Selected by senators who will decide the fate of Trump’s cabinet: From the Politics Desk

Welcome to the online edition of From the Politics Desk, our evening newsletter that brings you the latest reporting and analysis from the NBC News political team from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

In today’s edition, two Capitol Hill experts, Sahil Kapur and Frank Thorpe V, analyze the key senators to watch in the confirmation battles for Donald Trump’s Cabinet. Plus, national political correspondent Steve Kornacki moves away from election data and dives into polling on what Americans plan to serve this Thanksgiving.

Programming Note: From the Politics Desk, I’ll be on vacation for the rest of this week. It’ll be back in your inbox on Monday, December 2nd. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving.

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Key senators to watch in the battle over Trump’s cabinet

Written by Sahil Kapoor and Frank Thorpe V

President-elect Donald Trump is seeking a second term by sending the Senate an unusual slate of nominees for powerful executive branch positions, seeing his 2024 victory as confirmation of voters’ desire for chaos. He is ready to get off to a good start.

But how much disruption can America’s “cooling disk” tolerate?

With the Senate split 53-47 in favor of Republicans next year, Republicans cannot afford to lose less than three votes to confirm a nominee without needing bipartisan support. The 50-50 tie could be broken by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance.

Introducing the major senators to watch in the nomination race.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine): The five-term centrist plans to run for re-election in 2026 after Trump lost the state by seven points. Mr. Trump’s Cabinet picks are an opportunity for Ms. Collins to further demonstrate her independence if she votes against Mr. Trump’s controversial Cabinet picks.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska): The moderate has already shown a willingness to speak out about President Trump’s cabinet appointments, before withdrawing Matt Gaetz from consideration as an unserious attorney general nominee. He was scoffing at it. Murkowski is also a rare Republican who supports restoring the abortion rights protections enshrined in Roe v. Wade, and could play a role in a health-care position.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.): McConnell is relinquishing his position as Senate Republican leader after a record 18 years, becoming the ultimate free agent. His altercations and disagreements with Trump have been well-documented. Mr. McConnell’s style as a Republican leader has typically been to read and follow the political winds within the party. Now you don’t have to. Cabinet nominees could be an opportunity for him to flex his muscles and use his vote to shape President Trump’s policies.

Sen. Thom Tillis, RN.C.: Mr. Tillis faces re-election in 2026 after winning his first two elections by less than two points. He will need to balance appealing to ordinary voters in purple states with securing the nomination from the Republican base, which has moved to the right.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania: Fetterman also relentlessly supports Israel despite the civilian casualties of military operations in Gaza, saying Democrats have “lost themselves.” Through his statements, he broke away from the left wing of the party and established his own identity. When it comes to important issues like immigration.” For Democrats, his voice could play an important role in that conversation in a party currently undergoing soul-searching.

Also on the list is Sen. John Thune, RS.D. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana. Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah. Senator Jon Ossoff (Democratic Party)

Read more about Sahil and Frank →

What will Americans feast on this year’s Thanksgiving?

Written by Steve Kornacki

It turns out that there is still something that can transcend this country’s deep political and cultural rifts and unite Americans. It’s a big old butterball.

A new Economist/YouGov poll found that 67% of Americans celebrating Thanksgiving this week plan to put turkey on the table. And in a break from all the political polling during the presidential campaign, the survey’s crosstabs found nothing but consensus on this dietary choice.

*There is no difference between men and women. 69% of men and 66% of women said they would feast on turkey.

* There are no racial disparities either. 69% of whites and Hispanic Americans own turkeys, as do 68% of African Americans.

* And there isn’t even a big partisan divide. 73% of Republicans and 67% of Democrats say turkey will be part of their diet.

Of course, Thanksgiving usually involves packing a lot more than just turkey. And here are five other dishes that a minority of Americans report eating again.

*Mashed potatoes: 56%

* Bread or rolls: 55%

* Pie: 54%

* Gravy: 51%

*Stuffing: 51%

Curiously, some small partisan rifts are beginning to appear on these items. 65% of Republicans plan to eat mashed potatoes, but only 50% of Democrats plan to do so. And only 59% of Republicans and 46% of Democrats are offered gravy. Why partisan tastes are so different when it comes to these two foods is unfortunately beyond our responsibility.

There’s a lot of variation, but no consensus, as to what constitutes the rest of the American Turkey Day menu.

*Green beans: 40%

*Sweet potato: 39%

*Cranberry sauce: 38%

*Corn: 33%

*Macaroni & cheese: 27%

*Ham: 26%

*Brussels sprouts: 10%

And there’s also a group of Americans who may be the most puzzling of all. 2% say they plan to eat Thanksgiving, but it won’t include any of the foods listed above. Maybe the pollsters should have added Turducken to the list?

That’s all from the political desk. If you have any feedback, love it or hate it, email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com.

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