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| Sam Wolfe/Reuters |
Welp, that was some night?
It's amazing how election nights, like last night, are the only time we truly see and feel, collectively, where the nation stands on governance. Not the night-to-night cable news coverage. Not the talking pundits' opinion pieces. Not even your neighbor telling you, "This is where America is!"
Flat out, good ol' voting results.
And last night, America spoke in a BIG way.
I've been enamored with the midterm elections for months now for a variety of reasons, like just about everyone else, and for now, I've come away with a few major thoughts:
Rational Thought, or Changing Perspective
Look, it is very clear that the country decided that the Republican Party was not the way forward. There is real-world hurt happening every day. Stronger is the betrayal felt that is still fresh, in the form of American values eroding and empty, expected policies from the current administration.
But I do wonder - was this so much about party lines and political retribution? Or, just hear me out! Have we become united (sayyyy what???) in a cause against feeling betrayed by a system that just doesn't help Americans?
Call me crazy, but I feel that it's the latter. So many of these states don't flip blue because Republicans suddenly have a change of heart and centrists are now heading left.
Policies are once again at the core of this. And we're all paying attention.
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changing Demos
So much of the early data reveals that black voters, young voters, and Hispanic voters played a heavy role in the races. After we experienced so many inroads made within these groups by President Trump in 2024, it feels like they all bailed from the Republican Party in this midterm. Possibly, (finally?) rejected the current President as well.
These are all key demos that have been affected by the current climate. From immigration promises and/or illegal raids, to the demonizing of DEI and inclusionary policies, to, ultimately, a climate that provides little hope for the next generation.
Also, the economy is an issue that ALL demos understand. We watched billions of dollars go overseas, or towards vanity projects, when the average American is struggling here at home.
"Concepts of plans", distractions with culture wars, and big talk just aren't getting it done anymore.
Is this the End of MAGA?
It sure feels like it, huh?
Even Vice President JD Vance has begun separating himself from the current President's policies and is positioning himself for a 2028 Presidential run. He's going to have some tough questions to answer come debate season.
You had to believe they knew it was on its last legs. Offering $5,000 checks, the vigorous attempts at redistricting, even the massively shrinking Trump rallies - all of it were signs of failure and desperation.
After almost twelve years, it does feel like this thing is coming to an end. I'm incredibly enamored with the folks wrestling with the enormous cognitive dissonance today that, yes, just maybe, they were on the wrong side of history.
And of course, wondering what mental gymnastics those who still believe in MAGA are coming up with to explain this.
What's Next for the GOP?
I've been wondering since President Trump won in 2024 - where does the GOP go after Trump?
And it feels like we're closing in on that reality.
The party attached itself to some, well, un-Republican measures and stances along the way. There are plenty of conservatives who don't even see themselves in the party anymore.
I, for one, can tell you there is a mode within the fabric of the United States that needs conservative values. And for that, it needs the conservative party to be an ambassador of those principles. At the very least, a balance to what can be an extremely liberal agenda on the left (see: 2024).
I'm not sure what the Republican Party is...or, whatever it's become.
Just my opinion...don't come for me.
Can Trump Really Lead?
We're about to see the biggest test of President Trump's presidency. Yes, even more so than how COVID tested him as a leader during a global crisis in his first term.
He's going to have to work with Democrats for the betterment of the country. Imagine that?
His style of bold defiance, bullying, and circumventing the law isn't going to work, and the man who wrote "The Art of the Deal" will have to put those skills to work.
If we're being honest, President Trump's legacy is on the line in the last two years here. He's now set up to be a lame-duck President for the remainder of his term. As prideful as he is, and as his supporters have been, that would be the ultimate ego destroyer. He can - he can! - change a few things about his leadership style (and swallow some pride) and show that he can get things done. Will he? Ehh...
If not, he'll bow out and blame the Democrats for not being easy to work with - which might be true, but only hurts his credibility. I personally think, from this election, most of his antics are up. People are tired.
I guess we'll see...
America is Ready to Move On
I mentioned it a few weeks ago in a Sunday Sundown Rundown about this period of history being stuck on Obama and Trump.
If there is anything we can take away from all of this midterm shift, the vibes and energy are dictating that America is ready for fresh ideas and new individuals in Washington.
I don't know, maybe it's all the Gen Z folks voting. Who knows?!
Regardless, this feels like change is being demanded. Like a chapter is closing. And the government is being held accountable.
Maybe we've woken up. Maybe, just maybe...we are united?