The Drudge Report, helmed by Matt Drudge, made a striking statement with an all-red headline on Thursday, igniting speculation about a potential seismic shift in the 2024 GOP primary.
The headline in question boldly proclaimed: “DEVELOPING: REPUBLICAN RACE ABOUT TO SHAKE WITH LATE ENTRY?” This headline emerged on the heels of a tumultuous and widely criticized GOP debate, intensifying the buzz that Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin might consider throwing his hat into the presidential race.
As the day unfolded, Drudge updated the headline to incorporate a link to a tweet by CBS’s Robert Costa. The tweet underscored the burgeoning movement pushing for a Youngkin 2024 candidacy, citing concerns among donors and Republican figures. It mentioned an upcoming “Red Vest Retreat” scheduled for October 17-18 in Virginia Beach, where billionaire supporter Peterffy expressed confidence in the financial backing required. Furthermore, Bill Barr was reportedly advising Youngkin to explore the possibility of entering the race.
Accompanying this headline transformation, the image above the headline transitioned from an obscure man in a suit to a portrayal of the Virginia governor, further fueling the intrigue.
The Financial Times recently ran a headline that pondered, “Glenn Youngkin is not running for president. Or is he?” The Financial Times’ Lauren Fedor highlighted Youngkin’s consistent denials of presidential ambitions but noted the subtle yet persistent suggestion that he might enter the 2024 Republican primary as a latecomer. According to an anonymous former colleague from Carlyle, where Youngkin had worked as an executive, “The presidential pot is simmering, and he is happy to stir it.”
Drudge’s intriguing revelation, although potentially unrelated to Youngkin, coincided with headlines prominently displayed on his page, all aimed at former President Donald Trump. These headlines included:
- “Deflated Don ‘slowly beginning to sink’ in rambling Detroit speech…”
- “Did he pay actors? Confession of a sign holder…”
- “Faked union workers!”
Each of these headlines linked to British publications and hinted at a palpable disillusionment with Trump, with whom Matt Drudge has had public disagreements in the past.
Apart from Glenn Youngkin, other potential late entrants into the GOP primary race include prominent figures such as New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, or any of the high-profile Republicans serving in the United States Senate.
SCOOP/NEWS: Push for Youngkin 2024 now taking shape as donors and Rs grow alarmed. “Red Vest Retreat” Oct. 17-18 in VA Beach… Billionaire backer Peterffy assures me “money would be there.” Bill Barr telling him to put his “oar in.”https://t.co/vqnO7WLPtX
— Robert Costa (@costareports) September 28, 2023
