Steve Bannon, former senior advisor to Donald Trump, criticized Elon Musk following the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Bannon's comments came after the Republican candidate, Brad Schimel, backed by significant funding from GOP donors, including over $20 million, lost to liberal Susan Crawford on April 1st. This outcome meant liberals retained control of the state's High Court.
Bannon, speaking to a conservative British news channel, acknowledged the defeat, stating it was a significant setback for the party. He criticized Musk's approach to the campaign, arguing that Musk made himself too central to the election. Bannon believed the focus should have been on the cause and the movement, not on an individual.
Musk had actively involved himself in the campaign, donating millions through his super political action committee and personally distributing $1 million checks to voters in Green Bay just before the election. Musk stated his actions were intended to draw attention to Schimel's campaign. However, a poll indicated that a majority of Wisconsin voters disapproved of Musk's involvement.
Bannon argued that only a leader like Trump could place themselves at the center of a GOP campaign. He claimed that others should prioritize the movement. He also suggested that Democrats successfully shifted the focus away from the Republican Party and Trump, making Musk the central figure.
Bannon also discussed the campaign's financial aspects, noting that the Crawford-Schimel contest was the most expensive judiciary battle in history. Despite having a spending advantage, Schimel lost the election. Following the defeat, Musk expressed concerns about the "corruption of the judiciary" rather than acknowledging any responsibility for the outcome.
This is not the first time Bannon has criticized Musk. He has previously made harsh statements about the SpaceX founder. However, reports indicate that Trump intervened, urging Bannon to cease his attacks on Musk.
8 Comments
Karamba
Musk may have good intentions, but Bannon’s right—his involvement seemed to distract rather than help the campaign.
Matzomaster
If Bannon is worried about focus, he should turn his attention to the Republican platform instead of attacking allies.
Rotfront
A leader like Trump can command attention. Musk's style may be too flashy for traditional GOP voters.
Karamba
Bannon makes a valid point about Musk making himself too central to the campaign. It’s about the movement, not just one person.
Matzomaster
I want to see the GOP succeed, and that starts with acknowledging where mistakes were made. Bannon is raising important issues.
Comandante
It’s ironic that Bannon criticizes Musk for being a central figure while he himself seeks attention through comments like these.
Coccinella
Every election should focus on the candidates and issues, not marketing gimmicks from people like Musk.
Muchacho
It’s refreshing to see someone like Bannon highlight the need for unity and collective purpose rather than individualism in politics.