Elon Musk’s Attempt to Sway GOP Senators Fails as John Thune is Chosen Over Rick Scott

Despite efforts from MAGA influencers, including Elon Musk, GOP senators did not select Sen. Rick Scott as their next leader, highlighting the limited impact of online pressure campaigns.

Secret Ballot Results in Selection of Sen. John Thune

Instead of electing Rick Scott, Republican senators opted for Sen. John Thune, a seasoned senator and occasional critic of Trump. The secret ballot voting process played a significant role in Thune's victory, as it shielded senators from public pressure.

Musk's Influence Questioned

While Elon Musk played a pivotal role in Donald Trump's election, his sway within the GOP ranks faced a setback as John Thune emerged as the Senate Majority Leader choice. Musk and other Trump allies had rallied behind Scott, but the majority favored Thune, indicating a shift in dynamics.

Online Campaign Dynamics

Despite a social media campaign led by Musk and others to rally support for Scott, the secret ballot nature of the vote left many senators undisclosed in their preferences, making it challenging for external pressure to influence the outcome. Criticism of the voting process and the involvement of online activists intensified the debate.

Public vs. Private Influence

The discord between public campaigns and private voting choices underscored the complexities of political dynamics. While Scott's supporters hoped for public pressure to sway the vote, the senators emphasized the importance of internal decision-making free from external coercion.

Post-Vote Reactions

Following Thune's selection, Musk extended congratulations, and Scott pledged to support Thune in advancing President Trump's agenda. The aftermath of the vote reflected a nuanced interplay between public discourse and internal decision-making processes.

Original article source: Business Insider

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By: bmetzger@insider.com (Bryan Metzger)
Title: Elon Musk’s Attempt to Sway GOP Senators Fails as John Thune is Chosen Over Rick Scott
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/senate-leader-race-elon-musk-maga-rick-scott-fail-2024-11
Published Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:45:43 +0000