Steve Bannon and GOP strategist Alex DeGrasse engaged in a critical discussion about redistricting, underscoring its role in expanding Republican seat counts. They highlighted how the Democrat Party has long capitalized on this tactic and expressed that Republicans can do the same in their strongholds. Bannon articulated the potential for reclaiming seats through strategic redistricting, asserting, “We got 21 gross seats.” He emphasized that this isn’t merely about issues like diversity and inclusion or the Supreme Court’s stance on racial gerrymandering, but rather the opportunity that already exists within the natural flow of state populations.
Bannon pointed to Texas specifically, noting, “We got five in Texas,” indicating solid prospects for seat gains in the Lone Star State. He painted a grim picture for California, suggesting that it risks losing ground due to inept policies. “California is about to get five back because California has been very inept,” he stated, projecting that the Democrats, while scrambling to maintain their advantage, could soon find themselves in a precarious situation. His analysis posited that Democrats might react to these losses by increasing their own gerrymandering efforts, thus perpetuating a cycle of aggressive political maneuvering.
DeGrasse further elaborated on the urgency of this issue, describing a “massive counter-offensive” from Democrats. He called for Republicans to “turn up the heat rhetorically” and take a more vigorous stance on redistricting. This push highlights a growing concern among party strategists that many within the GOP are not adequately engaging with the potential repercussions of current redistricting efforts. Bannon criticized complacent Republicans who appear indifferent to the unfolding political landscape, stating, “We are in the middle of a political war, ok, and we have guys that are sitting there so smugly and so high and mighty.”
The seriousness of the situation was echoed by DeGrasse, who insisted that without urgent action, the party might face dire consequences in the coming two years. “We will not withstand what is coming in the next two years if we don’t make progress in the next couple of months,” he warned. Their conversation highlights a pivotal moment for Republicans, revealing both the challenges ahead and the strategies that could secure their future in a competitive political arena.
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