DNC Targets 20(!) Possible GOP Contenders For 2024 With New Opposition Research

DNC Opposition Research 2024

The Democrat National Committee (DNC) has begun collecting opposition research – commonly known as “oppo” – on 20 possible 2024 GOP presidential candidates.

The Hill reports that the research isn’t just limited to likely contenders, either. Some “reach” candidates are also on the list. 

A few of those whose names have been mentioned as possible contenders are conventional wisdom, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, but some other unusual names have also popped up.

The DNC is also digging up dirt on Fox News Channel Host Tucker Carlson and MyPillow Founder and CEO Mike Lindell, who is an avid supporter of Donald Trump.

The oppo team could even include as many as 49 possible contenders. In its current make up, the DNC research department consists of around 25 people, but they plan on having a total of 50.

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2024 Operation Started Just Weeks After Inauguration

According to Politico, the Biden re-elect oppo team got started just weeks after President Joe Biden was inaugurated.

While the group behind the effort won’t be household names to most readers, they are all powerful Democrat operatives. 

Heading up the team is research director Nick Bauer. The group also includes Caroline Graham and Austin Dieter, who are considered top-notch oppo.

Other names include DNC Political Director Alana Mounce, former Biden deputy campaign manager Pete Kavanaugh, and running the whole show is Jen O’Malley Dillon, who was Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign manager.

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Who Is On The DNC Radar?

The DNC is playing their cards close to the vest and not releasing a lot of information as to whom they might be looking at, but the biggest names are all pretty clear. 

The list of possible candidates includes DeSantis and Haley, but could include also several other governors such as Greg Abbott of Texas and Kristi Noem of South Dakota.

The possibles-list is flush with senators, Ted Cruz (R-TX), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Tim Scott (R-SC). 

Then there are other possibles like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former Vice President Mike Pence.

The big question mark in the room of course is former President Donald Trump.

He appeared recently with Daily Wire Talk Show Host Candace Owens. When asked about whether he would be running again, Trump stated that he was “absolutely enthused” about another campaign, he added, “But I think people are going to be very, very happy when I make a certain announcement.” 

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The Plan For Democrats

The strategy for Democrats may be as up in the air as that of Republicans. At 78, Joe Biden has said he plans to run for re-election in 2024. Biden made the announcement at the end of March and cited “fate” may intervene in his plans to run.

The Hill describes a situation that puts any possible presidential runs on hold for younger candidates, even that of Vice President Kamala Harris. But even prior to his win in 2020, questions about Biden’s age and health were subjects of debate.

There are arguments on both sides as to whether Biden will seek another term. 

Democrat campaign operative Mark Longabough described the position of anyone thinking about a 2024 Democrat run for the White House right now this way, “There is still a lot you can do to position yourself without declaring.”

 

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