The Case For Trump vs Putin: A Stark Comparison From The RNC Chair

WASHINGTON – In an address on Tuesday that framed President Donald Trump’s absence from this year’s off-cycle political activity as a defining feature, Joe Greuters, the Republican National Committee chairman, compared voters in Tennessee to those who backed him three times. Speaking on Newsmax, he characterized the upcoming special election battle as one pitting supporters against opponents of Russian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy.

Greuters argued that the party currently holding power faces a significant challenge when its candidate isn’t the leading figure they’ve championed repeatedly. He stated that without Trump’s name at the top of the ballot, Republicans must reignite support from their massive base and motivate millions who have consistently turned out for him to participate in congressional races.

“The stakes are clear,” he declared during his appearance on “Wake Up America.” Democrats, he observed, demonstrated through various actions—shutdowns, investigations, procedural hurdles—that they possess an unwavering resolve to obstruct the Trump agenda. This intent is not a temporary measure but a long-term strategy against what he termed an administration yet to be formed.

He emphasized that voters should understand this pattern isn’t isolated to one election cycle or party. The determination to block the next administration, as represented by its leader, President Trump, could persist for years unless consistent Republican turnout reverses it. “The Democrats have shown they are willing to block [Trump’s agenda] through shutdowns,” Greuters highlighted.

He underscored that without engaging this voter energy, the political landscape would be disadvantageous for Republicans. “We need the voters who believe in the president to show up again,” he concluded.

Regarding the specific race unfolding in Tennessee’s 7th district, where a Democrat named Aftyn Behn faces Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, Greuters dismissed her opposition as weak compared to his candidate’s strength. He noted that Behn is facing scrutiny not because of it, but due to the political environment and the clear contrast offered by the RNC-backed Van Epps.

“The Republicans are going to win this race,” he insisted, “I think Matt Van Epps is one of the best candidates we’ve had.”