biden administration plans to require Medicare and Medicaid to offer coverage for weight-loss drugs for people seeking obesity treatment. More →
- 📈 The Post-Dobbs Landscape: Contrary to expectations, the number of abortions in the United States, according to a network of providers who prescribe and dispense the Abortion Pill, the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. It increased after Wade dropped his lawsuit. More →
- 🤔 Trump Navigation: Politico writes that progressive lawmakers are considering a new approach to Trump and want to work with him on his populist proposals. More →
That’s all for the Policy Desk for now. If you have feedback – like it or not – send us an email politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com
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