In a cautionary message to its readers, the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board issued a warning on Wednesday, advising against supporting former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race if Republicans aim to secure victories in suburban areas.
The op-ed, prompted by recent elections on Tuesday, highlighted the potential risks of a “suburban wall” if Trump were to run again in 2024. The Wall Street Journal is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s New Corp., which also includes Fox News. Murdoch, once a staunch Trump supporter, has increasingly become a vocal critic of the former president.
Trump’s sole significant victory in Tuesday’s elections was in Kentucky, where state Attorney General Daniel Cameron secured the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Governor Andy Beshear. Although Trump endorsed Cameron, the editorial pointed out that Trump-backed primary winners have often struggled in general elections, as seen in previous midterm elections.
While acknowledging Trump’s influence in GOP primaries, the editorial cautioned that his endorsement may not hold the same weight in general elections. It specifically advised against recruiting candidates who promote Trump’s conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, deeming such candidates as unappealing, particularly to suburban voters.
The editorial board highlighted the ongoing focus on Trump’s grievances over the 2020 election as a source of frustration within the GOP. It emphasized the importance of electability and pointed out that many fringe Republican candidates suffered defeats in the 2022 midterms.
Furthermore, the editorial suggested that the party should seek an “abortion compromise” that can resonate with voters who were once taken for granted by Republicans.
While the Wall Street Journal did not propose an alternative candidate to Trump, it underscored the significance of broadening the party’s appeal beyond the Trump base to achieve success in suburban areas.