The RNC Descends on Nashville

Playbook: “Wealthy Republicans will convene in Nashville on Friday for the RNC donor retreat — a long-planned event that comes just days after Tennessee Republicans booted two Black Democratic lawmakers from the statehouse for protesting gun laws on the chamber floor (while allowing a third participant who was white to keep her job).”

“It’s unlucky timing for a party already exhausted by controversy and hobbling as it tries to win over critical swing voters ahead of the 2024 election.”

“Privately, Republicans acknowledged to Playbook the inconvenience of visiting a state where local party leaders are mired in ugly headlines and accusations of racism. Their presence, they know, will likely invite questions about whether national Republicans condone the decisions of their Volunteer State brethren — and reporters are likely to hear wildly different answers depending on which GOP officials they ask.”