NBC's Chuck Todd argues that former President Donald Trump is looking stronger than he did in 2020 because he has regained the appeal and charisma that made him successful in 2016.
NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd has suggested that former President Donald Trump may be more viable in 2024 than he has been in years. Todd observed that Trump has been regaining the charisma and energy that appealed to voters in the 2016 election.
Todd noted that Trump's recent appearances have shown him to be "oddly loose" and "trying to be funny," a departure from his previous demeanor which was often characterized by anger and grievance. Todd attributed this shift to Trump's belief that he is winning or ahead in the political landscape.
Chuck Todd: Trump Regaining 2016 Swagger, Embracing Charisma over Grievance
"When Trump's winning, or he thinks he's ahead, he's a different person, a different candidate," Todd said. "If he somehow drops the grievance, he could end up looking like the 2016 candidate where he's the outside disrupter."
MSNBC host Katy Tur expressed doubt that Trump could avoid speaking about his grievances amid his legal battles. However, Todd argued that Trump's rhetoric and demeanor are reminiscent of 2016, a time when he was more successful electorally.
Chuck Todd: Trump Regaining 2016 Swagger, Embracing Charisma over Grievance
Todd recalled a pattern he had discussed with another media personality, who observed that "the worst version of Trump shows up" when he is losing. Conversely, "when Trump's winning, or he thinks he's ahead, he's a different person, a different candidate."
Todd pointed out that the Republican Party has suffered a string of electoral defeats since Trump won office in 2016. However, he emphasized that the party in the White House typically has an advantage in elections.
Chuck Todd: Trump Regaining 2016 Swagger, Embracing Charisma over Grievance
"I don't mean to simplify this," Todd said, "but, you know, Donald Trump's rhetoric, even, and even his sort of swagger looks more like 2016 and the campaign you covered so closely, Katy, than he looked in 2020."
Todd suggested that if Trump can drop the grievance and embrace the charisma that made him successful in 2016, he could potentially become a more formidable candidate in 2024.
