Welcome to the online version of From the Political Bureauan evening newsletter with the latest reporting and analysis from the NBC News Politics team from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.
In today’s edition, two of our Capitol Hill experts, Sahil Kapur and Frank Thorp V, discuss the key senators to watch in the battle to confirm Donald Trump’s Cabinet. Plus, national political correspondent Steve Kornacki takes a break from election data to dig into the polls on what Americans plan to serve on Thanksgiving this year.
Programming Note: The Political Bureau has a holiday for the rest of the week. We’ll be back in your inbox on Monday, December 2. Happy Thanksgiving!
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The most important senators to watch in the battle for Trump’s cabinet
By Sahil Kapur and Frank Thorp V
President-elect Donald Trump is about to begin his second term by sending the Senate an unconventional slate of nominees for powerful positions in the executive branch. He sees his 2024 victory as confirmation of voters’ desire for disruption.
But how much disruption will America’s “cool dish” tolerate?
The Senate will be split 53-47 in favor of Republicans next year, meaning they cannot lose more than three votes to confirm nominees without some bipartisan support. A 50-50 tie can be broken by newly elected Vice President JD Vance.
Here are the key senators to watch in the nomination battles.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine: The five-term centrist plans to seek re-election in 2026 after Trump lost her state by seven points. Trump’s Cabinet picks provide an opening for Collins to further demonstrate her independent nature if she chooses to vote against some of Trump’s more controversial picks.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska: Moderates have already shown a willingness to be candid about Trump’s Cabinet picks, dismissing Matt Gaetz as an unserious choice for attorney general before withdrawing from consideration. Murkowski is also a rare Republican who favors bringing back abortion rights protections included in Roe v. Wade, which could play a role in health care-related positions.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: McConnell is the ultimate free agent, as he relinquishes his position as leader of the Senate Republicans after a record 18 years. His arguments and disagreements with Trump are well documented. As leader of the Republican Party, McConnell’s style has usually been to read the political winds within his party and follow them. Now he doesn’t have to do that. The Cabinet nominations could be an opportunity for him to flex his muscles and use his voice to shape Trump’s agenda.
Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C.: Tillis is up for re-election in 2026 after winning his first two elections by less than 2 points. He will have to strike a balance between attracting a mainstream electorate in a purple state and securing renomination from a Republican base that has shown a willingness to move right.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.: Fetterman has also carved out a unique identity by breaking with the left of his party – through his unwavering support for Israel despite the civilian casualties caused by the military campaign in Gaza and his comment that Democrats “lost ourselves” when it came to important issues such as immigration. In a party currently undergoing deep scrutiny, his vote could play a big role in that conversation for Democrats.
Also on the list: Sens. John Thune, R-S.D.; Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La.; Newly-elected Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah; and Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.
Read more from Sahil and Frank →
What Americans will enjoy this Thanksgiving
By Steve Kornacki
It turns out there’s still something out there that can transcend the country’s deep political and cultural divisions and bring Americans together: a big ol’ Butterball.
A new Economist/YouGov poll shows that 67% of Americans celebrating Thanksgiving this week plan to have turkey on their plates. And in a refreshing break from any political polling during the presidential campaign, the crosstabs in this study find nothing but consensus on this meal choice.
* There is no gender gap: 69% of men and 66% of women say they will indulge in turkey.
* There’s also no racial divide: 69% of white and Hispanic Americans will have turkey, as will 68% of African Americans.
* And there isn’t even a meaningful partisan divide: 73% of Republicans and 67% of Democrats say turkey will be part of their meal.
Of course, Thanksgiving usually involves stuffing yourself with more than just turkey. And there are five other dishes that a smaller majority of Americans report they will also enjoy.
* Mashed potatoes: 56%
* Bread or rolls: 55%
* Cake: 54%
* Gravy: 51%
* Filling: 51%
Strangely enough, when it comes to these issues, some small partisan fissures are starting to emerge. Sixty-five percent of Republicans will eat mashed potatoes, while only 50% of Democrats plan to do so. And gravy will be served to 59% of Republicans and only 46% of Democrats. Why the partisans’ tastes would differ at all regarding these two foods is unfortunately beyond our jurisdiction.
As for the composition of the rest of the US Turkey Day menus, there is a lot of variation, but no consensus:
* Green beans: 40%
* Sweet potatoes: 39%
* Cranberry sauce: 38%
* Corn: 33%
* Macaroni and cheese: 27%
* Ham: 26%
* Brussels sprouts: 10%
And then there’s perhaps the most baffling group of Americans: the 2% who say they’ll eat Thanksgiving meals, but won’t eat any of the foods listed above. Maybe the pollsters should have added turducken to the list?
🗞️Today’s top stories
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🤝 We have an appointment: President Joe Biden announced that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a United States-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon. Read more →
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💲 Rate time: Trump said his new administration would impose new tariffs on imported goods from Mexico, Canada and China, reaffirming a key campaign promise that could have a major impact on trade. Read more →
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🗓️ Planning ahead: As his team begins making plans for the inauguration in January, Trump is hoping for fewer protests and “less division” this time. Read more →
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💉 New health proposal: The Biden administration plans to require Medicare and Medicaid to provide coverage for weight loss medications for people seeking treatment for obesity. Read more →
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📈 Post-Dobbs landscape: Contrary to expectations, the number of abortions in the US increased after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, thanks to a network of providers that prescribed and shipped abortion pills. Read more →
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🤔 Navigate Trump: Politico reports that progressive lawmakers are considering a new approach to Trump and want to work with him on his populist proposals. Read more →
For now, that all comes from the Political Bureau. If you have any feedback – like it or not – please email us at politicsnieuwsbrief@nbcuni.com
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This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
