Susan Collins almost got it right

And a blistering new Biden ad on Truth Social hits 'confused' Trump [VIEW IN BROWSER]( MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news [VIEW IN BROWSER]( MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Friday, Feb. 02, 2024 THE LATEST [Alternate text] [Susan Collins almost got it right — almost]( By Michael Steele Despite [facing 91 felony counts in four separate criminal cases]( and a long list of other legal troubles, Republican leaders are lining up to [endorse Donald Trump]( for a second term as president. While this isn’t shocking given the realities of the modern GOP, it’s certainly discouraging for those hoping the Republican Party will one day return to a political party with principles. Bending the knee to Trump is not a simple performative act. It is dangerous. We’ve seen [what Trump will do with power](. That’s why Americans should take notice when a select few Republicans buck the trend, as [Sen. Susan Collins]( of Maine did recently when she signaled she will not support Trump in his campaign to take back the White House. When Collins was asked if she plans to endorse Trump if he clinches the Republican presidential nomination, The Portland Press Herald reports, Collins responded: “I do not at this point, no.” This is a preview of Michael Steele's latest article. [Read the full column here.]( For more thought-provoking insights from Michael Steele, Symone Sanders-Townsend and Alicia Menendez, watch "The Weekend" every Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. ET on MSNBC.     TOP STORIES [Alternate text] [Texas Gov. Greg Abbott]( [JILL WINE-BANKS]( [Why Texas Gov. Abbott's latest statement sounds like a prelude to secession]( Abbott either doesn't understand the Constitution, or doesn't want to. Both options are worrying. [Read more.]( [A group photo from the making of 'We are the World']( [ANDREA GRIMES]( [The exclusion of two main characters from Netflix's 'We Are the World' doc is the point]( 'We are the World' created a new mold for star-studded celebrity fundraising — and also destroyed it. [Read more.]( [Ilhan Omar]( [ZEESHAN ALEEM]( [Why Republicans are melting down over an unremarkable Ilhan Omar speech]( Calls for the lawmaker's censure and, more outrageously, her deportation are the latest manifestation of the rank xenophobia that animates the GOP. [Read more.]( [Joe Biden]( [STEVE BENEN]( [Polls suggest Biden can win re-election despite weak approval]( To be sure, all of this comes with the usual caveats about how early in the process it is. [Read more.](     TOP VIDEOS [Alternate text] [Ted Cruz]( [ALL IN]( [Podcaster Ted Cruz complains about 'tough re-election race']( [Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin]( [WATCH]( [We 'will not tolerate' attacks on U.S. troops, Defense Secretary Austin says]( [Donald Trump]( [WAY TOO EARLY]( [New Biden ad on Truth Social hits 'confused' Trump]( [Indiana state rep. Jim Lucas opening his jacket to flash gun]( [DEADLINE WHITE HOUSE]( [Indiana state representative official flashes gun at students advocating control]( MORE FROM MSNBC [Alternate text]     On Sunday, join MSNBC correspondent Trymaine Lee and civil rights attorney Charles Coleman Jr. for an MSNBC special, "Black Men in America: The Road to 2024." They'll offer a candid look at America through the eyes of an overlooked voting block, Black men – speaking with House Democratic Leader, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, platinum-recording artist Jeezy, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Reverend Al Sharpton, and more. Watch "Black Men in America: The Road to 2024" Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC and streaming on Peacock.   The latest episode of "Prosecuting Donald Trump" is now available. The second defamation trial brought by E. Jean Carroll caused outbursts inside and outside the courtroom from the former president. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down the case. [Listen here.](       MSNBC INSIGHTS [Alternate text] Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! [Join the MSNBC Insights Community.](   [Image] [Image] 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 [PRIVACY]( | [CONTACT]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_daily) [PRIVACY]( | [CONTACT]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_daily)