The fight for control of the Senate is over. It was called earlier this evening when Nevada’s Democrat candidate Catherine Cortez Masto won against Republican election denier, Adam Laxalt.
Despite my fellow blogger Bernie Ohare headlining a recent post with “Democrats Need to Remember They LOST Tuesday’s Election” it turns out it there is a win. A big WIN.
At least, for control of the Senate.
A path to victory for control of the House is still a possibility, though less likely. Even with a win of the House, the Republican majority will be razor thin.
For me, I consider these mid-terms a win for Democrats. Most of Trump’s endorsed candidates in tight races (rather than his picks expected to win by large margins, and those running unopposed) were defeated, as his participation actually lost them votes.
Sure, all the races being won weren’t with huge majorities. Many were squeakers, but when a ball game is won on an error committed by the other team it still goes in the “W” column. Maybe, just maybe, it’s an indication people are beginning to return to normal and turning away from the divisive rhetoric and message of intolerance.
The Senate is now 50-49 with Democrats having Vice-President Harris as a tie-breaker, should it return to a 50-50 split. Republicans are breaking out their crying towels. Democrats are celebrating.
Both, for good reason.
The GOP chose a losing message by following Trump’s playbook of “Stolen Elections,” “Anti-abortion,” and “MAGA” extremism. They should have laser focused on the economy and inflation. They should have held off on various proposals to change Social Security to the detriment of senior citizens, which they made public in anticipation of a “Red Wave.” They should have pushed harder for more moderate candidates during the primaries, and muted Trump’s endorsements.
For Democrats, they can now claim the election results are a vindication of their values, and a rebuke of Trump minions who ran against their candidates.
With control of the Senate, there will be no conviction of Biden on any article of impeachment the House might pass, should it fall into Republican control. Biden will have an easier next two years.
If Georgia is added to the Senate following the runoff between Warnoch and Walker, the Democrats would control the Senate with 51 seats, making it far easier for Biden to get judges and cabinet appointees in place, as well as the Senate being able deter any House Bills that would further erode our Democracy.
The biggest reason Democrats have reason to celebrate? The GOP is in utter disarray, with most blame and finger pointing directed at their Great White Dope. Trump has lost his power to bully the GOP leadership, and has a powerful opponent in Ron DeSantis.
Perhaps both liberals and conservatives will realize once again, that most voters run slightly left, or right, of center. Extremists on both sides are not the majority. Maybe the cRaZy candidates will finally realize their message of hate and intolerance of those who disagree with them isn’t what the people want.
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.
