It Don’t Impressa Me Much

Democrats winning votes in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, and California is pretty weak justification for crying SWEEP, BLUE TIDE, or BUYER’S REMORSE.  Realistically, they were never going to be competitive races.  At best, it is holding your home court; at worst, it is making a nest that will be difficult to sleep in.  Mamdani, Sherrill, Spanberger, and Jay Jones are not the type of future stars that most rank and file Democrats will quiver over. Nor will they likely perform in a fashion that will impress Independents or the few remaining moderate Democrats.  Here is an interesting note: when I spell-checked my Word document prior to posting this piece, the app noted the word “Mamdani” as misspelled and suggested that I use the word “Madman”…hmmm.

 

Give the Democrats credit; they won races they were supposed to win.  There are a multitude of college football coaches who are recently unemployed because they failed to do this simple thing.  But blowing a home field advantage into a broader accomplishment runs the very real risk of raising expectations to levels that are unachievable.  On Wednesday morning, Democrats might think they can fly…but I wouldn’t be jumping off any cliffs if I were them.  Looking at the upcoming mid-terms post-November/2025, I still submit that the Republicans look very secure in the Senate and that control of the House is up in the air.  The plain and simple facts are that not only does the House turn over completely every two years with 435 races being conducted, but House races are typically local in nature and represent districts as small as a portion of a county up to a handful of counties.  House races are the definition of local politics.  That type of formula is unpredictable at best and absolutely maddening at worst.  It does not entirely reflect the national political mood.

 

If the Republicans, in conjunction with the Trump Administration, are going to maintain control of Congress and government, they need to take some immediate steps towards that goal.  First off, they need to understand when to declare victory and move on to the next battle.  The border is closed; keep it that way and move on.  ICE deportations are broadly acceptable and running on schedule; keep it that way and move on.  Executive actions on tariffs are legally questionable and create a large degree of uncertainty in the markets and in the electorate; make the trade deals that the President is authorized to do and move on.  Foreign policy is the President’s solo opportunity; continue to be strong, consistent, and vocal…but never forget that foreign policy carries less weight with most voters than domestic policy.  For heaven’s sake, President Trump…stop getting drawn into a food fight with every idiot Democrat, Republican, pundit, journalist, or celebrity that happens to criticize you.  You are the President; rise above the fray.  Do not be distracted by every shiny object that is thrown your way and keep your limited time and resources focused on getting important things done for America over the next three years.  Walk the walk and you don’t have to talk the talk.

 

And the MOST important thing that needs to be done is improve the economy for all Americans. In my opinion, President Trump deserves high marks for the actions he has taken, both domestic and international, to improve our economy.  He inherited a colossal mess from his predecessor.  He is securing good trade deals, he is making and soliciting good investments in American industry, and he is supercharging our energy sector in a way that not only spurs America’s economy…but also elevates our national security.  But the U.S. economy does not rise and fall at the flip of a switch.  It is a result of myriad influences and trends that takes months and years to coalesce into positive results.  The Trump Administration has taken the initial steps to put this progress in motion, but it is going to take time for the good results to reach all the way down the pockets of or citizenry.  The critical point is that tangible, positive results must be evident before the mid-term elections of 2026.    

 

Republicans in Congress need to do their job.  They need to pass appropriation bills on time and in responsible form.  They need to confirm appointments.  They need to pass new health care, national immigration reform, and crime control legislation.  They need to produce results…not rhetoric.  President Trump needs to continue his impressively busy schedule of promoting our country and the sound, common sense policies that he typically advocates.  But he too needs to rely on results and not carnival barking.  Stop talking about the problems you have solved or are well on the way to solving; start talking about the ones that have not yet been fully addressed.  Talk about the economy every day in every way.  Never let voters forget that you CARE about the cost of living, good paying jobs, and financial opportunities for working Americans.  Highlight the wins and address the problems with real solutions and ideals.

 

Talk about the horrors of crime; but also talk about solutions to crime prevention and improvements in our justice system.  Talk about the inequity and abuse in our national immigration system; but also demonstrate that you recognize the reality of millions of illegal aliens that have become embedded in our communities in a positive way over the last few decades.  Talk about the waste, fraud, and abuse in our government health and welfare programs; but show compassion for those among us who suffer from limited resources, oppressive social environments, and the unpredictably cruel consequences that life in general can throw at us.  Be a man of the people, a strong leader…a visionary that puts America first; but never forget to recognize that there are many among us who do not fully share in the benefits of peace and prosperity. 

 

The Democrats had a good day on November 4, but not nearly as good as it is being presented.  The board is set and the pieces are in place for the Republicans to not only maintain control of our government through December of 2028, but for a significant span of time beyond that.  But for the Republicans to do that, they must remain focused on doing their jobs, continuing to deliver common sense and responsible results for the American people, shrinking the size of government and improving its efficiency, and selecting superior candidates to compete for elected office.  Republicans…focus on good policy, good people, good results, and avoid the shiny objects that will litter your path forward.  Do the work and you will get the credit.