THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Trump Accidentally Sabotages GOP’s 2026 Strategy in Two Crazed Tirades
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Mar 10, 2026 Norman Ornstein, veteran congressional scholar known for expertise on Congress and elections, breaks down the SAVE Act’s voter suppression mechanics. He analyzes how Trump’s frantic demands clash with Republican midterm messaging. The conversation covers Senate math, filibuster pressure, risks to overseas and mail voting, and frightening scenarios for election subversion.
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SAVE Act Is A Broad National Voter Suppression Plan
- The SAVE Act is far more than ordinary voter ID; it mandates proof of citizenship, in-person re-registration, and expensive document requirements.
- It also forces states to hand sensitive voter data to DHS and use flawed SAVE software with a 14% error rate that will purge many voters.
Trump's Ultimatum Overrides GOP Midterm Strategy
- Trump publicly demanded the SAVE Act take precedence and threatened not to sign other bills until it's passed, forcing Republicans to choose between his demand and other priorities.
- That pressure undermines GOP midterm messaging focused on the economy and removes funding and wins House Republicans hoped to show voters.
Filibuster Blocks SAVE Act Without Rule Change
- The Senate filibuster means the SAVE Act lacks the 60 votes it would need to pass; Republicans have 53 seats and cannot rely on seven Democrats.
- To pass it they'd likely have to change Senate rules, violating past GOP defenses of the filibuster.