Democrats did better than expected in the mid-term elections, much to the surprise of both parties.
Republicans anticipated a Red Wave, and much planning was being done by the right-wing extremists, such as Marjorie Taylor Green, to grab power and prestige by getting herself appointed to important committees. MTG, Jim Jordan, Ron Johnson, and other Trump-loving extremists may find themselves less relevant than they have been.
The Red Wave ended up being a puddle. The massive turnover of seats going to Republicans didn’t occur. McCarthy, who will likely take the gavel from Pelosi, has an opportunity to quell the right-wing extremist nutjobs in the House.
I believe there were 3 factors that played heavily into this mid-term surprise.
1. Trump created a Conservative majority SCOTUS. Their overturning of Roe v. Wade, despite assurances from the newly appointed they wouldn’t change the law when they were nominated, made women aware their right to choose was in jeopardy. There was an uptick in women registering to vote, especially women of child bearing age.
Republicans dismissed the subject of abortion as unimportant. Democrats brought it up at every opportunity, especially pointing out those Rs who openly stated “no exceptions.”
Women had freedom to choose for 50 years. They weren’t pleased with the prospect of being chained again.
2. MAGA and MEGA Republicans. The country is finally starting to turn away from the extremism of the Republicans who still promote stolen elections, deny the Capital was attacked by violent rioters, and kiss Trump’s fat ass at every opportunity. Their message of intolerance reverberated across the country, worrying many moderates that these extremists might one day become the “normal” within the GOP. As a side note, moderate Democrats don’t support the far-left extremists, either.
3. Trump. Yes, Trump. His approval rating has actually declined since he was defeated in 2020, which just isn’t normal for former Presidents, but we know he isn’t normal. When he was defeated in 2020 his approval rating was at 46%. Now at a 37% approval rating overall, polls show that 60% or more of Republicans don’t want him to run again for a 2024 presidential bid.
Trump endorsed and promoted every candidate who was an election denier. He continues to promote the lie of a stolen election, despite the fact that the GOP leaders don’t believe it, and he knows it isn’t true. If they are to save their party, GOP leadership needs to say it publicly. They also need to push back the extremists in their own party, and make Trump irrelevant.
With the exception of the QAnon crowd, and the Trump devotees, most Americans don’t believe any election was stolen. Not in 2020, and not the one held yesterday.
After the Fetterman-Oz debate I was actually leaning toward voting for Oz. Fetterman performed poorly. However when Trump showed up near Pittsburgh, and Oz obediently obeyed to appear with him, I knew Oz would end up being another Trump puppet. That appearance may have cost Oz the election.
Trump isn’t the “Kingmaker” he thinks he is. If he runs again for 2024 it will be to protect himself from legal problems and prosecution. If the GOP is smart, they’ll put an end to his influence and keep him out to pasture. Where he belongs.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
