Thread by @jimstinson

Rick Scott was a great #FLGov from 2011 to 2019. He rebuilt the Florida GOP and then won the #FLSen seat. But he screwed up with his national plan, trying to build a platform for himself for a national position like Majority Leader. (1)

There's no denying that if you could list five to six things that slowed the GOP momentum in 2022, @ScottforFlorida's plan to vote on Social Security and Medicare every five years was a gift to Democrats, much like Paul Ryan's thick-headed budget plans in 2011. (2)

It makes no difference that Joe Biden lied about Scott's plan by saying the GOP would vote on authorizing Social Security "every year." Scott gave Biden a target, and forced GOP and fact-checkers to write about the plan. (3)

Polling showed the GOP was favored with voters over 40. But polling stalled with voters over 65, resulting in a tie. (I haven't seen exits.) In crucial states like Penn, Michigan and Arizona, this hurt, especially when Blake Masters posited privatizing SocSec. (4)

You don't touch the Third Rail of Politics before a crucial election. You just don't, unless you want to lose. Leave the maneuvers to actual legislative sessions. Scott erred in a way he never did as governor of Florida. He was usually cautious. #flsen #Midterms2022 (5)

I assume Scott wanted to be GOP Majority-Minority leader of the Senate. I don't see that happening now, although senators may not blame Scott as much as @LeaderMcConnell for the 2022 results. But Scott was @NRSC leader. So look for a third option like Rubio. (6)

The #FLSen @marcorubio would be a good choice for Senate GOP leader, taking over for @LeaderMcConnell. Rubio is younger (McC is 80 or so), understands the federal budget problems but also the need for helping the poor. He's one of the best telegenic GOP representatives. (7)

Scott seems to have Trump's nod for GOP Senate leader. Scott needs to admit miscues. Some of it is not his fault. It was Trump that pushed Oz, Walker and Masters. But Scott's plan was considered by peers to be a huge liability, and Scott's @NRSC fundraising wasted $$$. (8)

Also, don't count McConnell out. @LeaderMcConnell is an excellent tactician. He sued over McCain-Feingold and won. He has uncanny knowledge of the law, the systems and the Constitution. I have always admired McConnell as a free speech advocate. #Midterms2022 (9)

I am not a rabid @LeaderMcConnell critic, @marcthiessen. But sometimes you have to show voters you are changing. When the GOP overlooked McConnell and chose the younger Bill Frist in 2003, they did well in the 2004 elections. (10)