By and large, with very few exceptions, the American press is, at best, incompetent. Republican Senators are not afraid of Trump anymore; they ARE afraid of the far right wing radio and television propaganda machinery.
Even Trump himself was subject to this machinery's overall approval. Republican politicians WERE afraid of Trump BECAUSE Trump had its approval. Now that Trump is out of power; Republican office holders are only afraid of those with the power to encourage and support primary challenges from their right; and that would be the likes of Limbaugh, Hannity, and Levin.
To the extent that you haven't heard this from your news sources, it is only because the American press is incompetent, at best; and probably somewhat jealous of the POWER that extreme right wing media personalities have to influence their audience, and to shape the opinions of their listeners.
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