McConnell and Romney didn't need his endorsement to get reelected, so he didn't have leverage. Rubio is in a much weaker position politically than those two were. McConnell has built one of the strongest political machines in the country and Romney is independently wealthy and well connected.
I am willing to bet if elections were held today for Kentucky senate and Trump actively campaigned against him and field a third party candidate, Mcconnell would lose. The magic of Trump is he totally broke the traditional vote banks and party loyalty. Even though Trump campaigned like an independent, he governed pretty much in line with party politics.
Sure, if Trump dedicated time and resources he could overcome McConnell's machine. That's a far cry from a mere endorsement. For the cost the reward of endorsing Rubio is worth it. You make a soft political opponent owe you, maybe you flip them or at least negate them as a political threat.
McConnell and Romney didn't need his endorsement to get reelected, so he didn't have leverage. Rubio is in a much weaker position politically than those two were. McConnell has built one of the strongest political machines in the country and Romney is independently wealthy and well connected.
if trump pitched someone else for primaring mcconnel, nthere is no way mcconnel was going to win.
In a level election, sure. But McConnell's machine is extensive and formidable in Kentucky.
I am willing to bet if elections were held today for Kentucky senate and Trump actively campaigned against him and field a third party candidate, Mcconnell would lose. The magic of Trump is he totally broke the traditional vote banks and party loyalty. Even though Trump campaigned like an independent, he governed pretty much in line with party politics.
Sure, if Trump dedicated time and resources he could overcome McConnell's machine. That's a far cry from a mere endorsement. For the cost the reward of endorsing Rubio is worth it. You make a soft political opponent owe you, maybe you flip them or at least negate them as a political threat.