Beginning of the end

Plus: Santos is expelled and Trump has a bad week in court

View this email online December 2, 2023 The Big Picture: GOP primary could be over just as Trump's trials begin Alyson Hurt/NPR The final Republican National Committee nominating calendar is out – and it means the GOP primary campaign could essentially be over just as the first criminal case against former President Trump is getting underway. That’s because after Super Tuesday — March 5 — Republicans will have allocated almost half of its delegates. A week later, 54% will be set, and, by the end of the month, 71%. Trump’s federal trial for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election is set to begin March 4 – the day before Super Tuesday – after a judge rejected the defense’s request earlier this year to delay the case to 2026. The outcome and timeline of the trial is also notable because almost half of Republican voters have said they wouldn’t support the former president if he is convicted of a felony, according to an August Reuters/Ipsos poll.  But this primary calendar means there won’t be a verdict in any of the multiple cases against Trump before the nominee is essentially decided. — Domenico Montanaro, NPR’s senior political editor/correspondent  and Jeongyoon Han, NPR Politics editorial assistant Read More Newsletter continues after sponsor message ICYMI: Top Stories  Drew Angerer/Getty Images Or worse, expelled: The House of Representatives voted to expel Rep. George Santos yesterday, making the New York Republican just the sixth person ever expelled from the chamber. The serial fabulist faces 23 federal criminal charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, identity theft and other campaign finance violations.  Clash of the governors: Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom faced off in a Fox News debate this week. Two men, from two coasts, with two VERY different visions of America. The debate probably didn’t change any minds, but it did offer a glimpse into the future of each party in a post-Biden and Trump world. NPR's Domenico Montanaro broke it down.  “The most powerful woman in America”: Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to ever serve as a Supreme Court justice, died Friday. O’Connor was appointed to the court by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. During her tenure, she was often the deciding vote in cases involving abortion, affirmative action, separation of church and state, and national security. She was 93.  Back to the drawing board – literally: Georgia lawmakers began a special session this week to redraw the state’s political maps after a federal judge ruled that the current district lines dilute the power of Black voters. The new maps could affect the balance of power in the state legislature, and in Congress, where Republicans are fighting to hold on to a narrow majority that just got narrower. It was a bad week in court for former President Trump: A partial gag order placed on Trump in his New York civil fraud trial is back in effect after a judge temporarily lifted it earlier this month. He’s already been fined twice, for a total of $15,000, for violating the order. Then Friday, a federal appeals court ruled that Trump is not immune from being sued over the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, clearing the way for lawsuits filed against him relating to the violent riot.  Help Keep the Conversations Going.   Support the NPR Network and stand for trustworthy journalism that keeps you informed, enlightened, and connected. Your donation fuels in-depth reporting, unbiased insights, and thought-provoking stories that matter.  Join us in sustaining an essential source of knowledge and perspective for a brighter future. Act now with your support today.  Donate Going Deeper: Vets In Need Photographer/Source Ed O’Connor is a 69-year-old Marine Corps veteran who lost his leg last year –  a complication, he believes, of a blood infection he picked up serving in the Philippines. He’s also at risk of losing his home, after the Department of Veterans Affairs ended part of its housing assistance program in October of 2022.  He’s one of thousands of veterans in this situation. NPR’s Quil Lawrence and Chris Arnold report on the complicated hurdles facing former service members trying to stay afloat.  — Lexie Schapitl, NPR Politics producer The Shot: 'Tis The Season Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images It's the most wonderful time of the year at the White House: On Monday, first lady Jill Biden unveiled this year's decorations for the Christmas season. That means 98 Christmas trees, 34,000 ornaments, 72 wreaths and 142,000 lights adorning the White House grounds.  — Lexie Schapitl, NPR Politics producer Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from St. Louis Public Radio (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: nprpolitics@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Politics emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy