The Point: Here’s who is walking the impossible 2024 Trump tightrope

View this email in your browser   June 25, 2021  | by Lauren Dezenski, Chris Cillizza and Sonnet Swire They're walking the impossible 2024 Trump tightrope The Republicans eyeing presidential bids in 2024 must strike a delicate balance: Attract President Donald Trump's supporters without running afoul of Trump himself, who is considering a run of his own.   Former South Carolina Gov. and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley tried to walk that line this week -- while she was barnstorming Iowa.   "In 2022, we're not stopping until we take back the House and Senate," Haley said during her keynote speech at the Republican Party of Iowa's annual Lincoln Dinner on Thursday. "And after that, this Republican Party and the American people will take back our country from Joe Biden and the radical left.   Haley insisted that "there are a lot of reasons to come to Iowa." Sure, Jan. It's not even Iowa State Fair season! But 'tis the season to court GOP party faithful and build a base of support that can later be tapped in case of a run for president. Which is exactly what Haley is doing, even though she has said she would bow out of contention if Trump decided to run again.   Former Vice President Mike Pence is really trying to have it both ways, praising Trump as "one of a kind" in a room full of Republicans at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Thursday.   Yet Pence then failed the key -- and, really, only -- litmus test for the quest to be Trump's true heir apparent. He criticized Trump's efforts to overturn the election results on January 6.   But Pence and Haley aren't the only familiar Republicans from the Trump years hoping to carve out space on the 2024 campaign trail -- with varying levels of success.   * Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ran afoul of Trump for doing his job by certifying Arizona's 2020 election results wherein voters elected Joe Biden over Trump. (TBT to this very awkward phone call.)   As of late May, the two were not on speaking terms, according to CNN's Gabby Orr, and, based on Trump's latest dumping on Ducey's would-be US Senate run in 2022, it doesn't look like the relationship has gotten any better.    * Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis got some attention recently for signing measures into law that would require high school curriculums to teach the evils of communism and socialism. Subtle!    Between his eagerness to wade into broader hot-button issues and his well-received Covid-19 response, DeSantis' efforts seem to be paying off among party faithful. In a (not exactly scientific) straw poll gauging support for potential 2024 candidates, DeSantis narrowly bested Trump for first place.    The Point: Would-be challengers are awkwardly threading the needle of fealty to Trump while trying to offer themselves as a Trump alternative, all while Trump himself hits the road this weekend.   -- Lauren QUOTE OF THE DAY "If you have such a fear of making it easier and more accessible for people to vote, then I would ask you what you're so afraid of." -- White House press secretary Jen Psaki, responding to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's argument that the Biden administration is weaponizing the Justice Department to undermine election integrity. FRIDAY'S MUST-SEE TWEETS 1. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood ... 2. SCOTUS keeps waiting on VRA 3. The internet is undefeated 4. This is kind of amazing -- and I am glad it exists 5. I'm keeping this guy in my thoughts CHRIS' GOOD READS This was a really smart (and strong) piece in The Bulwark by Daniel McGraw on why Trump chose Ohio to make his official return to the campaign trail this weekend. And this one from Politico on what to expect from Trump's glorious return is also very much worth your time.   Coming soon: possible criminal charges for the Trump Organization, CNN reports.    As someone who absolutely hates meetings, this New York Times piece by Caity Weaver is my love language. A helpful weekend read via Smithsonian magazine: How to successfully grill a steak. MUSICAL INTERLUDE The waiting is over! Lucy Dacus' third studio album -- "Home Video" -- came out on Friday. Rejoice! Also, listen. THE WEEK IN 15 HEADLINES This week, President Biden announced he and a bipartisan group of senators had reached a long-sought deal on infrastructure, but there are caution signs ahead. Meanwhile, the spotlight remained on the Capitol riot as more January 6 videos were unveiled, the House announced an investigation and the first defendant was sentenced.   Monday Supreme Court rules against NCAA, opening door to significant increase in compensation for student athletes DOJ releases Capitol riot videos from major conspiracy case involving the Proud Boys Tuesday Senate Republicans block signature Democratic election bill in key test vote Attorney general wants to leave any broad review of Trump Justice Department to inspector general NYC Democratic mayoral primary to proceed to ranked-choice counting after no candidate wins majority outright, CNN projects Wednesday Kamala Harris to make first trip to the border as vice president this week New videos show Capitol rioters attacking police line from officers' point of view Biden warns of 'more pronounced' summer crime spike as he announces plan to tackle gun violence Judge rebukes GOP for downplaying US Capitol riot as he hands out first sentence in insurrection Thursday Biden: 'We have a deal' on infrastructure with bipartisan group of senators Pelosi announces the House will establish a select committee to investigate Capitol riot Rudy Giuliani suspended from practicing law in New York state Friday Justice Department suing Georgia over voting restrictions Capitol rioter downplays attack after apologizing for her crimes in court Kamala Harris makes her first visit to the US-Mexico border as vice president ONE BORDER VISIT Vice President Kamala Harris visited the southern border in El Paso, Texas, on Friday to see a migrant processing center. Her trip follows dogged criticism from the GOP for not having visited the US-Mexico border. You are receiving this message because you subscribed to CNN's The Point with Chris Cillizza newsletter. Unsubscribe from this list Check out other CNN Newsletters Create your CNN Account Share the Point Newsletter Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get The Point in your inbox.   Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris Cillizza and Lauren Dezenski. You can follow Chris and Lauren on Twitter and connect with The Point on: Our mailing address is: One CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303   Copyright © 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., All rights reserved.

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