Former RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel spoke out against the January 6 Capitol attack, calling it unacceptable and stating that it does not represent her party or the country. McDaniel, who recently exited the RNC and is joining NBC News as a political analyst, explained that she was more restrained in her statements as chairwoman, but now has the ability to be more honest about her views.
Her departure from the RNC comes amidst tensions with former President Donald Trump, who was disappointed with the committee’s finances and believed they should have done more to support his candidacy in the 2020 election. Trump wanted McDaniel to step aside and be replaced by Michael Whatley and Lara Trump. Tensions also rose when Trump decided to skip primary debates, causing friction between his campaign and the RNC.
McDaniel’s hiring at NBC has sparked backlash due to her history of attacking the news media as fake and promoting false claims about the 2020 election. As RNC chair, she was involved in a controversial phone call pressuring Michigan officials not to certify the vote in Detroit. The Michigan Department of State’s office refuted the claims of widespread voter fraud, stating that the election was conducted fairly and accurately reflected the will of the voters.
Despite her previous actions, McDaniel acknowledged that Joe Biden won the 2020 election fair and square, while also expressing concerns about issues with the vote. She defended her tenure as RNC chair, highlighting the increase in women and minority representation in the party during her time. McDaniel pushed back against criticism of her leadership and emphasized the positive changes that occurred under her watch, including the historic number of women in Congress from the Republican party.
In her new role as a political analyst for NBC News, McDaniel will have the opportunity to express her views more freely and distance herself from the controversies that surrounded her time as RNC chair. Her comments on the Capitol attack and the 2020 election demonstrate a shift in tone and a willingness to acknowledge the realities of the political landscape. Going forward, McDaniel will navigate her role as a pundit while addressing the challenges and divisions within the Republican party.
