Sen. Murkowski on why she's having more talks than ever on the state of democracy
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Lisa Murkowski Acknowledges Possibility of Leaving GOP
Above: Lisa Murkowski (C) departs the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on June 4, 2025. Image copyright: Allison Robbert/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Progressive narrative
Murkowski's willingness to consider switching parties demonstrates that she prioritizes Alaska over partisan politics. Her pragmatic approach and bipartisan coalition-building reflect the governing style Alaskans prefer, where good ideas matter more than party labels. Alaska's ranked-choice voting system allows her to represent all constituents rather than just partisan extremes.
Conservative narrative
This is precisely what's wrong with Trump-hating RINOs like Murkowski, who betray conservative voters. Alaska Republicans got snookered by Democrats pushing ranked-choice voting, and now they're stuck with a senator who threatens to hand control to Chuck Schumer. She's more popular with progressives than conservatives — that says everything. The Uni-Party strikes again.
Establishment-critical narrative
Murkowski's uncertain position in the Senate represents the dangerous erosion of democratic institutions under Trump's authoritarian rule. Her admission that senators are "afraid" to speak out shows how Trump has intimidated even his party into submission. Her courage to stand up for democracy and constitutional principles makes her a vital voice against creeping authoritarianism.