“Voters are taking their anger out at the president, and the only way they can do that is by going after Republicans on the ballot,” ... If the lazy, worthless, do nothing Repubs would stop pandering/cowering to their new messiah, St Trump, and started doing something about him, as well as serving ALL the people, and not the privileged 1% they bow to, they might not be in such a rotting, sinking, ship!
7
House Republicans have 23 suburb areas to win that candidate Donald Trump actually lost in 2016.
Now salacious stories are raining down on the party.
3
Trump may lack the emotional and psychological capacity to face the truth, but it's here whether he admits it or not. We think that you're incompetent and that your tactics and policies are destructive and vile. We are voting to let you, and the Congressional Republicans who have bowed down to you, know that we want you and your administration, FIRED!
We are not the brainwashed, ill informed, intellectually lazy, raging self hating losers who admire you. We've worked hard to make something of ourselves and we're not ashamed to have talents and abilities that are the product of that hard work.
We do not accept governance by the ignorant, narcissistic, corrupt, vain, and incompetent. Get out, or we will put you out!
12
The election results in Nassau County and in the Town of Hempstead? defeating the G.O.P. machine (I grew up there when we were forced to genuflect to a statue of A. Holly Patterson.) prove that the jig may be up for Donnie and Ayn Ryan for the crime of overreaching. Other than that, give him a chance as long as the suitcase isn't turned over to Barron and the incumbent keeps eating those quarter pounders with Diet Coke.
1
When will the New York Times come clean about the months of free PR it lavished on Trump? Then there is the sustained beatdown not only on Sanders but on his supporters as well. Bernie Bros anyone? The Times behavior was reprehensible.
1
America is losing its standing in the world because of having chosen ignorant,coarse fraudster Trump as president .
By doing nothing to deal with his aberrant behavior, Congress has sullied the name of the Republican Party, possibly irreparably.
Time for more in Congress to speak out and to get back on track so Americans can hold their heads up proudly once more.
4
So, Democrats are excited to finally win an election after Trump's HISTORIC win! Figures. Don't forget you lost 4 out of 5 elections since then, but somehow wins in primarily DEMONCRAT states, are a "huge success". Way to stay in your little boxes. As "We" were told by then president Obama, elections have consequences. We won. Get over it! As more and more facts come out about Russia, it is more and more turning into Democrat collusion. Oh wait, Libs call it, "Opposition Research". Pitiful liberals.
The vacuous Apprentice is our vacuum. We must fill our spot at the Top with vision as soon as possible. Trump is clearly a blind man.
2
I was actually impressed with Tom Perez's post election comments yesterday. Obviously Virginia was the bellweather that everyone looked to in their analysis, but it did clearly appear that the "energize, organize down ballot races" message was heard around the country. Many of the young people elected to local and state offices will be the bright future of the Democratic Party. That exciting fact was what inspired and energized me. For all the gloom and doom over the last year, if we can generate interest and committment to serve, perhaps a new, younger generation will be ready to step up and step into politics at every level. "Run for something!" seems to be taking hold, and these young, new voices give me hope!
5
Right--bourgeois multi-cultural big gov'ment suburbanites back in control.
Not going to happen without the Mueller-Comey mutant tag-team putting Trump in jail before 2020.
To paraphrase Mr. Nicholson: Let's not buy crazy any more.
1
You ARE joking, of course. Let's see who actually votes.
much ado about nothing ... both Washingtn State and Virginia were states Hillary Clnton won
1
The NYTimes is more than stretching here. Like the article on the vote for Handel vs. Ossoff in GA. Why do you arrogant journalists and editors believe that we citizens vote in local elections based purely on party? We do not. If we like a representative, most will vote for them. And what's with "a muscular coalition of college-educated voters and racial and ethnic minorities dealt the Republican Party a thumping rejection on Tuesday and propelled a diverse class of Democrats into office." Do you even pretend to report objectively? Nope.
Voters are angry, but they are angry at both parties. Now is the time for a third party and even thought the NYTimes would never give fair time to a new party, voters don't do what the NYTimes tells them to. Obviously.
2
If they know what's good for them they won't pass this tax cut for the 1%. They ain't seen revolt yet! And then we'll un-do every single thing they've done.
8
Trump’s behavior and Congress’ enabling may have helped drive this year’s election results. But the bottom line is that the Democratic Party still needs to get out there in Trump country and convince voters the Democratic Party can address their long term economic complaints and concerns (and then deliver results).
This is a great start, but only a start. Hope is not a plan.
8
This is great, of course. But let's be honest. Republicans will continue to have more political power than their actual numbers merit as long as conservative states with populations less than a million have the same number of votes in the Senate as liberal states with populations greater than 10 million. That's not going to change any time soon. Or any time at all.
6
Democrats should not celebrate so hard and so fast. There are no guarantees that the House and or the Senate will flip. There is a lot of hard work to do. There is crafting a message that needs to be worked on. There is having a slate of electable candidates running. If the Democrats run too far to the left, they will not win. If the Democrats run purely on an anti Trump message, that strategy is fraught with peril too. They have to appeal to their base, spread the message from the big cities to the suburban areas, and start a broad education process on the issues. Additionally, they need to not take voters for granted and start listening to the issues of rural America. If the Democrats want to win the White House, the strategy has to be well thought out and broader in appeal.
3
True. However, don't underestimate what will happen when Robert Mueller brings indictments against Donald!
1
I have not very many Republican friends to tell you the truth. But one of the friends I DO have is a fairly religious conservative who was disgusted by Trump's language and behavior.
He went out yesterday in his very white suburban town and voted straight down the democratic ticket. And he can't have been the only one because the entire town council flipped to democrat.
Just one person and one story but I found it interesting.
12
Not a day goes by that I don't feel more and more proud of my vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton for President and feel so terribly sad for my compatriots who voted for Trump.
15
Why is everyone happy that Democrats "won" seats in traditionally blue states? These victories are "outliers" and by means should be used to determine the outcome of upcoming 2018 election cycle. I'm just saying- It's a little premature to be "High 5-ing" right now- when there is still much work to be done. Nobody wants to see more LGBT owned car dealerships and free homes for undocumented immigrant workers more than me. However- If the DNC wants to go all in on social justice and gender-identity issues, then expect to see more GOP gains in 2018 and Trump re-elected in 2020.
2
Sit down Rolex watch Bob McDonnell. No one wants to hear from you.
Everyday the GOP shows more and more that it is the party only of white Southern and Midwestern Evangelicals. The party has zero interest in the diversity this country has and in fact is openly hostile to it.
10
I look forward to 2020 when everyone calls Trump .... ex-President Trump.
4
My neighbors are Filippino, Sikh, Israeli, Polish, Italian, Chinese, Jewish. My kids went to day care run by a Dominica and her Jamaican husband. We tried the new Peruvian restaurant last week and had a great meal and conversation with our lesbian waitress that increasing cosmopolitan culture can be found in the suburbs. Yes, the suburbs are becoming increasingly tolerant and diverse to the great benefit of the cities they ring and the ties they create. Demographics will accomplish more progress than fickle politicians and their thinly veiled parochialism.
12
Most suburbanites don't like to think of themselves as racist or xenophobic--the standard explanation for living in suburbs is that they are safer places with better schools for raising kids. Nonetheless, suburbs have, over time, isolated a lot of white people from exposure to people of other ethnic groups, providing an incubator for stoking fears (that's a terrible mixed metaphor, I know).
But that has changed. Most suburbs are not the traditional isolated enclaves--more and more suburbanites come into contact with, live next door to, and have kids that play with, people from other cultures and ethnic groups. And that familiarity, where it occurs, obliterates fear.
I may be wearing rose-colored glasses, but I suspect that, incrementally, the Republican politics of fear will become less effective as time passes.
20
It is simple, to solve this problem ,all Republicans need to be removed from all political offices. Just because they may be in some minor office in your town, they are the root stock of the party.
To kill the weed, the roots need to be removed.
My wife and I have vowed not to vote for any Republican until the party changes its ways.
16
Better take a harder look at the Virginia voting results by county and demographics before letting confirmation bias run too amok. Not much different from the 2016 election where about five urban counties around NYC and LA accounted for Hillary's entire margin in the popular vote.
3
Yes, it was a thrilling election and a huge sigh of relief. It shows what engaged voters can do. Last year, many voters stayed home, why bother in a landslide - as the media kept telling us - especially if lukewarm to the candidate after years of scandals.
But every single one of Mr. Trump's supporters came out to vote for him.
This week not one single voter stayed home or shrugged that their vote didn't matter. So many new people won because they didn't like what they saw and did something about it. Wow.
13
The GOP has shrunk down to alt-right Trump believers and a few deep-pocketed rich, white donors.
Party of Lincoln, indeed.
12
Down with the GOP! We must get rid of Trump with impeachment and the GOP must pay in every election for the crazy things they do!
11
The remming "fly in the ointment" is undemocratic gerrymandered districts scattered throughout the country. The Supreme Court is addressing this issue now, but no guarantee they will vote to reduce, if not eliminate, political party control of the redistricting process. Some states, such as California, have voted to place this process in a non-partisan commission, which then employed those skilled in accurately designing voting districts without regard to which party people claim to be in, or in no party at all. Too often now states such as PA find more people voting for the Democratic candidate, but the end result is a large majority of Congressional districts going to the GOP candidate. We need to quickly reinforce the principal of "one vote per person" both at the local and national level. Reforming the Electoral College in some way is also clearly in order..
6
I would like to think the tide has turned against Trump but really all this election did was to consolidate the attitudes of never Trumpers in states and suburban areas that were already a lock for the Democrats. If anything, it just reinforced the notion that those who dislike Trump are never likely to reverse their distaste for a man who is roundly unqualified for any type of office, let alone the highest in the country. I heard a lot of chatter on radio that these victories were due to a rapidly emerging grass roots movement that is energizing the Democrat base like never before. NO ! Please hit the pause button on that one. Such a statement only gains credibility when areas that have been GOP strongholds or were sitting on the fence go the way of the Dems.
Until that happens Dems - please stop clutching on straws. You have not won anything yet. The only thing that has happened is this. A group of thoroughly abject GOP politicians led by a bigoted misogynist trounced Hillary and the Dems in the National Election. If that has not yet sunk in yet, you are never going to win anything back. And the GOP did not win the election because America is somehow filled with closet bigots. They did so because the Dems lacked a coherent message and a strategic framework. Nothing I saw in the prelude to the victories in Virginia and NJ suggest that such gaps have been plugged. Hatred for Trump is not quite the same as having a strategy. Hate is never a winning formula
8
Perhaps we can get rid of of our ignorant leadership at the top. We need more politically moderate leadership who have their eye on our Nation's welfare and not on their already deep pockets. Conservative fiscal corruption and National isolationism are not ideas with any benefits to us.
3
You speak as a republican. ?
Trump may indeed be the best organizer for Democratic voter turnout of the century. But....we all know that 2018 will not result in electoral victory for the Dems unless they show substance. They can't rely on the lunacy of Trump alone.
5
If they think we are rebelling now, just wait until they try and pass their atrocious tax plan. Republicans are radioactive poison and it's now up to them to do something. Leonard Lance, my representative, seems to be a nice man. He holds town halls regularly and has been a supporter of pancreatic research, the disease that killed my husband. But he is a republican and electing republicans to the House or Senate is a threat to our country. What they are proposing to do hurts most working Americans, and threatens to further widen the disparity between the very wealthy and everyone else. It is literally tearing apart the fabric of our nation. I worry about the kind of world I am leaving for my son. I cannot, in good conscience, vote for Leonard Lance or anyone else with an "R" after their name. Republicans need to understand this immediately. Bipartisanship must be embraced. The "go it alone" attitude and the desire to ram anything down regardless of its impact is dangerous. Until the Republicans realize this and take back their party to the sane middle, nothing will improve for them and their losses will only accumulate.
5
With all due respect.
Gillespie is the epitome of the establishment globalist swamp creature, and truth be told, a Never-Trump Bushie at his very core, if there ever was one.
He did an awkward dance with Trump and it didn't work out, especially in a blue state that Trump lost in 2016.
4
This DEM electoral win can only mean of course that Russian meddling in our election process will be shoved into high gear for 2018, and trump's complicity in it will become even more concerted and entrenched. The GOP will continue to use its wide elective powers to aggressively advance their voter suppression scheming in blatant gerrymandering and tampering with voting rights and mechanisms. At this very moment they are expanding the "Interstate Crosscheck" that has already illegally and unconstitutionally denied over 1 million poor, minority, and inner city people their right to vote.
11
I like Chuck Shumer's invitation to "bring it on." If they pass this bill it will be the clearest news of all that Trump supporters were sold a bill of goods, and would bode well for progressives.
12
In case anyone has forgotten, Citizens United is responsible for ALL of this horror. The members of Congress are beholden to their tax dodging big donors and super-pacs. Not the American people. Lock them up!
14
Nancy Pelosi may not be popular among Republicans, but Democrats and even some Republicans recognize the power of her seniority and committee memberships. While some younger Dem pols would like to take her on, they do not necessarily enjoy the support of most Californians.
10
I think it would be excellent if California keeps Nancy in office.
3
I am happy. If one thing concerns me going into mid-terms it's the regular cycle of Democratic over-reach and ensuing self-destructive infighting leading to GOP wins.
Another is the durability of the neophyte administrations against a persistent alt-right smear onslaught over the next year.
A life-long liberal Democrat, I cringe at the (yes Blow) identity-centric nature of our party and the polarization of politics. One does not have to support Trump to worry about certain Republican policy positions. One does not have to be Pelosis poodle to want America to support classical liberal positions.
We should not elect people based on their sex, race, creed or religion period.
to paraphrase a wise capitalist:
A "Man's" worth is bound to his proven utility to society and his fellow "Man". I don't get how one can argue opposite and still claim we're all equal? Please, by what other measure?
I hope the voters had nowhere near as much regard for superficial appearances as the for-profit media and party officials do.
2
DJT and the GOP have an enormous math issue and there is nothing they can do about it at this point.
The epic disapproval ratings, the countless numbers of people negatively impacted by their policies are only outweighed by the number of American voters who oppose this administration.
There are more non-GOP than GOP followers and the gap is widening daily. DJT actually finished third in the last election- behind the number of people who did not vote and those that voted for Clinton.
The GOP is caving in on itself and there is nothing they can do as long as DJT is around.
Virginia was just a signal of things to come. 2018 and 2020 should complete the dismantling of the GOP as we know it at least for the next decade or two.
4
I believe that for many of the millions guilty of not voting because of apathy or the belief that who is in office doesn't really matter, the election of Trump has cured some of them.
11
Living in the suburbs is a proxy for middle class, which requires a certain level of education, exposure to complex ideas that academia provides the tools to productively engage. Those who have gone through this process value it as a contrast to threats, stereotypes or slogans defining policies that affect them.
Trump, no matter the degrees he managed to obtain, is a classic "rabblerouser" in the model of city bosses or Elmer Gantries who thrived on the simple trusting ignorance of their acolytes. It's not that suburbanites are now against his policies, it is his persona, his negating the process of thoughtful discourse. This requires engaging with complex concepts, and both trusting those who have mastered a given field and learning the parameters in play.
The key is when Trump stated, "Nobody knew how complicated healthcare is." He was offered tutelage by Professor Ezekial Emanual, one of the key designers of the ACA, but ignored it, or any other of those who knew the complexity of this issue and spent their life finding solutions.
In an world of complexity that becomes more so every day, the individual with the most influence on the direction we take refuses to engage the challenge. Those middle class suburbians now realize that three more years of Donald Trump choosing others of his mentality to run our government may just be too long to recover from.
7
I hope the Democratic Party leadership learns the lesson of this election: stop chasing the mythical white swing voter by tacking right. Instead, give young people and minorities a reason to get out to vote by running candidates who look and think like them. Obama's margins of victory in 2008 and 2012 closely mirrored increased black participation. When voter turnout returned to pre-2008 demographics in 2010, 2014, and 2016, the GOP won.
5
One would have thought that "young people and minorities," would find little things like education loans and health care quite enough reason to show up.
2
The party leaders should listen (do not hold your breath) to Rep Elect Danica Roem on how she won her district. As a transgender she had a larger cross to carry than your average candidate.
She ran on infrastructure improvement, jobs and education. She did not run on anti-Trump anti-LGBT or anti anything. In other words, she ran on Democratic and American values. Refreshing.
9
It is increasingly apparent that outside Trump’s base, people just aren’t buying what Trump is selling. And what he is selling is a mixed brew of hate, division, antipathy, selfishness, greed, hostility, and disruption.
Thank God, his so-called Art of the Deal is falling apart, as his targets (a.k.a. pigeons) move on with their lives and try to make sense of the world.
6
Next year’s elections can’t come quick enough.
11
I believe the operative term is "shellacking". Second coat to be applied November 2018.
13
Nonsense
All four special elections for Congress were won by Republicans. This narrative is nonsense. Virginia which President Trump did not win was won by the Democrats--big deal. The media is doing its best to portray this as a change. Most of the Senate seats that are up for reelection are in states President Trump won. If the media and the Democrats want to delude themselves--great. Come November 2018 the Democrats can write another book--and this title will be What Happened AGAIN
4
I don't know. Midterms are often won by the party out of power and this is most often true when a president is unpopular, as Trump decidedly is outside of his base.
The electorate in general acts as a sort of pendulum. In 2016 any Reoublican candidate might have beaten any Democratic candidate. The fact that both candidates were uniquely unpopular might not have made any difference.
So the Virginia election may be a bellweather for 2018 entirely because it indicates that Democrats are eager to get out and vote in off presidential elections, which is frequently not the case. You can say it doesn't MEAN anything because of all sorts of reasons but I think it probsbly does mean just that.
4
Yeah, you are probably right. With your preferred tactics of extreme voter suppression and gerrymandering, along with help from your propaganda network at fox and colluding Russian troll army, you should be in good shape. How democratic of you.
2
I think Americans of various political stripes are desperate to say "shut up" to Trump and his minions. This election was our first opportunity to do so. Our collective voices will only grow louder as the tragedy of Trump continues.
12
All four special elections for Congress were won by Republicans. This narrative is nonsense. Virginia which President Trump did not win was won by the Democrats--big deal. The media is doing its best to portray this as a change. Most of the Senate seats that are up for reelection are in states President Trump won. If the media and the Democrats want to delude themselves--great. Come November 2018 the Democrats can write another book--and this title will be What Happened AGAIN
3
This is the block of voters who would have voted for Joe Biden last year.
4
If you’re talking about Virginia, nothings really changed. Isn’t it just the same bloc of voters who voted for Hillary?
1
"Chris Vance, a former chairman of the Washington State Republican Party, placed the blame squarely on Mr. Trump: “Among college-educated suburbanites, he is a pariah.”"
A republican with a modicum of introspective self-awareness. It's like finding a unicorn.
17
The people getting screwed the most by the GOP and the ones ashamed of Trump's hateful regime have spoken for the first time in a long time and in 2018 they are really going to speak again.
I, although not being from any of the states that showed these positive results, would be, on surface only, labeled a disaffected middle age white male since I live far more rural. But I am not disaffected. I have always been positive about progressive issues and I do not find it easy to hate people or blame them for my problems. I was raised right by a hard working blue collar Roosevelt Democrat.
There are more of us than the loud mouth fake news swallowing Trump-files would have you believe. His brand of division politics will have a short ineffective life and then we can move forward again.
Good job Tuesday progressives. On to 2018 and 2020!
27
I like Pelosi and respect her career. But like Hillary her decades of success have made her a boogeyman (boogeywoman?) for the right. And a lot of that visceral prejudice percolates into the swing voters. There is something to the notion that in an era of venom once you've had a certain amount of public exposure you're done, you do more harm than good. (That was one of Obama's advantages v. HRC).
My belief is that the Dems will do better in 2018 if Pelosi steps aside.
14
I appreciate that you have a reasoned view of Pelosi, rather than the typical bashing that happens. Nancy Pelosi has been a great leader and very successful in terms of keeping her caucus in lockstep and passing meaningful legislation. Behind the scenes she is a big fund raiser and I think that has implications that may not be quite as obvious to us, but is important to the democratic infrastructure. I do think some of the venom is based in misogyny. If she were a white guy from Ohio, we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
14
Suburbs are where the well to do live. Time to start donating..to Party Majority, the Clintons' fundraising arm for democrats.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/former-clinton-aides-launch-n...
Clooney said he helped Hillary raise obscene amounts of money for her victory fund, perhaps they spend it all. Now they need to start fundraising again. Are you listening, celebrities, media elites, Hollywood, Wall Street, Silicon Valley, Goldman Sachs, entertainment industry, sports industry, big pharma, big oil, big everything, here's your chance to outperform yourselves.
4
Now is the time to donate to the candidates directly. Circumvent the DNC and Hillary. She's done.
The Republicans are left with two constituencies: the very stupid and the very wealthy. Sometimes these go hand in hand, as in the case of Trump.
40
Chester County, PA is connected to Delaware County. Democratic candidates won all four Countywide offices. Not one Democrat has held a county office since before the Civil War. In the county seat of West Chester, the Democrat won the Mayor's office with 70 percent of the vote. Solid Republican positions fell throughout the municipalities, most by solid margins. Republicans representing this county plus Delaware, Bucks, and Montgomery in Congress may be an endangered species in 2018.
18
Maybe Toomey could get stomped in the next election.
2
Good work Democrats. The Republicans are getting a taste of the 2018 election coming up. I hope the same thing happens then.
20
I take joy on other states' results. Congratulations to all who made a stand against Trump: candidates and voters. In Utah, we are stuck again with another Republican taking over Chaffetz's US House seat. Mr. Curtis is currently Mayor of Provo, BYU's town, and although his language is cleaner than Trump's, his politics are just as crooked. I look forward to 2018: Hatch may or may not run again. He is courting Romney to take over, and if Romney does not accept taking the throne from him, then Hatch will do the favor of staying on another 6 years or until death do us part. Morbid, indeed.
10
Tuesday's results were not just a repudiation of trump and the GOP agenda. It is fair warning to the Pelosis and the Schumers of the DNC. A diversity of new blood, especially women, have created an exciting political landscape with a new breed of politician, often first-timers, who will win and continue to win in 2018 and beyond.
Progressivism is back. President Obama should be the mentor.
12
While I hope that Democrats sweep in 2018, I'm reminded that a year ago, a Democrat sweep was widely predicted and in fact the Republicans did the sweeping.
3
This is such great news. No poll can capture the seething anger the vast majority of Americans have for The Con Don and his Robber Baron brethren hostile financial takeover of OUR United States of America.
Good Job, Good People of America. Get out and vote every single time. Step up and help manage your school board, city/town council, country council, state legislature and/or volunteer to work for grassroots watchdog campaigns.
WE THE PEOPLE built The United States of America and WE will not let the Robber Barons, who stole their wealth from hard-working people through "investment loans" or inherited it, destroy OUR country. WE will fight like hell to preserve/restore true democracy in America - Social and Economic Equity for ALL Americans.
15
Democrats need to focus on a "Target" to get their base exited and at the same time appeal to all working Americans. That Target has to be the pharmaceutical drug lords. As a rule the drug companies are thoroughly hated by everyone in the country, excepting drug company executives. We all know they're extorting almost twice as much as they charge all the other advanced countries. The bigger plus is that forcing the Drug Lords to sell to us at the same price they do everyone else could save a hundred billion dollars a year, going a long way toward paying for Medicare for All. This is the moment and the Drug Lords are the Target Democrats need to focus on.
4
Prescription drug advertising dominates news media. The media doesn't want to kill this goose that lays so many golden eggs.
5
Ultimately, Chris Christie's charm offensive proved far more offensive than charming, at least to vast majority of the citizens he ostensibly represented.
The annals of American politics are littered with the wreckage of human Hindenbergs who came crashing to earth, consumed by the volatile ether that once powered their lift.
The takeaway? Where there is no humility, hubris reigns. Ignore the implications at your peril Mr. Trump.
10
The Port Authority will probably have to engage a Chinese company on an emergency basis to build the Hudson rail tunnel Christie nixed, when one of the existing century old tunnels crumbles and floods.
7
The North(east) Remembers.
11
James Mackler a better candidate than Bredesen. Cmon Tennessee!!!
2
“Voters are taking their anger out at the president, and the only way they can do that is by going after Republicans on the ballot,” said Representative Charlie Dent, Republican of Pennsylvania.
Oh, you're not getting off that easy. It's more than that, Charlie. It's not only anger at the disaster known as Trump, but anger at the party that enables an obviously incompetent, unstable narcissist; a party that consistently chooses power over people. So no. Tuesday's elections were a referendum on the GOP as a whole.
31
Interviews with Republican lawmakers show they just don't get it. They are saying that voters are upset they are not passing legislation. Voters are upset about the KIND of legislation they want to pass and are relieved it is not passing. But they are aware if they don't vote them out, it could pass later. Also they should realize their majority has been based on extreme gerrymandering and voter suppression, and aware voters are upset about that as well. And the presidential election was won because of the arcane electoral system, established so southerners could count their slaves but not let them vote, which means that your vote for president in Montana counts four times as much as your vote in California. Hilary Clinton would have won in any democratically elected race in the world, and so would Al Gore. Think of what a different country and world it would be without the Iraq War and with energy and resources devoted to climate change. Think of what a different cabinet and kind of leadership we would have had with Clinton. Unfair structural problems have put the Republicans in power, but it does not mean the people of the United States for the most part like what they are doing if they are paying attention to what the GOP does, not what they say. And more people are paying attention.
16
Translation: their plutocratic donors are ready to cut off their gravy trains.
7
Not the corrupt Koch brothers.
May be Trump supporters do not want to appear "deplorable" and still support him either because they do not know better or they do not care. Their everyday lives may be so stressful that they have no interest in macro factors injected by Trump that may affect their welfare.
Some of them seem to feel that Trump is a He Man and that is what is needed to correct their misery - The Superman complex? Not sure.
It is too early to celebrate yet as long as the Electoral College wrinkle is not ironed out and some of the powers of the President curbed. Where there are no suburbs the Democrats may be vulnerable.
6
Democrats need to instill a message and repeat it like ground hod day the way republicans have for years. I know many people, myself included, wonder all the time how folks in red states voted for the GOP for years. The GOP in red state America actually benefits the most from social programs and programs that were democratic. The cuts from the right never served the bottom 60%, but yet they voted against their own well being. One wonders how the hec they did that.
10
Don't underestimate the seductiveness of Pascal's famous wager: what happens after death is forever.
1
The amusing thing about this is the response, today, from Republicans is that they "must pass tax reform." Given the extravagant rejection of Republicans in suburbs in this off-year election, do they not understand that a tax package that penalizes the upper middle class is political suicide?
15
It really is a stretch to call anything these folks do "reform".
12
Ironically, this election could be the worst thing to happen for Democrats. Just as a good football team makes - and executes - second half adjustments to win the game, Republicans will quietly make theirs while Democrats think they can just ride the wave in 2018. The wolves will run in sheep's clothing, and unless giddy Dems snap themselves out of their euphoria and make their own adjustments, they won't know what hit them.
4
Yes, the Democrats can expect to be inundated with false flag Republican candidates in primaries.
3
Two states (VA, NJ) that regularly have split tickets and split governors and state legislatures elected Democratic governors. This is not Earth-shattering news, especially in NJ where the anti-Christie sentiment allowed Murphy to coast to a win. Murphy, another Goldman Sachs Democrat like convicted criminal Corzine, has promised every interest group piles of money, yet NJ cannot raise taxes any more with its flat economy. He will not be elected again when his promises fall flat as well.
These two state elections represent midterm doldrums with low voter turnouts in states that run purple. Nothing else.
3
It is interesting that the Republican faithful of suburban Monmouth County, NJ did not break ranks with the Southern states tax attack of N. E. blue states. You can take them to water but you can't make them drink.
4
Republicans believe that they can elect a conman detested by educated, aware and successful people and then go on to slap the American people by repealing their healthcare and increasing their tax burden for the benefit of the big Republican donors.
They are wrong.
The majority of Americans CANNOT be fooled into voting against their own best interests by Alex Jones and Fox News. And if the Republicans continue on this path, they will be left with a small, minority constituency consisting of meth addicted alcoholics in dead end Ohio towns and the hollers of West Virginia. That and the super rich. The 1% who don't have the numbers to elect anybody.
11
I'm honestly unsure as to which is funnier: the right-wingers trying to click their heels together three times and make the facts go away, or the remnant Berniacs trying to take credit for victories that Tom Perez (that fascist!) and a lot of people they sneer at worked for.
All in favor of democratic socialism, by the way. Just tired of unrealism and disdain for everybody who doesn't see the world the same way, and has a few little questions about the nature of the Revolution.
Please go vote next November, come whatever.
6
But will this be enough to stop the Republicans from gutting the tax code and the budget to give away the store to the wealthy and corporations? By Jan 2019 the damage may be irreversible. They will literally take money from your pocket to give to Donald Trump and his kids.
9
If Democrats keep showing up, we'll win because we outnumber the Republicans in most places.
13
Once again, this paper is not content with reporting news; they want to create it, too. How the former chairman of the Republican National Committee could be construed to represent Donald Trump is real mystery. How the results from Virginia (or Maryland) be construed to represent the whole country's affinity for Donald Trump is another one.
4
"Suburbs rebel against Trump" and other naive headlines remind me A year ago when the media assured us all that Hillary would win. Besides being wrong, they glossed over the dissatisfaction many of us have with the democrats. We didn't want Hillary and we didn't want the faux progressivism that Hillary represented. We didn't want it in 2016 and we will want it even less in 2018.
5
It's not just state level or metropolitan areas - check in with those you know in small cities and towns and you will most likely find the same thing I did, Democrats were strong.
7
I saw a county-wide map of VA election results that showed Beltway-only support for Democrats. We shouldn't extrapolation much from these results, as there is only one Washington DC (aka "swamp") in our country.
This is all great, but if Bernie (bless his heart) runs as an Independent in 2020, say "hello" to 2000 all over again.
3
What the article does not say is that here in VA, Democrat candidates for the House of Delegates received about 9% more votes than Republican candidates, yet after the recounts are finished Democrats may actually not control the House of Delegates. In VA, all 100 House of Delegate seats are up for re-election every year. in 2017, the GOP had a 34 seat majority, i.e. controlled the House of Delegates 67-33. To lose, or almost lose, that size of majority in a single election is stunning. But the power of gerrymandering is absolutely undeniable - the GOP may retain control of the House of Delegates in VA with 9% popular vote deficit! On what planet is that good for a modern democracy?
PS - #1 issues in exit polls in VA - more than double any other issue - was health care, and those saying so voted overwhelmingly - 80+ % Democratic. I believe that the GOP is going to reap the whirlwind on this issue in 2018. The absolutely hateful, uncaring, almost sociopathic way they have demagogued this issue will haunt them for a long time to come.
12
When public service replaces for profit Congress positions; money ceases being the measure of all things (including the value of human beings); and as one of the commenters mentions, Trump lands in jail, and I feel and must return all the money he bilked the American people while disregarding the emolument clause; when an education is not considered elitism and everyone reads and digests the Federalist Papers, America can become great, not "great again" because we have a lot to repent for but on the road to true greatness.
Maybe we are beginning to see our country emerging from the New Dark Age we suffered starting with Ronald the Dimwit and his kickstarting the flowering of evil husbanded by the GOP.
5
The liberal jubilation is of a sigh of relief. Not some big new revival.
6
The middle class suburban voters who voted for Trump should be ashamed of themselves. Not that I support these moves but it will be there just desserts and comeuppance if Trump succeeds in 1) cutting their medical insurance benefits (say by making it so they can't cover their kids at college), 2) raising their taxes (say by eliminating the deductions for their retirement accounts, mortgages, and local taxes paid), and 3) keeping their relatives out (say by eliminating the immigration favors for their siblings and grandparents). Trump was a predictable (predicted!) disaster and these voters' fecklessness help put him in office.
15
Why on earth hasn't the NY Times mentioned Lee Carter's win in Virginia? He stands for so much of what I believe in too, that the big money supporting both parties has got to be dealt with. The interview with him in the New Republic is inspiring and it is as exciting an upset as any of the others, in some ways even more because this young man is rethinking the whole system and he basically won without much support from the state Democratic party.
https://newrepublic.com/article/145727/socialist-beat-one-virginias-powe...
5
You should be more specific.
Suburbs populated with government workers.
And they didn't rebel so much as vote the way they usually do.
2
Not so Westchester County, N.Y. -- the county immediately north of New York City and one of the wealthiest places on God's green earth, along with historically Rockefeller Republican.
On Tuesday night Democratic State Sen. George Latimer upset incumbent Republican Rob Astorino for county executive. Voter turnout was light when I arrived in the morning and I figured my vote for Latimer would go down the drain, but I, an independent, moderate woman, voted D across the board.
And then I looked around at the faces of the voters -- young, black, female, sometimes young, black and female -- and thought, Good for you. -- thegamesmenplay.com
4
The Trump effect is no doubt part of it but moderates around the country cannot be gratified by the congressional Republican agenda of eviscerating health care for middle class and lower income Americans and gutting environmental protections and regulations whilst pushing as their main priority a huge tax cut for our wealthiest citizens and corporations which will do little long term good for the country but will increase income inequality and balloon the deficit.
It is a minority of the electorate whose cult-like support for Trump and the GOP remains unshaken and, indeed, inflamed. They will get out and vote, be sure on that point. To deliver the decisive electoral rebuke the Republican Party so richly deserves in 2018 and 2020 will require a greater commitment to get out and vote by liberals and moderates. We can no longer stand by and be silent witnesses to the disaster that is unfolding in our country.
9
People are beginning to realize Trump really is a fraud and almost all Republicans sold their soul to support someone who brags about molesting women, stiffing small business suppliers, and defrauding students. The burbs were ambivalent about Clinton, and those paying attention to the news realized she really didn't believe the rules applied to her with news two weeks before the election Bill and she remodeled on their house without pulling permits. Dems up and down the ballot are fired up. Let's keep it up.
7
Network and cable news had better wake up, too. We’re sick of them towing the line for this administration, refusing to call falsehoods out. We’re pulling the plug.
9
Anyone from the Northeast or tri-state area would have had enough of Donald Trump even before he was sworn in last January. Unless one was living under a rock for 30 years they would have read, heard or seen enough about him to know what a Trump presidency would bring.
16
While it is good to see that Democratic optimism reigns; hopefully they will not get over confidant (a la H) and muck up the 2018 elections...
6
The only hope for Republicans is to remove Trump
and try to take credit for saving the democracy.
For the rest of the world, they woulld be grateful no
matter who gets credit for getting rid of Donald J. Trump.
Furthermore, voters thumping Republicans now will not
soon forget which party stubbornly let America be bruised
and batterted for their own ends.
9
I think if Republicans want to have a chance at the midterms, they impeach Trump, do not pass this ridiculous tax plan, go back to the table on the ACA and work to fix it, and govern judiciously, moderately and in a bipartisan fashion.
I'm betting Republicans are not smart enough to do that.
12
If you, the people, do not enforce minimum standards of conduct in public policy by voting out bums, the bums will drive out the good. I hope this is the turning point.
15
This is the start of taking back America and reviving its democracy that Trump and his Cabinet and the special interest group of the obscenely wealthy buying America, because they can. They are working hard to suppress the voice of the majority of Americans. Like Trump their interests are self interests and they do not care about anyone outside their privileged circle.
These wins were a rejection of hate, a rejection of racism, a rejection of bigotry, a rejection of misogyny, and a rejection of a WH administration destroying American democracy, stomping on our constitutional laws, violating federal laws, conflict of interest laws and ethics, suppressing our votes, threatening our national security, allied with Putin, taking away our consumer protections, polluting our air and water, attacking our health care and trying to take even more money from average American household budgets to give to the 'filthy rich'.
'Can you hear us now', Republicans?
11
Why any person who is not at the minimum a multi-millionaire would even think of voting Republican is incomprehensible. How could some ardent supporters of Bernie Sanders not follow logic and realize that their choice was an easy one: Hillary. Instead, either out of spite or naivete, they thought they'd teach Hillary a lesson, and jump the shark, and vote Trump. Really? Did they truly think this one out? In politics, when the people take their eyes off the prize, and cast a revenge vote, it is they who lose. Bernie and Hillary are doing just fine, and will continue to lead lives most Americans would envy. Only the voters who think they'll punish Hillary by voting Trump are the real losers. That's the conundrum in politics. Do not cast punitive votes. Vote for the candidate's policies, for their track record (Hillary and Bernie in tandem 93% of the time). Voting for Trump, well, you might as well shoot yourself in the foot, and then complain it's hard to walk. Hopefully, the Dem onslaught we saw Tuesday will not waver. Come next November, in 2020, and 2022 (yes, that's for the remnants of Republican senators), the people must vote the issues not the personality of the candidate. Most will never know the candidates up close and personal. You care only how their stance on the issues will effect you. Stop dumb voting. Vote smart.
DD
Manhattan
8
Both parties are crazy and extreme to the core. Here in America, it's an opportunity society, not a bash the rich society. People should glorify wealthy people because they made it in life. Unless you want to remain poor and destitute, no one in America should attack and demonize wealth and success.
Being poor is not something to glorify. It should be shunned and mocked. This is America.
1
Dear Bob:
I've never heard anyone demonize wealth. In fact just the opposite. The United States has always prided itself on being the land of opportunity. We know not everyone starts life from the same position in life. What the US pledges is that no matter what your station in life you at least have the opportunity to soar to the highest of heights.
What we expect of those who are fortunate enough to have reached the pinnacle of monetary success is to pay for that privilege that they were given simply by being in America. No one does it alone, especially someone like Trump. He is someone who thinks he's the greatest, smartest, person to ever walk the face of the Earth. Do you actually believe him? If you do, then you have been sold a bill of goods. Trump did not work hard for anything he's gotten in his life and neither has anyone of his children. Bill Clinton came from a broken family in Arkansas. He is a self-made man, as is Barack Obama. They are the stories that embody the American Dream. They both became President despite all the odds against them. That is the American we dream of. What Trump represents is the notion that how much one is worth is how worthy one is viewed in this country. That is an abomination. As you can see from almost one year in office, Trump is a walking disaster, and he doesn't have a clue how to lead a great nation. He can barely read, for goodness sake.
DD
Manhattan
1
Democratic Socialists (progressive taxation) won seats throughout the country. Bernie’s Our Revolution is planting seeds across America
3
Soccer moms coming home? After suffering the verbal abuse and/or sexual harassment from their children’s soccer coach, perhaps?
2
You see, a democracy can work. The key word in the first sentence says it.
"A MUSCULAR COALITION of college-educated votes AND racial and ethnic minorities dealth the Republican Party a thumping rejection..........."
Forget your identity and find common ground with others on economic, moral, ethical and educational issue that are critical to us all.
5
I don’t understand what the anger is all about. All they did was steal a presidential election, and give it to the most unqualified, unstable Russian stooge they could find.
12
Dent might be right for some people voting in anger against the president, but we are not all that complicit with our vote hence I take offense in his statement. Voting against a majority house, grand old pigs who have not been representing the people but rather their own monetary interests, would be more accurate.
3
In Delaware County, PA, Democrats gained row offices there for the first time in over 100 years. Let that sink in.
8
Let's not celebrate yet, 2018 is not even here, and Dems have much to correct within the party. There needs to be new blood and young blood at that in order to reverse the wrong doings since Nov. 7, 2016.
5
Some are slow on the uptake
2
Women, a transgender, a lesbian, people of color – all won. Woo hoo! Now that’s America. Everybody gets involved; we work together. It’s a good start. Celebrate for a few minutes, and then get back to work. Cause it ain’t over till the fat lady votes – and she hasn’t even entered the building yet.
8
A dem won in Town of Hempstead for first time in 155 years.
Astorino lost in Westchester which is the definition of suburb.
College educated voters have had their fill of Trump
Mendacity and incompetence will do it every time
6
My hyper-conservative sister and her husband, who live in the East Bay suburbs of San Francisco have swung from being moderately enthusiastic voters for Trump to dispising him and the GOP itself. To them and all my friends in my former home town, Trump symbolizes how screwy Republican politics have become—all in the space of less than a year of Trumpism. It's difficult for me to keep from saying, "I told you so" but so far, so good.
I think the GOP has blown it majorly. They simply refuse to operate as anything more than a bunch of thugs who seem to delight in telling Democrats to "go pound salt. We're in chrage here." And that attitude isn't working for them.
8
Isn't Christie's loss partly explained by his role in the Bridgegate corruption?
1
Uh, Christie could not run for a 3rd term.
5
Apparently, soccer moms are waking up!
2
Why anyone in the northeast is surprised at the outcome of the election this week is amazing.
All those smug Republicans mugging and grinning like Cheshire cats while their "receiver" states drain the "donor" states dry had to end.
It isn't just the affluent in "donor" states fed up getting 55 cents on average for every $1 we pay in federal taxes that end up handing "receiver" Republican states from $1.35 up to Alaska's $1.87 for their federal tax $1. It is also the middle class tired of the Republicans eating up 65% of every U.S. budget so their states can play "Boss" to ours.
Anyone who viewed this week's House Ways and Means Committee meeting on Trump's Tax Reform Markup saw Dems furious that Republicans tried to pull off another of their infamous massive tax cuts for 1%ers and their biggest campaign donors in Big Business all on our Dem state tax dollars.
A single dime of our tax dollars feeding any GOP politician's campaign means Dem states are donating to GOP campaigns. This has to stop.
I was so proud of Rep. Bill Pascrell D-NJ for leading the charge during the markup meeting. Others from "donor" states like John Garamendi, D-CA, the eloquent Sander Levin D- MI, Ron Kind, D-WI, Rep. Judy Chu D-CT, Rep. Danny Davis D-IL, Richard Neal D-MA, Joe Crowley D-NY, Brian Higgins D-NY and two of the strongest voices, John Larson D-CT and Earl Blumenauer D-Oregan, took down two smug Republicans who thought they were pulling the wool over our eyes, Kelly and Reed.
8
A result that has not been written about - a Liberian immigrant won the mayoral race in Helena, Montana. Just ponder that for a moment - in the middle of the very red Upper Great Plains, a black immigrant is now mayor. That says something...
8
Trump's alt.-right coalition has no place in our politics. White supremacists are unAmerican. Virginia has spoken.
11
Times comments are no different than the tone of those before Trump’s election—wishful thinking.
1
Should Democrats take any majority next November the first thing they have to do is change the hostile climate the Republicans created in both the House and Senate. This should be done in spite of the obstructionist behavior previously embraced in the past by Republicans which is still present today in politics in spite of all three branches of government being in Republican control. They can't agree on anything, won't compromise and as a result can't get anything done.
A major Democratic victory next November could further divide the nation, the complete opposite of what is required to govern. I understand that a line must be drawn with fringe right-wing nut Republicans who refuse to budge on any issue but perhaps the few sane Republicans left can talk with, instead of at the Democrats.
The closed door meetings, absence of debate, my way or the highway attitude has to end or we'll just keep enacting bills in a partisan way which will be challenged at every turn.
The Kelly Ann Conway "alternative facts" have to be challenged in every way possible as does Trump's "fake news" accounts of anything not flattering to him. Both of these things divide and not unite.
Last night I read the bio on the guy who drove from NC to DC to investigate the Hillary child sex ring run out of a DC pizzeria. How stupid does one have to be to believe something like that? Posted on line and supported by Gen. Flynn's son who still believes it. These people can't govern with stupidity.
3
As a voter in northern Virginia, the anxiety of losing the state-wide races was palatable. Many voters feared a GOP take-over of our state that likely would have put us on the same path as recently experienced in North Carolina and also wanted to send a message of rejection to Trump and his brand of politics including his sympathies for the white supremacist/neo-Nazi protesters in Charlottesville.
7
A hopeful sign but Trump's base - uneducated white working class - don't seem to care no matter what he does (collude with Russia) or how outrageous his conduct (Twitter tantrums). Any of the other Republican candidates in 2016 would have been a better president.
1
All of the other candidates were openly hypocritical pious advocates of an imaginary universal personage modeled on themselves. Trump disguised his own pious hypocrisy by being openly profane.
3
This is as much about impotent republican performance as it is about dissatisfaction with Trump. Our republican establishment is absolutely pathetic at the moment. Nothing new to offer. Same old "trickle down" mentality. Tone deaf.
13
There never was any there, there save T.R., Lincoln and John Lindsay.
1
whatever your favorite version of the commonplace "wake an englishman in the middle of the night and he'll speak perfect french" try it with these upscale suburban voters the nyt describes as "in revolt" and, their investments surging, they will sit up chanting "trump, trump trump."
"Suburbs Rebel Against Trump"?
Look at the 2016 poll results. Most educated suburbanites didn't want Trump in the first place, and they're as appalled as anyone by how much worse than feared that he has turned out to be! How could any sentient person feel otherwise?
2
Listen to Lauryn Hill's awesome tune "Everything is Everything" from her first magnificent album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," with its repeating line, "after winter there must come spring; everything is everything." Fortunately, as witnessed by these recent elections, it appears that our "everything matters" moment has begun. But let's be honest, we took our democracy for granted. For eight years I did not have to worry that my federal government would embarrass me. For eight years I knew the President was respected and admired world wide. Well spoken, thoughtful, reflective, dignified and superbly intelligent, I knew President Obama would appoint equally bright and capable people to thousands of posts and that the rudder on the proverbial ship of state was well steered.
Then came the election of 2017.
Yet, despite it being autumn, perhaps these recent elections show us that we are actually entering a new springtime in American politics. We had grown complacent, lazy, and we took for granted that competence was the order of the day and would remain. We see now how precarious our situation truly is; how dangerous the rocky shore, just how easy and quickly one can steer very purposefully off course, directly into a storm or onto battering rocks. However, today I feel the energy of my fellow resistance fighters and we have, as the old saying goes, just begun.
4
“Voters are taking their anger out at the president, and the only way they can do that is by going after Republicans on the ballot." NO, Mr Dent, they are taking their anger out on politicians like YOU for not providing equitable health care for all, raising the deficit, giving large tax breaks to the wealthy, taking no action on gun control related to mass shootings, no action on environmental issues, purposefully suppressing the vote (esp in Pennsylvania), denying climate change and doing something about it...just for starters.
6
Whatever happened to household mathematics? If our family is in debt, we need to scale back spending (refinance the mortgage, eat out less often, etc.) and bring in more income (a second job, better return on investments, etc.) When did simple fiscal logic fall completely off the radar for "conservatives"?
3
NOTICE to the democratic party: Start getting more dems to run in local elections! In My CT suburban town, I wanted to vote for dems but only republicans ran for all the local town positions, selectmen, etc. They were running with no opponent in most of the town positions. This is the problem! So that tells me that our democratic party is not entrenched at the local level. So when your "core" is not there that's why the GOP keeps winning later. The Dems need to get to work.
The Dem message is for working folks - lower and up to middle income people so this is a problem within the dem party. We need more leaders! The message is only part of the problem, leadership is the main issue. Without both you don't have a governing party.
5
Don't get excited. As everyone can see, the revelations about Hillary Clinton's campaign coming out in books at the moment show how dysfunctional machine politics can be when everyone lines up behind someone who did more to divide the Dermocrats than unite them.
What appears to be different now is the type of candidates who are stepping up in various races. Actual real people with actual ideas and a sense of decency have come forward to run - and win!
Is this a new normal? Or, is this a tease?
I guess we'll find out.
Meanwhile, maybe the biggest benefit Democrats are getting is that Twitter has just doubled the length of tweets to 280 characters. That might do the trick.
1
The only thing that will keep the Democratic Party from taking the republic back from the insanity of Trumpism and the alt-right reactionaries of the Freedom Caucus is the Democratic Party.
Trumpism has escorted the reasonable voters of this country to the abyss and in doing so, showed us that the view to the bottom is horrifying. Tuesday, with large voter turnouts, showed how energized the liberal base has become in the wake of 2016.
But in order to turn Trumpism and alt-right, hate-based nationalism into a disgusting relic of political desperation, the Democratic party had better start hustling its way toward a concise alternative; an alternative that looks nothing at all like Clintonism and Wasserman Schultzism.
2
The revolt is not only in suburban America, notwithstanding the enormous vote Gillespie got in rural Virginia. In small college towns--and elsewhere--in rural Kansas where the consequences of Koch Brothers economics are becoming painfully clear, school board and city commission candidates won elections in total opposition to the kind of trashing we've seen from Trump radicals. Some are Republicans; some are Bernie Sanders supporters, but they are here and some of them are young to middle aged too. The Republican Party under Trump is a moral and intellectual nightmare and people are sick of it, from coast to coast and even in the interior.
3
All I can say is keep them tweets coming. It's working. You have "fired" us like nothing before. Cheerleader extraordinaire. Keep feeding us the vulgar fight songs we need to sustain this effort to the goal line in 2018, 2020 and beyond. We are counting on you!!
4
There are many wonderful, nay miracle, things that science and technology have given us. The down side of this cornucopia however is allowing the belief that it is the political parties and their policies which are generating this surplus capital and that the parties are the beneficent ones.
The reality is that both parties are acting in the most thoughtless ways – both grandstanding and seeking benefits that are unearned and unfair. Both wasting this blessing and gift of sicence.
The Republicans claiming that all the fruits of technology should go to the top 1%. The ones with the capital to own the cornucopias. Hence 1% of society having 70% of the wealth. On the other hand the Democrats who have turned traditional notions of family on its head. Whereby it is now not parents who should be responsible for providing for their children but society. Hence 50% of all births paid for with welfare and 50% of all children under the age of 5 on welfare. Illegal immigration - why not 400 million Americans we haven't completely destroyed the country yet.
They are different classes of people but the same vile ethos. One that sees all of life as s mere natural resource for their consumption and pleasure. No regard or reverence for the diversity of life and an ounce of mercy for other living things.
A pox on both the parties.
2
we need to get passed the Clinton era and their operatives and actually pass the baton to post cold war and diverse candidates in future elections.
There is a shift in American politics and it is being driven by the old adage “Be careful what you wish for”. Trump voters wished for an America from a different place and time, a white America, an America where politics worked for the people and people worked for the factory. Much of this “Better America” never existed, except in their subconscious imaginations. America is waking up to the realization that it is futile to go backward as the world moves forward. It is a waste of time, money, resources, and puts us in a position of having to play catch-up. That makes our country uncompetitive and primitive. As more Americans vote with their eyes wide open, politicians who refuse to be honest with themselves and their constituents will fall by the wayside, as they should.
17
The Republican Party is where you go if you are a racist, or if you are a bigot, or if you are an old white man afraid that your god-given superiority complex is being threatened by a bunch of young liberal upstarts. There is no redemption to be found anywhere in the Republican platform. The Republican embracement of Donald Trump has ruined the brand. As for me, I did not vote for any candidate in 2016 that ran as a Republican. I will never again vote for a Republican. If someone chooses to run as a member of that lowlife political party they will get no support from me.
3
"The Democrats’ gains signaled profound alienation from the G.O.P. . ." -Democrats are 'profoundly' grasping at straws. . .!!! Narrow political victories in two heavily 'Blue States' which President Trump LOST in last year's National Election. . . what a 'profound' joke this loss is!!
362 days until the 2018 Midterms.
Mark your calendar.
D to go forward, R to go back.
Vote.
2
All this winning...........
4
Ok, let’s play this out. The Democrats win in ‘18 on the backs of the suburbs. Then they propose raising their taxes or forcing changes to their schools or taking any number of other actions to satisfy their liberal base by helping the “other”. And the pendulum will swing back aggressively.
3
"antipathy towards trump" is too kind. Try antagonistic, anger, extreme dislike, love of country, fear for country, all things that will drive Democratic turnout in 2018. And, don't forget white idenity groups, there is nothing like a KKK rally to get Dems blood boiling. Go ahead, pass that tax bill, I dare you!
2
I trust the Dems to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, its what they are good at
1
It looks like a lot of people, especially those in the suburbs, are much smarter than Trump and Bannon think. They have seen through the smoke-screen of their extreme conservative lies. Let's hope more people pay attention and see the real harm that Trump's (Bannon's) policies can bring.
1
Of the 15 VA state seats won by democrats last night, 11 were won by women from republican men.
Revenge of the X chromosome!!!
4
Glad the democrats are surging. When turn out is high, they win. Imagine if we made it a civic responsibility to vote, and make voting day a holiday?
3
Since the '80s, with Lee Atwater on the Reagan and Bush teams, the GOP has preached hate, fear, and division. And those sermons have worked, giving the GOP many victories in elections.
They thereby created Trump, and his shadow is putting them all in the dark. The chickens, finally, are coming home to roost.
Atwater, on his deathbed, at least had the decency to repent. The only current GOP officeholders willing to do the same today by defying Trump are those not seeking re-election.
SAD!
2
For the love of Pete don't crow about it until white women in the flyover states turn.
2
We have a president who has received the adulation of the American Nazi movement, who talks, thinks and acts like an authoritarian thug, and who is clearly profiting from his office. There should be no surprise at the ekection results. Hundreds of thousands of voters are as nauseated by the Trump administration as I am. Amd remember: The indictments will keep coming, and the trials will be underway in time for the 2018 elections. If these people were not in bed with the Russians in exchange for promises, favors and laundered payments, then I will sell you some oceanfront property in Jeff Flake's Senate district.
2
Democrats won… “with… the first transgender legislator in the country, the first Vietnamese-American legislator in Virginia, the first African-American female mayor of Charlotte, N.C." …and in so doing, issued a rather dynamic repudiation of the homo-phobic, xenophobic, racist and misogynistic proclivities so bloody prevalent in the Republican Party.
10
In a state that elected ultra liberal Terry McAuliffe. Big surprise.
1
The country has not moved left as much as voters are appalled at Trump.
2
Besides the GOP, the biggest losers were Tweeter D and Tweeter B(annon)
1
Careful with your chest thumping lest Trump make you a chump!
1
LOL... Blue states electing Democrats? WOW .. REALLY ... Let's get excited about nothing.. DUH..
1
Where was this anger when the then 2016 GOP candidate for President of the United States was boldly and vulgarly explaining EXACTLY what he was going to do after elected?
79
The anger was there. Nobody believed he would actually win. This is the price of apathy and complacency. Never again.
4
The cognitive dissonance exhibited in 2016 coupled with the indifference of many Americans to their democracy had a clear affect. The upside is that the voters are "woke up".
Trump’s character was abundantly evident during the 2016 presidential campaign, but with a few exceptions (building The Wall), not his policy agenda. Unless you think MakeAmerica Great Again is a policy agenda.
This was not the case in Orange county NY, where the legislature became a super majority this election day. The legislature lost 3 democratic seats. Where were the democrats on election day. Now we will see what the republicans are really capable of.
Just wait until the Republicans pass their "reform" bill that raises taxes on all of these suburbanites, in order to pay for a larger inheritance for Ivanka and Don Jr. That's going to go over with voters like a lead balloon.
There is no middle ground for candidates to walk with Trump and his bigotry, bullying and incessant funneling of wealth to the top. Those ideas are simply too offensive to too many people.
Yes Democrats have plenty of problems, and yes there is still a ton of work to do to restore sanity and decency to our government. But these people are turning the GOP brand toxic for a large swath of the population, forever. That will play out over decades, not just in 2018.
1
The Democrats have to better than voting against Trump. They have to vote FOR something, not just against something - or someone.
A small temporary victory can be declared I suppose, but this isn't good enough. There shouldn't be any victory dance. Trump's appointees and cabinet members are dismantling a lot of what is keeping Americans safe from poisonous chemicals, the threat of global warming, dirty water and then there is Betsy Devos.
Don't anybody feel too good. The downhill slide is still ongoing, and the Democrats don't have a message or a candidate on the horizon.
And as long as we are still listening to the likes of Sanders, Schumer and Pelosi, Democrats are being led along by dinosaurs who should have been put out to pasture a while ago.
Significant victories and push back against Trumpism and GOP sycophantic complicity with it — a breath of fresh air and signs of hope.
Democrats still hove much heavy lifting to do to prevail more broadly and consistently. The persistent internal conflict within the Democratic Party is by no means resolved.
Our national politics are fundamentally in rough shape, and even the best intentions have a way of going south in a NY minuet.
No doubt the GOP will make the so called tax overhaul happen and has been the case in the past a front end economic bump up is highly likely. The 2018 contest may be much less a Big Blue opportunity than many are presently want to think.
Yes, voters expressed antipathy toward Trump, but it's more than that. Many of them are finally understanding that the GOP represents the interests of the uber wealthy and corporations, not the interests of the middle class. Since Trump's inauguration, voters have absorbed the constant drip, drip, drip of news about how people's insurance would be affected if the ACA were overturned. They're hearing how Republican tax "reform" legislation would mostly benefit the wealthy. They're learning how agricultural businesses and others need the help of immigrants and they're disturbed by the treatment of many hardworking immigrants.
1
As precinct chairs, we campaigned for Democratic candidates in our mayoral and city council elections--don't let anybody tell you these offices are "non-partisan"--and we like to think that we made a difference for one candidate in particular, a man who embodies the best our fellow citizens in the Hispanic community--and in our country as a whole--have to offer. This man is Going Places, and it's exhilarating to have had a role in launching him. These off-year elections are notoriously poorly attended; voter turnout in 2015 was 5.6% in our precinct, probably most of them Republicans, since the ratio of registered voters is about 60/40 in their favor and there had been no Democratic precinct chair for some years. We also like to think we helped Hillary win our precinct last November; we had voted for Bernie in the primaries but campaigned vigorously for Hillary in the general election, walking every block with voter information and campaign literature. We don't yet have the final numbers for Tuesday, but we've already exceeded the 2015 percentage. The mayoral race went to a Republican in the pocket of developers, though, a guy who had the advantage of name recognition thanks to a slew of huge, expensive signs, a two-year seat on the council, and the backing of developers and their cronies. The opposition split the vote among three candidates, a lesson to Dems for next year.
1
The Republican intent to make graduate school only affordable by the affluent is enough to make any middle class parent boil. Why would they want to make student loans more expensive by eliminating the deduction. This will deny millions the upward mobility that is the strength of our country. Undermining the SALT deductions and attacking home ownership, is not what we want Congress to be doing. Increase the inheritance tax and use that money to pay down student loans. Keep the minimum alternative tax,we do not need to return to the days when millionaires payed nothing. Go ahead and increase the standard deduction, but keep the personal exemption.
2
As much or more satisfying to this progressive Democrat as the number of elections we won - both major and critical down ticket seats - was the diversity of the elected candidates.
Along with the rejection of the suburbs, there has been a sea change in the electorate that does not bode well for the GOP.
The panoply of willing, able and successful candidates of color, of women, of the unthinkable - transgender people - shows us that this country is ready and eager to throw off that horrible constraint of all white all male all the time that is the mantra of the GOP - especially Trump.
To borrow shamelessly from Seth Meyer's cast member - Amber Ruffin - the returns were one long series of "What?"
A Sikh elected mayor in Hoboken. What?
A Liberian refugee elected mayor of a major city in - Montana. What?
And a black transgender woman elected to City Council in - Minnesota? What?
And many more. Together with the loss of the suburbs, the GOP should get the message that they are sending the wrong message to capture the hearts and minds of the forgotten majority.
And not just forgotten - disdained. Trump has failed to do anything to bring one person who did not vote for him on board. Not a good plan when in these elections there is no Electoral College - just a popular vote - and 35% base is not a winning number.
I was worried that passion may not translate into votes. I underestimated just how much the people - the majority - want their country back.
1
The Republicans need to wake up to the fact the Trump brand and his way of conducting himself is toxic to the GOP and indeed America! President Trump has made a contribution to the US in livening up the political debate, shaking the Washington establishment and bureaucrats to their boots and shifting a focus to the forgotten citizens of the Rust Belt. However, those efforts have run their course and are becoming increasingly corrosive. It is time for the Republic and the Republicans (and Democrats for that matter) to move onto a positive, constructive and cohesive path that embodies the broad church that is America. One thing is sure, if the White House continues as it has and the Republicans don't develop some spin in dealing with the White House, they will suffer disaster next year and perhaps an existential crisis in three years time. However, in developing some spin and common sense principles, the mainstream Republicans may have to split off from the Trump core and form a new center right party. Would that be a bad thing?
1
I am an educated white male in the top 10% income bracket who votes at every election. I have voted for Republicans many times in past elections because I thought they were better individuals than their Democratic opponents. I no longer can vote for a Republican running for federal office because of where the Republican Party has taken this country.
1
Congratulations! Voting with your head and not clinging blindly to a party that has betrayed your country. I wish more Republicans thought like you.
1
Momentum is great. Motivation is great. Enthusiasm is great. Democrats have had them before.
And still failed to show up and vote. People get exactly the government they deserve when they can't be bothered to vote. Yes, yes . . . some can't get to the polls, some are being obstructed, but the vast majority (I'm looking at YOU millennials!) just flat don't vote.
2
I don't think this is a revolt only against Trump, but against the total Republican establishment. And I don't agree it has to do with the inability for Republicans to pass legislation but that the legislation they are trying to pass is awful - it is poor legislation all around, from how it is written to the total focus on the privileged wealthy and corporate class. And their lies are becoming even more apparent now they are in power and actually have to justify their legislation and leadership.
1
Perhaps some Republican voters chose to stay home and send a message that Trump is a problem (that his supporters refuse to acknowledge even though they should know better). Yes, gerrymandering, about the only way Republicans can win in many places, remains to be fixed, but there's something about a truly incompetent president that catches the attention of many otherwise apathetic voters. Let's just say Trump is a liability for Republicans in ways they should have expected.
Eclectic Pragmatism — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
1
Sorry to be a Party pooper.
2016 election results:
Virginia - Hillary won (55.45% D / 41.35% R)
New Jersey - Hillary won (49.73% D / 44.41% R)
First,
The real news story is that the Democratic Party managed to hold on to its blue states.
Then, why is this being so hyped by the media as though it somehow means a backlash against Trump? I dont get it!
Is this the new normal now that even managing a win, any win, anywhere is all that it takes for hype and sloganeering?
Second,
I looked at the horrifying racist ad that a latino group used against the Republican candidate Ed Gillespie in Viriginia and it shook me to the core.
Is this how the Democratic Party plans to win elections in its own blue backyard? By instilling racial segregation, fear and violence among minority communities which might someday lead to the balkanization of the republic?
The Democratic Party should be ashamed of this kind of appalling tactics to win elections. Seems, the Democratic Party is going back to its roots.
You misreported the Virgina election, conveniently forgot who's been the governor of New Jersey for eight years, and left out that that ad got pulled pretty fast and for good reasons, while Gillespie kept running ads that were every bit as bad.
Then the intellectual mistakes began.
2
And did you look at the even more appalling ads run against Northam? At least Northam pulled his ad. Gillespie just kept running more. A horrible man in a horrible party.
1
The youth numbers are staggering. A new wave of disgusted voters showed up and they are young.
Dems if you are looking for new recruits, hit the college campuses and yuppies bars.
3
Trump is an embarrassment to the US. I can tell you, the rest of the world is just shaking its head (over both Trump and American gun violence – neither seem very civilized).
6
The reason we have Trump is, in large part, because of Russia (i.e., Putin).
When our President condones the racism and bigotry practiced by neo-nazis, when the US Congress attempts to steal the healthcare of our neediest citizens, when the Supreme Court is politicized by extremist judges chosen not for their devotion to the Constitution but instead for their political bias there is one final bastion that protects our democracy and it is We the People. Inspite of gerrymandering and electoral colleges We the People have the power of the ballot box. We demonstrated this power in Virginia and New Jersey and hopefully in 2018 and 2020 we will bring America all the way back to the country that cares for and respects all of its citizens, it’s immigrants, it’s poor, it’s minorities, its Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender Communities, ALL OF US.
8
The NYT should not indulge in such extrapolations. Its too early to tell if this is a regional thing or a nation wide trend. Im appalled by the lack of evidence the reporter presents that this is indeed a nationwide trend.
I expect more from this newspaper than such biased dribble.
Within the very FIRST sentence of the article NYTs used the word "APPEAR". A term often used in an analysis.
Are analysis supposed to cease because Trump is POTUS?
"The American suburbs APPEAR,...”
3
Well, they reported what actually happened in Washington State, Georgia, New Jersey and Virginia, which is to say everywhere across the country elections were held. Then they reported reactions.
There are numbers and quotes and references and all kinds of good stuff. You should read it.
3
These GOP crooks are not dumb. They are gaging this political response to what has transpired over the last year to exactly how much they can get away with. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
5
As a life long Republican, I was devastated that my party chose Trump & his load of false promises. We Republicans are an embrassment unto ourselves for having chosen another extremist leader whose legacy will be amongst the worst and most laughable in history. Sadly, we have become the party for the most ignorant, gullible, & extreme ideologues.
120
I feel your pain with Deblasio and Cuomo in my party but at least they have a better lexicon/vocabulary and they may even eat medium rare steak.
The Dems need to stand for something. And this country needs serious reform.
I would hope the Dems get behind what I believe is a unifying theme, that Americans need to get paid more. Not only does the minimum wage need to be raised, but everyone needs a raise. The office worker, the computer guys, the construction guys, everyone except the very richest, who should pay for those raises. Forget failed policies like tax credits for workers and the middle class, the workers should get paid enough so everyone can buy their own health insurance, own food, own housing and heat .. AND pay some taxes. Yes, everyone should get paid enough to pay Federal Income taxes. That is the way to reduce the deficit.
Forget failed policies like subsidies and tax breaks for the corporations and businesses. If those companies cannot cut it, step aside for someone more efficient to run those companies. The corporations are not for capitalism, they are in favor of government propping them up. Our country has lots of money to take care of our citizens, have the best infrastructure and have growing economy, but it is all in private hands. Those people have benefitted from our society, they need to pay to maintain and grow that society.
This is what government is for. To ensure a working growing society through regulation. Cut regulations, and the corporations take over to their own benefit, hollowing out our society, as we see today.
2
Give everyone a raise and everyone stays exactly where they are on a relative basis. Prices will go up in line with the increase in wages, and nothing changes.
All politics is local it is said. Suburbs are different and generalizations risky. There are, in a 15 mile radius of my suburban home, mansions and large waterfront "digs". There are also communities of working and middle class aging tract housing from the 1950's and 60's suburban boom, now increasingly multi-ethnic from a once lily white racial composition. College degree attainment varies wildly from place to place.
This White House crew has managed to alarm and offend enough people who might otherwise disdain Democrats, to vote for the Dems. People are rightly concerned by the ineptitude coupled with the offensive behavior and ideological over-reach of the Trump administration. Then you have possible sinister behavior with the Russians.
I don't see (I wish I did) an overarching message or theme from the Dems which might attract people wary of identity politics, or the culture war. NYC's deBlasio said on cable this morning Dems ought to fight on economic issues as they impact all, across lines of gender, race, and class. But please stay away from the culture wars, and the biggest anchor chain, open borders or the burbs will quickly disown Dems.
And this is coming at a time when the pendulum of intellectual discourse is swinging against the conservative economic doctrines which form the pillar of belief for white-collar secular Republicans. When economists are now talking about tax cutting as a failed dogma rather than a scientifically validated economic technique it pulls the rug out from under the comfortable certainty suburban Republicans once enjoyed about their core values...
2
Tuesday's election results portend future seismic shifts, according to most mainstream media outlets. These same authorities, across the board, predicted that Hillary Clinton would be our President at this point. Broad conclusions are drawn too quickly, with not enough evidence. Ultimately undermines the Democratic process.
2
Nassim Taleb argued that Trump's victory should be seen as a rejection of so called experts running the country. The suburban Democratic victories are a rejection of that rejection. It may be elitist to say this, but there is a reason why things shifted mainly in districts populated by college educated voters, and not just that these voters have not "been left behind" as the economy has changed dramatically. These voters understand that amateurism, buffoonery, and gross incompetence is no way to govern. They don't believe that insults, lies, and screams equals "telling it like it is".
After the election of Trump the Women's March happened in reaction not only in DC but across the country and the world. I saw how shocked and offended my soccer mom friends were here in the suburbs of Chicago. Women who had been complacent about politics got very active. They created groups to push back against the Trump agenda and raised thousands of dollars to support candidates who opposed Trump and also stand for the re- energized ideal of the American Dream. Women and minorities feel personally and passionately invested in ridding the country of Trump and the Republicans who have joined him in his anti- American attack on what so many of us believe makes our country truly great.
2
Yes, this is a sign that the tide is turning. I hope the Dems use these victories to continue to get their house in order, craft a cohesive message, and articulate it in a manner that resonates to those who thought electing DJT was the answer. To use a baseball analogy - it's the second inning and until the last pitch is thrown in the bottom of the 9th, let's not start celebrating yet.
2
I agree with many commenters here that the Democratic Party leadership needs to get out there, with LOUD, consistent, and clear messages about what we're FOR, not just sit passively by and let the Trump/GOP machine, in all of their self-destructive ways, do their jobs for them. We are one year out from last year's disastrous election, and yet what have we heard from the Schumer/Pelosi team? A "Better deal" flop and crickets. When are they going to get out there and campaign for their candidates? Come up with a clear coherent message to counteract the GOP's hate machine and blast it out over all media platforms? Back younger, newer, fresh faces as candidates to nurture for our party's future? I think they need to step back and let others do their jobs. They have not impressed me at all in the past year. It has taken grassroots efforts to get the current election results, and not much from the DNC. Wake up! Do something with the millions we've donated to the party!
2
What is really undermining the rule of law and our democracy is our pay-to-run & hold office political and justice systems that insures those running for office will either have deep pockets or more likely, be beholden to other deep pockets. "We the people" has been replaced with "we with the money". Not that this has changed much from the intent of the wealthy white male founders...but is has with the Citizens United decision made much progress which has opened the door to rule by oligarchy.
I submit we strike down Citizens United and change to a publicly funded campaigns & elections system. Outlaw gerrymandering, make all 50 states have open primaries, abolish the electoral college and 'super delegates' practices, make voting day a national holiday, limit donations to individuals - to be paid into a public fund for candidates. If we continue with the present system we will get more Trumps and far worse, we will lose all semblance of what truly makes this nation great.
2
Seems a little early for champagne. Certainly it is worth celebrating the loss of any candidate who emulates Trump the indecent. But these victories are still on the two seaboards where defeating the acolytes of the buffoon is relatively easy. It is going to be harder work to get rational, decent candidates (of either party) to win in the vast belly of the country (where, when it comes to the next presidential election, that populace is over-represented in the electoral college).
1
The media is comical. They keep making claims about NJ, a heavily Democratic state. The last time around they elected a Republican Gov., twice because of the utter disgust at the previous Democratic Gov. who went down with corruption charges soon after. In NJ, the democrat won because the unions backed him. Just like Christie who had the unions behind him after his promises were made. But soon after when it became obvious that he wouldn't follow through, they revolted. We'll see if this guy can come through with all of his promises. the states is debt. Will be make a promise to give even more away? In a state with high taxes, raising them will get him popularity? Don't bet on it. residents are fleeing that state faster than they arrive. Murphy's challenger never had a chance. As Christie's number 2, why would they?
Maybe the GOP should reconsider is pro wealthfare for billionaires stance. Raising the deficit in order to ensure that billionaires get bigger refunds is simply ridiculous
4
I always thought that Trump's victory wasn't so much about people saying 'Yes' to him as it was about saying 'NO!' to Hillary. So if someone other than Hillary is representing the Democratic party, you'll see a lot more votes going that way. And that is exactly what is happening. Of course, Trump helped the situation by him just being himself and the ramifcations therein i.e. people started to hold their noses about his behavior big time. But either way, Democrats, here we come!
1
It is not a threat to GOP.
It is hope that our country can begin to become normal again by putting the adults in charge and putting the lunatics, racists, kleptocrats, and "fellow travelers" out to pasture
A year, and the ONLY things Republicans have done is make a mess while trying to destroy the economy and the health care system. They used to take at least 2 years to do this much damage.....
SO it will be good for Republicans when they are not in charge again. They can go back to whining while Democrats take care of winning. For the People. Like always
6
The Virginia 2017 statewide election (and county-by-county results) are literally a carbon-copy of the 2016 presidential results, with the only difference being that Northam picked up a few % from the voters who went 3rd-party in 2016.
How is this indicative of post-Trump “change”?
So there’s backlash against Trump and the Republicans; what matters is just how progressive these new winners actually are.
Some great progressives did win last night all over the country (Danica Roem defeating Christian, homophobic bigot, Bob Marshall was delicious), but also some center-right, neoliberal, corporate establishment types (Northam and Murphy are really Republicans).
And the party apparatus is still in the pocket of the donors and the Clinton cabal and this suits many apparatchiks nicely. Tom Perez anyone?
Can the Democratic Party stop being the party of rich Wall-Street donors?
Will it let the membership choose presidential candidates instead of anointing them?
The Democratic Party may have won a few elections yesterday but there is a long time until November 2020, and given how good these people are at shooting themselves in the foot, they have a long time to do just that.
Democrats should be humble in victory, inclusive in celebration and offer a vision for the future of all citizens or they will squander this opportunity.
And instead of fawning, I just wish the NYT would hold the Democrats to the same standard it demands of the ConDon and the Republicans.
7
O lord. Get over the Clintons already! Bill did great things for your economy and Hillary gave 33 years of service.Their foundation does tremendous work (unlike Trump’s). ”Cabal” - honestly. Why would anyone want to serve your country with ingrates like you? I don’t see any “fawning” in this article. The NYT is FAR more objective than Fox or (shudder) Breitbart. You should be grateful to have such a fine news team there. It’s world reknown for a reason - because it’s GOOD.
1
No Bernie went along way. He divided the Democrats and gave trump the presidency. Did is low information Bros learn anything? I doubt it.
1
I voted yesterday purely as a vote against the Republican Party.
The way this party has acted in the last decade has put me against them for the rest of my life. The way they treated president Obama (NO to everything), their single minded opposition to better healthcare, their unashamed support for the already filthy rich... The final straw - Trump.
I will NEVER vote Republican again, unless they change dramatically, behave with decorum and decency and learn to govern the country responsibly.
11
Market's up; tax cut is coming; low unemployment; no inflation; deregulation will rev the economy; no war. So lots of meaningless noise and bluster from Trump but no one takes that seriously anymore.
Therefore, Democrats should have no "glee' as per the Times feckless headline.
(I'm Democrat.)
Recall only this: "It's the economy, stupid!" - WJ Clinton. When D's stop focusing on identity politics (we know they support us) and focus on the economy and 100% of all people, they will win. (I'm transgender.)
4
Here are some facts regarding the upper-middle class and rich suburbs of Virginia, Maryland DC (i.e., Fairfax, Menasses, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, etc.):
1. "Illegal" Latinos build the houses of Suburbanites.
2. "Illegal" Latinos clean the houses of Suburbanites.
3. "Illegal" Latinos pick up the garbage of Suburbanites.
4. "Illegal" Latinos cook, serve and wash for Suburbanites at their homes and restaurants.
5. "Illegal" Latinos take care of Suburbanites's kids.
Maybe, just MAYBE, "Illegal" Latinos also voted for Suburbanites in this Virginia election.
2
You're one of Trumps investigators, transferred to VA from previous duty in HI investigating Obama?
4
As readers of the Times know, Sen. Jeffrey Klein refuses to end his tight embrace of Republicans in Albany. I hope Sen. Klein draws the correct lesson from Rob Astorino's "surprise" drubbing in the Westchester County Executive Race. Astorino was also a somewhat arrogant politician who flew beneath the radar, until he couldn't anymore. The local (Riverdale/Lower Westchester) NYCD16-INDIVISIBLE group was instrumental in Astorino's defeat. It mobilized, organized and defeated a Republican in what had been a very safe seat. It was a result that was duplicated in Virginia and New Jersey and all across the country from Maine to Washington State, up and down the ballot
I appeal now directly to the supposedly Democratic senator. Sen. Klein, doesn't it make you want to be a Democrat again? Here you are with your IDC, caucusing with Republicans and handing them the Majority (under the thin pretense of it allowing you to do "progressive" things...which of course you haven't) and flouting the wishes of Democratic constituents like me.
As your petulant jousting with the opposition (eg., Democrats) in the Times (and the local Riverdale Press) indicates, you know you are the next on NYCD16-INDIVISIBLE's list of at-risk legislators. And that a primary challenge from an actual progressive Democrat is probably coming soon. So, here's to a nervous 2018 for you.
5
The anti-Democrat.
The comments here include the following:
“Forget the white working class, they are beyond reach. Let them stew in their FOX news bubble, it's a lost cause.”
“a large reservoir of ignorant and racist white rabble”
“the rural white angry males.”
“non-college white males are a demographic that is on the way out.”
I wonder if trying to form a Government without the participation of the gentlemen referred to in these quotes makes sense. These Americans and their ancestors fought the wars that allow us to live in freedom today – a freedom that allows some of us to describe a large number of our fellow Americans as an “ignorant and racist white rabble.”
4
“These Americans” that you refer to were only a portion of those who fought for our freedom. There were plenty of our fellow citizens of color and women who together have been alienated by Trumpists and, in fact, make up the majority.
2
Not quite sure what your point is. Because ancestors fought in wars their descendants are entitled to be racist? You can’t argue that the swastika- bearing “good people” (o Trump. What a horror you are) aren’t racist can you? Surely you don’t think racism has a place in any civilized country? I have no interest in allowing racists to have a voice in government. Why do you?
3
>Maude
The point? Very simple. Yes there are a few white supremacists/”swastika bearing” persons out there and I abhor them - but they are in an extreme minority. Their crowds barely run into the hundreds. The mistake some of my fellow commentators are making Is to characterize all Trump supporters as being such and, therefore, to “forget the white working class.”.
To re-emphasize, “the non-college white male” is not on his way out. And to characterize a person as racist because he doesn’t have a college degree doesn’t make sense.
The Dems need to realize this as they move forward to 2018. The comments I highlighted simply won’t help the Dems.
'northern virginia suburbs fear trump, vote accordingly, because they all work in DC' - fixed that for you...
without fairfax county, the election would have been much closer.
but sure go ahead and keep your fake news headline since "all the news that fits, we print"
1
Why would you remove the most educated and affluent County of any State, letalone VA?
What would that leave, the less educated and poorer? Exactly how does the GOP represent them?
1
people vote, not counties or districts. trying to discredit voters because lots live in some areas defies logic; it is as silly as saying Clinton only won the presidential election because of so many California votes. as if our numbers don't count as much as those with fewer PEO. nice try.
3
Now I suggest that Washington, Oregon and California take steps to form the Nation of Cascadia. Religious zealots and racists from stagnant, dying rural backwaters have no business dictating to us, via their disproptionate representation in Washington, D.C., how we live and govern ourselves. We'll happily go it alone, perhaps in conjunction with British Columbia, which is far more sympatico than Alabama, et al.
Let's just see how loud those 'small guv'mint' recipients of government aid in Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana and other red states, all of which take in more federal money than they pay in federal taxes, can get along without Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook, Starbucks, Boeing, Immunex... not to mention all the produce we put on their dinner tables.
Good luck wit' dat, all you intolerant, ingrate Trumpistas. You're the loudmouthed minority. WE are the real 'silent majority,' and silent we will not remain.
10
I agree I do not want those people to be in the same country as me.
2
Question : Will the California Republican Reps D. Issa & McCarthy ( big wheels in Congress) be re-elected in 2018 ?
The answer should be not , but gerrymandering and the fact that even women vote Republican in spite of it`s policies of controlling their bodies , unequal pay , stealing healthcare from their families , defunding Planned Parenthood ,etc.
The Never-Vote-Democrat tribe is not rational. Being raised/steeped in that culture means few will even try to think outside the Republican box.
1
overly optimistic article
6
The GOP has serious problems in the suburbs and with women. These problems are placing GOP control of the House at risk for 2018.
Prior to this week, no one considered the GOP control of the gerrymandered Virginia House of Delegates to have been at risk.
As a native Southener, picking up those two state house seats in GA is not insignificant.
Roy Moore is not safe in Alabama versus Doug Jones.
The retirement of 29 House Republicans is a forewarning of problems in 2018.
The GOP has moved so far toward the Bannon white nationalist fringe and following the Koch brothers and the Mercer family while Trump is so toxic that more independents and moderate Republicans are in play for Democratic candidates.
The GOP is trying to destroy our health care system, when health care is a top priority for many Americans - see exit polls in VA and Maine's referendum on Medicaid expansion.
Better jobs and a better future for the middle class are also a priority. Unless you believe in the tooth fairy and that 'trickle down' will ever work, the current GOP tax bill is a failure for most Americans.
A cautionary tale to my fellow Dems: Let this be but the first shots of a battle which began yesterday but must continue through next year, and the year after, to 2020, right to 2022. We Dems, Independents, and some still sane Republicans have seen what a year of an atrocious Trump administration has wrought. Thankfully, through Trump's incompetence and the dysfunction of the Republicans we have managed to escape the worse of it. If anyone of them had half a brain they could have already decimated the policies of President Obama. But because of their sheer demagogy, belligerence, and downright lunacy they have managed to shoot themselves in the foot repeatedly. We cannot wait for that to continue. We must keep up the Resistance, till next November then to 2020 and 2022. We cannot stop until the right-wing lunatic fringe is removed from power. Trump was a wake-up call most catastrophic than 9/11/01. I was here in that day of infamy, and never could I imagine that this country would stoop so low in fifteen years and elect a complete idiot as Trump. Is America that scared, that stupid? I pray not.
DD
Manhattan
7
I learned as a young Army aviator that complacency kills. Let us never again be complacent about our obligation to be well informed, active participants in our republic. We need to elect people who do not feel that they are more valuable than their constituents.
1
Dear Mr. M. Holbrook:
Could not have said it better. Unlike countries like North Korea, we Americans have a choice. We can decide what direction our nation should take. And if we get it wrong, we also have the right to correct our errors, knowing we will make many of them along the way. Making mistakes is what humans do, unlike the so-called leader who currently occupies the Oval Office. Someone who never admits to mistakes, never needs to apologize, even to a merciful God. Such a person is not worthy to lead a great nation, or anything in fact. May we all learn complacency in not only government but any endeavor, say flying, is a dangerous thing. As long as one tries, even if they fail, not trying at all is a death-knell. We have reached the abyss. The only way is up. Onward, and upward.
DD
Manhattan
Make America Great Again! Remove Trump!
14
Republicans lost where they would have expected to lowe. Virginia governors race and NY races are good examples. Trump lost Virginia due to concentration of Democrats in urban areas. Same for the governors race. West coast states are solid Democrat states. No change expected. The midterm senate and house races in 2018 will tell how much trump has helped or hurt the two parties.
If those suburban voters are mad now, just wait until they see their new tax increase from that “middle class tax reform”! These voters were the founding members of the tax revolts of 40 years ago, and many have voted Republican to protect them from Democrats who they thought would raise their taxes.
These voters never gave a crap about the Republican culture war. They were watching their wallets. After the tax plan gets passed, and it will probably squeak by, those beautiful new tax hikes will arrive just in time for the midterm elections. You ain’t seen nothing yet!
12
Actually, the tax/fees probably won't be fully felt for a few years as it (ironically:)) trickles down to the States.
They can't run deficits, someone will pay (and since I'm a middleclass wage earner and single) and I see one of the folks that will be paying everytime I look in the mirror:):)
Higher Taxes/Fees and higher deficits,..who could ask for anything more???
1
You'll have to wait until after you're dead to get what Republicans promise.
I do not accept the conclusion Democratic wins indicate solely a revolt against Trump. As revolting and repelling Trump is to many, what makes more sense is that Americans have gotten an in depth look at the GOP/Trump policy agenda playing out in Congress and have rejected it. As a relative recently put it, Democrats in his usually solid Republican district won because GOP policies are “total crap”.
I have disagreed with Republican policies since Reagan. These policies, at the State and Federal levels, have moved so far right in the past few decades as to become revenge legislation that harms average Americans, is discriminatory, elevates inequality, and benefits very few.
If a different Republican had won the White House, Americans would still be watching the degradation of the role of modern government through human and economic policies rejected at a national level in presidential elections since 2008.
Yes, the election of Donald Trump provides the excuse of a “popular” mandate (absent a popular vote) for a GOP-led Congress and perhaps Americans have finally noticed the necessity to vote against the anti-democratic and cruelty of Republicans at all levels.
7
The Republicans oppose public funding of community betterment. What is American about this?
1
Bannon's hate parade simply means losers begging to be recognized. Losers are not attractive to suburbanites. Get a life haters. The USA is much much bigger than you and your hate.
6
OMG........this paper and the democrat party are a joke. You ran a person for president that was a total liar and cheat married to a man that's a sexual predator and want to think ONE election is a revolt by the suburbs. Silly, foolish article.
4
I am not American, therefore I cannot vote.
I am a citizen of the world. America, for better or worse, is a very major part of that world. What you do in America affects us all, again: for better or worse.
It is your DUTY to ensure that your government works for the betterment of your country, YES...... BUT: you also have a duty to the rest of the world -- as spider-mans dad once said; with great power, comes great responsibility(some other important people might have said that also...)....
Fall of Rome part 2 is upon thee, screw up and reap what YOU sow.
6
Liberals do not see life as a zero sum game where somebody loses when somebody else wins. We seek out win-win situations.
1
Let us hope the trend will continue.
10
It is imperative that We the People show up and vote. This is the result.
Most people in the nation do not agree with GOP policies or Trump style politics. They win when voter turn-out is low. When We the People do our civic duty, get up off our sit-downs, and go vote, we get outcomes that reflect the will of the People.
We can have true universal healthcare. We can have tax reform that does not favor the rich. We can have gun regulations. We can have an EPA that is not in the pocket of the fossil fuel industry. We can have a progressive agenda if we overwhelm the polls across the country.
We get the government we deserve.
125
It seems that for all the celebrations we are missing an important point. Clinton won the popular vote. If one looks at a map of Virginia's results, red is the prevalent color. County's are just that, Counties. State are States. Votes should be counted as they were Tuesday night, by people. If the 2016 Presidential election was determined by people, we wouldn't be in the predicament we're in. The electoral is antiquated, anti democratic and needs to go.
18
Go by what they do, not what they say, a Republican utopia would be a county-level feudal system dominated by a hereditary class.
1
Anti-Trump isn't pro-democrat. If the Democrats retain Pelosi and Schumer they will lose the midterm elections. They also need to whisk Hillary off the stage for good. Have a nice good bye party - and use Clinton Foundation money this time.
I think there will be a third party - a liberal one. 2% GDP cap on military spending. Universal health care. Free college for poor students who work hard. Public schools with standards and funding to achieve them. Maybe even a new electoral college based on state GDP per capita.
4
And now unbelievably Republicans are going to try and hoodwink Americans into thinking that huge tax breaks for the wealthy who already have more cash than they know what to do with will somehow make our lives better.
News flash — we are not going for it. Be warned GOP, those supporting tax theft will out in the cold in 2018.
7
I like Charlie Dent a lot but he's flat wrong: there's a lot more to this than Trump, execrable as he is.
The more I learn about the proposed Republican tax bill the angrier I get, because my tax bill is going to go up so super-wealthy individuals and corporations who don't need it or deserve it get a huge tax break. Elimination of state and local tax deductions; student loan interest deductions; and out of pocket medical expenses, just to name three provisions, are going to absolutely hammer me and my family financially.
Why would I, and others like me, vote so nakedly against our own self-interest, without some awfully good justification, which is totally lacking in this instance?
And then, I think about the various permutations of the absolutely insane Republican healthcare legislation and I think to myself, these guys have no business running this country, not because they failed to pass something/anything, but because what they were proposing was pure poison.
Another reason they don't deserve my vote.
Finally, Trump wouldn't be such a liability if only Republicans would fulfill their Article II constitutional role in our system. Just, do your jobs for gosh sakes!
I've been hearing a lot about the Dems lacking a message, but Republicans are defining the issues very nicely for them -- fair, equitable and meaningful tax and healthcare legislation; and check Trump's excesses.
163
Successful competition often involves undermining the financial means of the competitor(s).
What makes the latest GOP attempt to pass major legislation all the more repugnant - is that, similar to the health care failure, there is no compelling evidence our president has any principles or policy ideals to guide the process.
The time is ripe for sane voices and voters to rise up with an entirely new and progressive vision for America.
1
The overarching purpose of the Republican Party is huge tax breaks for rich people. Period.
Keep fighting. Message to Republicans- even with gerrymandering, stick with the Trump-Bannon white nationalist anti-immigrant rhetoric and you will lose in 2018. Stick with the Ryan robbery of the middle class tax plan, and you will lose in 2018. Stick with robbing the nation of healthcare, social security, and Medicaid and you will keep losing. Stick with Voodoo economics, that we already know does not work, and you will lose. What do Republicans stand for? I honestly don't know. Anyone who follows Trump believes nothing and has zero integrity. Democrats-keep fighting, win, and get the things we need--healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, education and affordable college, fair taxes, universal Kindergarten and affordable childcare, eldercare. Help the majority of the American people who pay the majority of taxes. If the rich want to live on an island with their money, I don't care. They are irrelevant to the future, but they need to be prevented from buying the Congress again.
8
What do Republicans stand for? That's easy:
1. Government should implement policies to favor the ultra-wealthy. To heck with the rest of the people—many of them have neither the interest nor the aptitude to follow and understand these policies. Republicans can pick their pockets and many of their supporters won't even notice.
2. Keep Republican supporters distracted and motivated by stirring up wedge issues, identity politics, fear and hatred.
1
“Voters are taking their anger out at the president, and the only way they can do that is by going after Republicans on the ballot”? Just the president? I'd say the president and a good portion of the Republican Party.
11
What I'm most heartened about is the diversity of Democratic candidates that won elections nation wide! Most are ordinary citizens that have decided to leave their jobs and take up the responsibilities of governing. I'm beginning to feel hope for our country!
The America people are going to rise up and throw Trump and his swamp creatures out and institute once again a government of the people by the people!
6
I think the republicans cynical assessment of voters as a sure thing, cookie cutter automatons and/or apathetic has backfired.
4
The GOP reaction to the revolt from the suburbs? Double down on a tax bill that eliminates the estate tax (only paid by the top 1%) and lowers big corporate taxes, and pays for this "reform" by removing or curtailing the tax deductions those very suburbanites rely on to afford to live in the suburbs, send their kids to good public schools, and get those kids through college. I am sure those 'happy' suburban folks will be in just the right mood to vote Republican in a little less than a year. The GOP is about to learn a hard political lesson. Out of touch? Out of office.
8
Perhaps one reason that northern Virginia voted Democratic is because it has a large proportion of voters who depend on government spending such as government workers, lobbyist, government contractors, media groups, professional organizations, union members, etc.
1
I don't believe Trumps conduct and deeds are the reason. He acted in a manner that expressed the middle class anger in his campaign. As president he's shown he's part of the swamp with constant anti middle class actions.
2
"One White House official blamed congressional Republicans, asserting that swing voters on Tuesday embraced Democrats because they were frustrated that lawmakers had not moved on the president’s agenda."
Look at the internal "logic" of this statement. It says swing voters wanted the (far right) Trump agenda to be carried out, and when Republicans could not accomplish that, they switched to those "liberal" Democrats. The statement leaves unstated that these swing voters presumably are expecting "liberals" to carry out the Trump agenda.
Yeah, I believe that. 100%. (ANYTHING not to have to blame Donny the Dunce for managing legislation so poorly that the Republicans suffered a total wipe-out.)
4
Rachel Maddow noted had that of the 15 (white male) Republicans who lost their Virginia seats, 11 of them were replaced by Democratic women, some women of color. And these women were first-time candidates.
Sure seems like Americans, specifically Virginians, have grown tired of the GOP's patriarchal political nonsense. Looks like social conservative "the woman's place is in the home" rhetoric bit them where it hurts.
Bravo Virginia and America.
The GOP and Trump witnessed Americans pushing back against their failing 1950-style platforms. Will they abandon needless unConstitutional ideals of racist white supremacism, misogyny and anti-immigrant nativism? Or will Trump continue to feed vitriolic, divisive political rhetoric to his red meat followers? Considering Trump's approval rating is at a record low 36%, never seen by a sitting US President this early in their term, he should but then again, he's not the sharpest crayon the box.
4
Trump is the best advocate for the democrats now. Every time Trump speaks the democrats pick up votes. There is also the fact that Trumps is mentally ill and not fit to be human.
2
The premise of the article is silly. Dems won in strongly Democratic places where they always win. This was hardly a rebellion against Trump and by itself has zero meaning or implication of hard times ahead for Republicans.
23
you did not read the article. many victories were in GOP strongholds.
2
Even though the US population is majority Democratic, the majority of state legislatures are not. The significant result in VA was not the election of Northam, but the defeat of so many Republican incumbents in the House of Delegates. We saw a similar effect locally when the Democratic candidates for Lower Makefield Township supervisors absolutely crushed their Republican opponents. This is a highly unusual result because of the many so-called "Lazy Dems", particularly in off-year, local elections. They weren't lazy Tuesday, and what wonders they did bring about!
2
This is desperate right-wing spin.
Virginia had (at least until Tuesday) a Republican-dominated legislature--a purple state, but hardly "strongly Democratic" until now, having elected a Republican governor as recently as 2009; yet Northam won by an 8.6% margin.
2
Amazing how much of the media, including the liberal media and DNC, became suddenly aware of a new force in the democratic party. This ain't the democratic party of the last few decades. They cannot claim this "victory." Of course they will try and go the "I told you so" route. My heartiest congratulations to the many men and women who won what can only be described as hard won races against impossible forces. On to 2018!!!!!
4
All this before the results of the special prosecutor are released. I'm looking forward to 2018 and beyond. But let's hope the Democrats get their act together and don't snatch defeat from the jaws of victory again.
6
The Democratic party, in this fleeting hopeful example, is lost in the desert, just not nearly perished, as is the Republicans.
Viva Social Democracy. Viva Bernie Sanders.
2
Up until two days ago I wondered what, and how long, would it take for people to see the kind of useless, tweeting garbage, they voted for one year ago. Better late, or now, than never. Now is the turn for the rest of the Con Man Caucus to be kicked out of the House and Senate. This is the real swamp that must be drained, IF we are to remain great and respected the world over.
3
When will the GOP figure out that the politics of hate are going to drive the US to the bottom?
6
This appears to be a grassroots, populist uprising. The national democratic party is pretty dumb and capable of blowing this opportunity. I hope, like Churchill said, “this is the end of the beginning.” The situation in the US is nearly as dire and dangerous as it was in England in 1940.
2
If these states follow the pattern of others with the predominantly left-leaning leadership they'll end up broke with lawless communities and more unemployment than they have now, become sanctuary havens for illegals and other immigrants from Asia and North Africa our Department of State is deadset on saturating our cities, towns, and states with. Seems folks just refuse to pay attention to history and the lessons that should be learned from it.
Thank heavens! Now if the lemmings in Washington just continue on their same destructive Trump path, the voters who matter will actually come out and vote them out, whether they be Democrats or Independents or Republicans.
And since when did tax reform become a must-pass major issue? Kindly put the lie to rest that lowering corporate taxes is going to create jobs. Lie. Lie. Lie. Your must-pass legislation will not fix the economy, which isn't all that bad or haven't you noticed? Got news for you lemmings: stick it to the middle class, college-educated suburbanites that we are, and watch the fury you unleash!
http://www.people-press.org/2016/07/07/4-top-voting-issues-in-2016-elect...
1
This may sound a bit like ancient history but this April in Morgantown, WV (yes West Virginia, one of the most pro-Trump states in the Union) a slate of progressive candidates swept all seven seats in the city council. As one of the successful candidates said at the time, it was a reaction against Trump.
Dissatisfaction with Trump is not limited to left-leaning states.
3
A few 'American suburbs' don't mean a landslide or a wholesale condemnation (of Trump), as much, as the Dems would love it. It is part of a healthy political process, if such a thing even exists.
This is all about pleasing their rich donors and nothing about helping the middle, lower, or even the upper middle class. I hope everyone, even Trump supporters, can see that.
2
Some feel that this is premature and the real proof is the mid-terms. But the fact that Republicans have been rebuked is still a good sign that people are aware of what the GOP has been up to and intend to do something about it.
3
At least in Texas, the GOP has made it clear that it is a "conservative party." Those who are moderates have been or are being purged from the Republican Party. "True conservatives" attack moderate Republicans, using 'moderate' as a term of vituperation. So who am I, a moderate, going to vote for? Guess who I'm NOT going to vote for! (I really don't understand why 'the base' doesn't want the support of anyone who isn't 'a real conservative' but I've pretty much given up trying to understand their mentality....)
3
Republicans failed at healthcare reform because what they offered was unpopular. They will fail at tax reform because what they have to offer balloons the debt and is designed to eventually hurt the middle class. Now, their only hope for rehabilitating their reputation is to pursue impeachment proceedings, thus validating their reason for existence.
3
College-educated folks are not representative of Jerry Springer's audiences which are really what made up Trump's audiences on the campaign trail and those campaign-like events he's still doing even though he won the election.
2
The wins by the Democrats are not so much of an anti-Trump vote as they are the people just wanting changes in the previous people in those positions.
2
The message was loud and clear: the best of America wants the best for America.
Inclusiveness is the key. It unlocks hatred and bigotry; inaccessible, unaffordable health care; intolerance towards others; and, overall, the exploitation of the less powerful in our society by the more politically influential.
3
"Democrats still face formidable obstacles in the 2018 election, including some not at work in this weeks elections"
Democrats need a unified plan (platform) to help rural America NOW.
They are never going to successfully counter Trump voters with outrage.
That's how we got into this mess in the first place.
2
“Voters are taking their anger out at the president, and the only way they can do that is by going after Republicans on the ballot,” said Representative Charlie Dent, Republican of Pennsylvania.
This is partially true. Voters are also taking out their anger on the republicans who support the president's horrifying views, or who sit on their hands and say absolutely nothing to denounce him. Their silence speaks volumes.
2
Add the veterans who voted for Trump due to his promise of a strong military. Most Republicans are tired of the chaos and lack of leadership from the GOP. Many GOP candidates were silent when the President made offensive remarks. They will be labeled as approving of and enabling Trump's behavior. They will be the targets for anti Trump and nothing accomplished anger.
The GOP obstructed President Obama for 8 years. Now they own Congress and the White House, and nothing has been done as they fight among themselves. There is a serious lack of leadership in both parties. It inspired 44% of Americans to not vote a year ago. Americans are tired of paying millionaires six figure salaries to work part time and accomplish nothing.
1
I am not so sure that I agree with you. The suburbs of Las Vegas,namely Henderson, are big supporters of President Trump. The stock market is up and tourist is up. Employment is up and people are working.
What do you expect when everyone wants their special interest saved? That is why it is called reform. There is not one deduction eliminated everyone agrees on. The public had better understand the president is here for three more years despite all of their destructiveness and hatred.
1
Or not. If the House flips in 2018 he will find out what impeachment entails about an hour later.
1
Sooner, rather than later, the Dems are going to have to anoint someone to carry their torch -- someone who can match Trump sound-bite for sound-bite. The next two elections are going to be fierce. Don't expect the GOP to go down without a fight, and they have proven they can fight dirty. Dems need to fight strong and smart and just as forcefully, but with dignity and integrity. They need a strong leader now. They need to be sizing up candidates, and potential candidates need to be testing the waters NOW. I dread these ridiculously long election cycles, but this is a case where it is necessary.
81
If the Dems get back in power. The 1st thing they should do is reverse Trump's unfair tax fiasco if it passes. I hope to God it doesn't. It takes from the poor and gives to the rich.
2
Even though Virginia does not have any sanctuary cities, the GOP maneuvered the Northam into voting on a bill that would have restricted them. Northam voted against restricting cities from becoming sanctuaries for unauthorized immigrants. The GOP candidate then ran ads saying such cities could provide sanctuary for members of the Central American gang MS-13. The Washington Post next asked voters whether they trusted the GOP or Northam “to do a better job handling crime and public safety”. Thanks to the ads against sanctuary cities, the GOP candidate won by 8%. Northam then reversed his stance, saying he was against the establishment of sanctuary cities.
A New Yorker magazine article “How the gang MS-13 became a Trumpian campaign issue in Virginia” wrote,
"Last month, during a debate, he (Northam) queasily conceded that he wouldn’t support sanctuary cities if they existed in Virginia, and, last week, he backtracked further. “I’ve always been opposed to sanctuary cities,” he told a reporter. If a bill banning sanctuary cities came to his desk, he would sign it as governor, he said."
Northam’s decision to come out against sanctuary cities likely helped him win the race.
1
Ok, Trump is obviously a disaster, but why did anyone vote for him? That he got any votes at all is a poor reflection on the values and wisdom of voters in our country.
So it's encouraging that at least some voters are waking up and mobilizing. Maybe this country is not as messed up as it seemed.
2
“The enthusiastic left showed up tonight in big numbers,” he said, “and really determined the outcome of the election.”
The GOP seems, unbelievably, to think this is an anomaly. People voting for Democrats showed up in numbers because the GOP is intellectually bankrupt, morally AWOL, and incapable of governing. These aren't left-wing voters electing Democrats. It's Americans wanting to restore decency and governance to their government. Duh?
2
Dems celebrating Virginia's election victory is like celebrating a win with a football team winning the 1st quarter by a score of 7 to 6. Folks it's early in the game and Hillary won Virginia in the Presidential election. It's this type of mentality that get's the Dems into trouble. It breeds a false sense of confidence. I'm still waiting for real leadership to emerge for us to take back Washington and rid ourselves of a destructive Trump. Further it's the working class that the Dems have lost. So far I see no change.
1
Hopefully, the Republicans in Congress will realize the only way for them to retain their seats is to impeach and hopefully initiate actions to divest and imprison Donald Trump.
2
I don't believe we need to take this moment as exclusive justification for the marketability of "anti-Trump" politics. A reinvigoration of sincere, honest politics is what this country needs, and has needed for some time. We should be concerned about any potential Democratic Party hubris following these wins. The platforms of either party cater to identity politics, which serve only to disenfranchise or support a select few policies. The identity politics serve as cover for the elite interests doing what they've learned to do well since Tammany! This is a cynical view, yet I cannot help but imagine that either party will continue to pull the wool over our eyes. The Panama and Paradise papers show full-well that money will Trump. Once elected, a member of congress will already begin working on the next election, they seek to fill their electoral "war chests." These chests will be filled by lobbied interests, while the majority of us will already be forgotten. Our country is deeply troubled, politically, socially, and economically. We need more than just a few electoral victories, and we must NOT allow these victories to amount ONLY to a rebuke of Trumpism!
1
I don't want Trump representing this country. I think he's going to learn something about the "base".
2
GOP. Keep your angry bullying mindset and Trump and enjoy standing in line at the unemployment office after next years mid term elections. Keep cutting programs, privitizing government and supporting the rich. I wouldn't cut unemployment it won't be there for you. Time to IMPEACH Trump now. If you don't thats your future.
1
Just the start. Going to drain the swamp. My Republican Congressman has been in DC since 1989. Time for change.
3
It was Republicans passing as Democrats (including Obama and both Clintons) who made Americans so desperate they were willing to vote for the loathsome clown, Trump.
The answer isn't to vote for Democrats, but rather to vote for Democrats of the New Deal stripe.
That's in an age, though, where there is no longer room in the professional Democratic party for even mild New Dealers like Bernie Sanders, and when a politician comparable to Sanders like Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), is targeted with the Democratic National Committee's approval by top Dem surrogates Howard Dean and Neera Tanden just because she questioned Trump's bombing of the al-Shaybat airfield in Syria last spring, and questions the MIC more generally. It was Dean who smeared Gabbard and suggested she be run out of the party.
It's worth remembering that it was Ike who said there was no place in American politics for anyone who didn't accept the precepts of the New Deal. That now includes both major parties. Merely unquestioningly voting for Democrats is hardly the answer. Nor is falling for the DNC's phony "unity" blather, which means nothing more than unity behind wholly corporatist policies.
A real Democratic party needs to once again be the party of working people. A $15 minimum wage, card check for unions, a significant tax increase on the rich, free public college (at the cost of the latest military spending hike approved by Dems, no less)... Demand more than the party currently offers, folks.
1
When you have a President who only "plays to his base" of 32 percent and whose approval rating is not much higher, it means you've lost all the Democrats, all the Independents, and a majority of traditional conservative Republicans. And, when you have a complacent and complaint Republican-controlled Congress doing his bidding by aiding and abetting him in promoting an agenda that not only does not help all those groups, but actually hurts them by removing and/or increasing the costs of health insurance and now attempting to hurt them further by eliminating important tax deductions while once again favoring the wealthy, you have the "wave" revolt and rout that swept the nation yesterday. It seems that if the Trump-Bannon white nationalists don't force out the Republicans as we've seen with Sens. Corker and Flake, the voters will.
The Democrats have said they have a theory to find out what people "really want" and that they can give people more. Then they can persuade people to vote Democrat by "understanding" more.
No! Democrats need to get people to the polls! Period. Because maybe people now realize their vote does count! Many people know they don't want the likes of Donald Trump, but showing that is voting.
And hopefully this is the beginning of solving the Trump problem.
1
This isn't just about Trump, though it's obvious that his antics have insulted the American public. It's also about the bad Karma the Republican congress incurred by openly and unanimously claiming, on the election of President Obama, that none of his initiatives would be allowed to pass. No collaboration, open obstructionism. A disgusting deterioration of leadership by the GOP.
2
"Rebel", oh how dramatic......
The DNC has no momentum and this small election changes nothing.
They were so damaged by the last election that it will take 7-10 years to recover. They don't even have a viable candidate to run against trump.
2
DNC free of the taint and baggage of the Clintons and without the Utopian demagoguery of non Democrat, Bernie Sanders, was a beautiful thing on election night. Seeing Obama campaign for the nocharismatic Northam on a platform based on moderation, decency and inclusiveness as well as a track record of progressiveness for me displayed what the Dem. party has always been about. Voters figured out that Trumpism is just neofascism and antithetical to American values.
1
I think a lot of people are seeing that this charlatan President is in this for himself and not the country. Everything he does has a financial benefit hidden in the details for him to enrich himself and his family. This guy is all about money, not about country, not about the middle class, and not patriotism. He continues to defend Russia, our biggest adversary and threat to our democracy. All this nonsense he spews about veterans, about law enforcement, about tax cuts, is just a distraction from his hand in the till. The country was doing good before Trump and it had safeguards against the financial crisis of 2008. With this charlatan removing them, these same folks that caused the crisis will do it again, push the envelope, push for higher profits, and push financial dishonesty and fraud to another level. It's only a matter of time before we see another financial crisis. Not to worry, he will blame Obama for it like he blames everything else on him when he fails. The only ones that continue to believe this nonsense are those with small brains, those not educated, those not informed, and those that like being taken for fools. America IS waking up.
It isn’t ver until the fat lady sings.
I want free healthcare! It cannot be my fault I cannot afford healthcare, it is someone else's fault for sure!! Where/how do I get my free healthcare so someone else can pay for it to support me so I do not have to?
2
Taxes, Boris. We pay taxes in our country to supplement public service (ideally, or elected officials), and public services (police, fire fighters, teachers). Unlike your Mother Russia, where "taxes" are the kleptocrats way of supplementing their monopolies on national resources.
I don't drive in CO. Why am I paying for your freeways?
Unless you are going to refuse Social Security and Medicare at retirement age, or give up your mortgage interest deduction or childcare tax credit (why am I subsidizing your housing or reproductive choices?) your point, such as it is, is specious.
Michael, is it the consumer's fault that drug companies can carve out a 700% profit on a drug?
Wake up. Very few Dems expect free healthcare, except for people who genuinely can't afford it. We just don't want to get ripped off, especially since we as a society have paid for healthcare for all, and the money is being spent elsewhere.
This off-year election showed an increase in voters who refuse to reelect even the GOP candidate for assistant dog catcher. This bark of 2017 needs to become the bite of 2018!
12
It would confirm they are indeed delusional for Republican politicians and pundits to think POTUS felonious maximus is the only source of the anger that's making their lives difficult...
6
In other news, Democratic party leaders in Virginia and Washington state have enthusiastically embraced Gerrymandering.
3
No, they overcame gerrymandering. Read the article.
1
I voted in Pound Ridge, NY where Westchester residents elected a Democrat to be town supervisor (mayor) for the first time in the history of the town.
11
" a muscular coalition of college-educated voters and racial and ethnic minorities".... wow, so it turns out racial and ethnic minorities are by de facto not college educated? I happen to teach in a college where more than 50% of the students are Hispanic. I have a PhD, and am Hispanic myself. Please stop with this simplistic generalizations.
2
"A muscular coalition of college-educated voters and racial and ethnic minorities ..." Doesn't that make perfectly good sense? Why don't you read the phrase, "college-educated voters," to include all minority groups? Then add to that "racial and ethnic minorities," who are not college educated, to make the broad "muscular coalition." Even if a bit ambiguous in its phraseology, that seems to me to be the point the writer was making. And it's inclusive of minorities, as it should be, both college-educated and not.
1
Apparently, you're not educated enough to understand the concept "mutually exclusive" and its antithesis.
1
“One White House official blamed congressional Republicans, asserting that swing voters on Tuesday embraced Democrats because they were frustrated that lawmakers had not moved on the president’s agenda.”
In what alternate reality does this statement make sense? The level of delusion in the White House is staggering. What are they inhaling in that building? They may want to crack a window and let some fresh air in.
10
Next door to Delaware County, in Chester County, 4 Democratic women won election to county row offices. There had not been a Democrat elected to a county row office in Chester County - EVER.
9
The activists in the GOP have ranted for YEARS against "RINOs" - basically anyone who was not a true Reaganite - Anti-Gay - Pro-"Life" ideologue. These "RINO" voters tended to be affluent, well educated suburbanites who voted GOP over fiscal issues and law and order.
Well, crime is way down and the GOP wants to raise taxes on suburban professionals. Couple that with a ramping up of a culture war that is repulsive to most well educated Americans, including upper middle class married couples and parents with children (you know, actual NORMAL families that are not the Duggars) and there is no reason for suburban families to vote GOP anymore. None. The GOP is a threat to us.
And, lo and behold, it turns out the GOP needed our "RINO" votes to win elections.
8
I looked at the detailed returns on election night a year ago, and I was surprised that the suburbs had voted for Clinton. The suburbs have diversified in the last 20 years, with Mexican-American businesses, upper middle class Indians and Chinese with MBA's, and they are no longer your white flight generation.
The Democrats won't win with an anti-Trump message. They need to expose the whole Republican power grab gambit with its gerrymandering attack on the middle class. The Republican crony capitalism is looking for everyone to pay for education and health care or die ignorant in a Darwinian economy of the strong.
The Times and other American press does the electorate no service by casting elections as pro and anti Trump. Democrats also believe in rule of law and legal processes for immigration. 25% of Hispanics voted for Trump - they are legal and they strongly oppose cheating. The newspapers are painting Democrats as opposite Trump - for open borders. The truth is most Americans and Democrats are in the middle.
5
'Bout time the Dems won *something* at the polls. Is anyone really surprised that a Dem won against a never-Trumper in Virginia? If one is going for a swamp creature, why go lite? Might as well go for the full Dem. As for NJ, well yeah. As Democrats were their own biggest liability in 2016, so will congressional Republicans be their own biggest threat in 2018 if they don't get their act together.
Every one of the districts won by Democrats were just as blue as they were a year ago. The Democrat picked up one new district in VA for the VA House. Blue states are still blue.
1
The Democratic Party: where all ideas deserve merit, where talent matters, where those that are blessed want to help their neighbor, where all skin colors and beliefs are valued. A party that values the individual, a party of consensus, a party of the people not corporations or money. A highly idealist impression I know, but I see something gathering force. It took a Trump to make it happen! Now let's get rid of him and his Appleby friends! Drive out these foolhardy falsehood preaching Republicans and say to their face what you think of them and their propaganda. You do have a choice! Never let them use religion, guns, abortion, or wars to come between you and common sense!
6
Message to Conservatives & Republicans:
Repeal the State and Local Tax Deductions at your grave political peril.
Your obscene attempts to further enrich the billionaire slave-masters at the American Middle Class's expense will be fraught with political peril which you and your party shall not escape. You shall awaken a political response which will wreak a vengeance upon you and your reactionary Conservative movement.
Your undisguised and craven lies will not save your extremist Conservative GOP actions to destroy Middle Class families.
4
Seems like the faucet is starting to drip. Maybe starting to drip quite a bit and develop into a full blown leak. It may even be past the point of the "Republican plumber" being able to fix the leak.
If exit polls showed people voting "against the party of Trump", maybe, just maybe, the Republican leaders should open their eyes and do what is right.
Abandon Trump!
4
Let’s not get too excited.Honestly many NYT insights were so off through the election that I reserve any optimism. Trump and the GOP are terrible.
1
Trump you can't separate the U.S it was a big mistake.
2
While I applaud the enthusiasm over the Democrats' wins, one election does not create a pattern. It is this kind of hubris that contributed to Hillary's loss in '16.
13
It was Hillary's own hubris that was the problem. Too bad she never took the hint the first time around, when an upstart named Barack Obama beat her in the primaries.
2
Nobody was falsely billed as a shoo-in this time.
If Obama had let the lady go first, his legacy would only be beginning now. Now he watches it being erased.
OK, first, THIS is what an UNRIGGED election looks like! For the first time in 15 years, EXIT POLLS were SPOT-ON; there was no red shift. Think about it.
BUT, lest anyone for a minute believe that yesterday's results mean that our elections are now secure and that no one is targeting 2018 or 2020 for votecount manipulation, please understand that there are very good reasons that entities with capacity to interfere with the counting process in these particular contests would have taken a pass.
1) The actual victory margins in key contests were large - altering outcomes would not have passed the smell test.
2) The prizes were a drop in the bucket compared to what is on the table in 2018. Given the now-heightened scrutiny of our election processes, it would have been a blunder to trigger red flags now - thereby putting urgency into the effort to button-up election security before 2018.
3) VA had decertified its DREs, so that, unlike GA-6 this summer, recounts/audits would have been in play in the event of "issues." NJ, though using DREs, was simply too big a margin - a Guadagno win would have failed the smell test spectacularly.
So yesterday's results should do nothing to reassure anyone about the security of our elections or diminish by a hair the urgency of our efforts to restore public and observable vote counting. We have seen way too many aces drop out of sleeves to think for a minute that this game is being played straight. If we do, we're the perfect mark.
4
You want to know what I felt when I voted on Tuesday? Vengeance. All the helplessness and despair I’ve felt these past nine months were with me in that voting booth. Do these results surprise anyone?
16
It’s been a year since Trump was elected. I’ve been in despair since then, not just since Inauguration Day.
2
UNLESS VOTING IS compulsory and duty of each citizen these mixed results will follow.
Its time govt should force all to Vote or pay fine so Elections should be not be on based on private funds but funded by city and state.
Regular debates and any one tainted candidate should be rejected .
3
Imagine making voting compulsory under a system that automatically throws votes away for being cast in the wrong place. The insult to intelligence is only compounded.
No. I disagree.
I, for one, do not want an uniformed voter, or an apathetic voter in the voting booth.
If people don't care enough to vote, then those people don't deserve the privilege
Hopefully, these election results mean that the politics of hate is over. For the first time in a very long time I feel that there's a glimmer of hope for the future, and I'll take it.
8
Only about 60 per cent of the voting-age public took part in last year's election.
In October, for example, 44 per cent of 2016 voters said they approved of Trump's performance in office, compared with 37 per cent of the general population.
Among Republicans, 82 per cent of voters approved of Trump in October, compared with 75 per cent of all Republicans.
Some 85 per cent of those who voted for Trump in 2016 said they would do so again, the poll found.
The findings suggest that Republican candidates in the 2018 congressional elections who shun the president risk alienating his followers, Republican strategists and political scientists said.
At the same time, those who embrace him in the early primary races that choose party candidates risk losing moderate voters in the general election.
"It's very difficult for any Republican candidate to distance themselves from Trump," said Michael McDonald, an expert on voter turnout at the University of Florida.
That dilemma played out in Virginia on Tuesday, when Ed Gillespie, the Republican candidate in the governor's race, was soundly beaten by his Democratic opponent.
Gillespie had adopted some of Trump's hardline positions but had avoided campaigning with the unpopular president.
Gillespie's strategy had been closely watched within the party to see if it could provide a template for other Republican candidates in 2018, when control of the House of Representatives and the Senate will be up for grabs.
Yes. Sort of...
Watching Gillespie, closely, had more to do with seeing if the GOP could win in a state owned by the DNC for the last several election cycles. The last three of Virginia's US Senators are Democrats. Three of the last four governors are Democrats (including both of our current US Senators and our current governor), and Virginia voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012, and for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
So it would have been big news to see Gillespie win. He was never really close... except during the past week or so since the terrible negative ad against him backfired on the local Democratic machine.
So... in other big news, Thursday came after Wednesday, this week. Does this mean a major shake up in weekly calendar structure is on its way?
1
The Virginia election was no surprise. Go to Fairfax and Loudon Counties and try to find a Washington Times newspaper. Just move the two counties into the DC federal district and get it over with.
These votes represent the voice of the people.
Our democracy is being highjacked and these wins send a loud message; We are wide awake, we are paying attention and closely listening.
These results raise my hope that 2018 will be a record voter turnout, and will be the start of bringing our democracy back to the middle.
3
While there is much to take comfort from the results of the recent elections in Virginia, New Jersey and elsewhere the media gloating seems excessive. There may be some shifts in traditional voting patterns favouring Democrats, particularly in the House of Delegates elections in Virginia, they are not so seismic as media punditry is putting out. The Democrats seem not organised still and are winning by default because of the prevailing disarray in Republican ranks and their failure to accomplish anything. The approval rating of Democrats is at an all time low not much above the GOP. It is premature to think of Democrats taking control of the House or the Senate at this time.
5
It is amazing how much money Republicans spend on vandals to disrupt the Democratic Party.
The outcome of these elections, a beginning of a process and not an end-state to be celebrated,present ongoing challenges:(1)planning and implementing necessary legislative activities;(2) enabling a range of necessary changes for equitable well being for all,(3) with a sharing of available and accessible human and nonhuman resources,critical and necessary for individual, familial, community sustainable development to come about,(4) at all levels, from local- micro, to regional-macro,to national- mega, (5) within viable,anchoring, guidelines of menschlichkeit,with (6) daily efforts to minimize,neutralize, and wherever and whenever possible,prevent our ongoing, daily, violating WE-THEY culture and its anchored traditions,and principles of belief, manifested and reinforced by both ordinary people, as well as agenda-bound, influential, stakeholders.The current tradition for all policy makers to spend the majority of their time, daily, fundraising for their own reelection as well as for their party,and not being involved most of their waking hours, daily, in the demanding legislative activities which they were elected for,needs to be changed.Elected and selected people who do not carry out their daily responsibilities,in the best way that they are able to, given situational conditions, need to take personal responsibilities both for their actions and inactions.Their words and deeds; implemented as well as not! Victory is at the end of an endless "race," not at its beginnings.
Still LOTS of Red in the map of Virginia showing which gubernatorial candidate won each counties last night.
What is the Democratic Party's message? Because the people who voted for Trump out of spite still seem very happy with Mr. Trump. (I'm not saying that is why everyone voted for him).
2
The brilliant Republican strategy of revealing their tax plan - which will savage suburban middle and upper-middle class voters living in places like New Jersey or northern Virginia - can probably take some credit for their fiasco. The vicious, racist ads and robo-calls of the Gillespie campaign clearly backfired in Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax counties, just as Kathy Tran says. Median household income in those three counties is over $100k a year and all three are ethnically and racially more diverse than the US as a whole. Trump's attitudes - his racism, his misogyny - and his policies - his tax bill, his abandonment of health care, his environmental crimes, his desire to destroy education not simply K-12 but at universities - will never play well in counties with racial diversity, highly educated populations that value education (Fairfax County schools, for example, are among the best in the US), and high housing prices [and thus vulnerable to his tax plan's evisceration of blue state real estate markets]. For Democrats, the key factor is to tie all Republicans to these policies, and not simply to attack Trump for his many personal failings. Gillespie's last-minute negative Trumpianism helped Northam's margin jump from 3 points to 9, and thus swept many House of Delegate candidate to narrow victories, but Democrats may not always find Republican candidates to be so helpful.
4
The democrats need to vote in every school board election, city council election and elections that are not the ones every four years. More importantly, the gerrymandering case in the SCOTUS will make the biggest difference if the court sides on the rational view that the system is indeed "rigged". Otherwise, be prepared for "popular vote" always getting Trumped!
5
As establishment Republicans learn that Trump is a liability, we may expect a different response to special counsel Mueller’s upcoming report.
3
It's actually more effective to stop/confront Bullies early or you'll be spending an inordinate amount of anguish regretting you didn't.
And by all means never, eva, eva,..put them in charge of anything that has to do with PEOPLE. Though I believe a case can be made for them to be a DEPUTY Chief of a SuperMax Prison, on a temporary-transitional basis.
But this is certainly a decent sign folks have quickly grown weary of the current one.
3
Democrat replaces Democrat in the swamp that Trump threatens to drain. This is not a major victory. We can cheer and chant, but the reality is that this is not a major victory. We've got to stop selling the politics of hate and divisiveness, and stop selling the working class down the river.
1
The GOP cannot...I repeat CANNOT... trade blue collar Dem voters for suburban Republican voters.
They need a coalition of both to win. This is where conservatism trumps national economic populism. Conservatism cuts across all spectrums and everyone relates to it. That’s the winning formula.
1
It’s a nice read and in some ways it is convincing, but I do not think it is time to celebrate.
Yes, a few States have chosen truth over lies, but we are still swimming in an ocean of lies, corruption, and a government trying to confuse the public.
6
It's fear that compelled many of us to vote like our lives depended on it.
We're scared of what trump has brought to the surface of our democracy. His fear mongering has made us suspect of our neighbors, our relatives, strangers on the street. In his obsession to hold on to power he will press even harder to undermine democracy.
Now that we started to do something about it don't stop until he's gone and merely a dark history lesson to keep us vigilant.
9
Illinois shows how "suburbs count". Once upon a time in Cook Count,Chicago's home the Cook County suburban vote was at best 25% of the total Cook County vote with the city vote dominating. Now the suburban Cook County vote is 50-50 city and suburbs and the Democratic vote in the suburbs equalling the total vote (85-90% Democratic) in the city. With the change and similar Democratic vote in other smaller suburban areas in other counties, Illinois now is solidly Democratic. Women and young accept for the shift
1
I think this is an example of seeing what one wants to see. Turnout in off-year elections is notoriously low, and a small group can have a big effect. Whether this portends a wave in 2018--or certainly 2020--is very much up for grabs.
3
But turnout wasn't low in these races. That's the point here.
1
I am happy with the results but there is no good reason to be happy. This is a tiny reversion of the pendulum. There is little of anything to indicate it will translate into a general routing of the Trumpists. Sane conservatives (basically an oxymoron, but anyway) are retiring from Congress rather than fight for their seats, leaving their districts and States to Trumpists. Where are all those Democratic supporters in those fights? Sidelined by gerrymandering? Or will they just refuse to turn up at the polls unless Bernie tells them to? This is nowhere near a counter-revolution yet. Sanity is a long way off.
1
The results show at least in Virginia, the Trump message however it was packaged did not work. Republicans and Democrats get their base vote of 35% each. The remaining 30% is the educated middle class suburbanites. They didn't like the transformation of White House into an adult care center. They live American dream and very proud to be an American. They could not accept that the words of their President does not mean anything. Trump will be one term president. Democrats should come up with a plan how they can fix Obama care, expand social security, free college education and don't go too far to the left like single payer. May be they can treat health insurance companies like utilities or something like that to control the cost. Don't tell absurd things to this middle 30%. Don't rig the nomination process based on how much money an individual can raise. Democrats can win with less money if they are honest.
4
In my little corner of the world, a purple area if ever there was one, Democrats did really well on Tuesday. Local issues, charges of corruption flung back and forth, and Trumpism all figured in the campaigns.
But, what really energized people about 10 days ago was the threat of really higher taxes if the Republican tax cut plan passes. What was seen as a tied race, became a landslide for Democrats on Tuesday .Anything with a Republican label on it radiated "you'll pay more, you'll pay more"!
If Republican senators think they are safe because they do not represent high income states with valuable real estate, they should think again. Without the local party office holders (town council, county office holders, state legislators) Republican candidates won't succeed.
5
It'd be wise to remember how the revolt against President Obama also carried itself forward in much the same manner, albeit with parties reversed. There was also a similar revolt against President Clinton. This is America, the land of constant pendulum swinging moderation; and those whose candidate won the White House typically become complacent for a while, as those whose candidate lost typically become fired up. In other words, our system of checks and balances will most likely continue to prevail as it was intended.
2
I'm not sure we've reached the high water mark of the confederacy yet, but it does seem to be that the divisive white nationalism that Trump so successfully uses to fire up his supporters and get them to the polls may now be just as successful in motivating his opponents to vote against him. Trump's problem is that his supporters are less than 40% of the population, so if increasing their turnout also increases the turnout of the opposition, Trump is in trouble—maybe. The "maybe" is because in the US electoral system favours winning districts over people, and Trump could still end up controlling more districts than this opponents. I'm sure that's the political calculation happening behind the scenes. The Democrats need to ensure they have a strategy not only to win more people, but to win more districts.
4
The Republicans do not have to worry about too many of their supporters jumping ship. The Democrats have become too liberal for many Americans especially middle America and they need a place to cast their vote. Where will they go? They will turn to the Republicans once they have taken a closer look at what the Democrats have to offer. They do not want to pay for the entitlements of others while they themselves pay their own way.
4
I think this has been Trump's plan all along. He hates the Republican establishment because they never embraced him during the primary season. Trump is a Democrat in Republican clothing. Blowing up the GOP plays right into his vindictive nature. And I don't think he's interested in the 2020 election. He wants to go back to his real estate empire where he can give orders that will not meet with any resistance. He doesn't now nor ever will understand checks and balances. That's why he complains that he's frustrated. More importantly, if Democrats can capture both chambers in 2018 and win the 2020 presidential election, we can finally realize legislation that puts an end to the grip the NRA has on this country.
1
I'm glad that this article mentioned Delaware County, PA. Historically, this was a very tightly controlled Republican bastion. Even after large areas became majority African-American, they still had white republican councils and mayors.
For the county council to become majority Democratic for the first time in history shows that we have a good chance of winning the 7th congressional district for Daylin Leach.
The 7th is one of those ink-blot shaped gerrymandered districts. There has only been token Democratic opposition for the last several cycles. This time there are at least five candidates for the primary.
Yes we can !
3
I am trying to get inside the head of the Liberal mindset, as well as understand the angst of your anti-Trump readers. I happen to have been very wary of Mr. Trump, but after a year of listening to what he actually does and his courage to fire his appointees at the first hint of impropriety, and to respect Democrats that he disagrees with, to engage US allies and US enemies, etc. and etc., then I have to say your interpretation of Mr. Trump lacks credibility.
3
Folks, this is just a continuation of last year’s election which Clinton won by three million votes and the Dems picked up two senate seats and, what was it, six house seats. The electoral college sham is the problem here and yet there is no movement to abolish it. The voters clearly rejected Trump’s crass nihilism a year ago.
3
While it does look good, surely there’s two issues -
1. How much has actually changed in terms of changing the minds of core Trump voters? Unfortunately I have some in my family, and they just view him as someone under siege - he isn’t getting legislation passed because career politicians are blocking him. Somehow they manage to block out all his insanity, or assume it’s inaccurate reporting by the mainstream media, who have issues with Trump.
2. If the Democrats REALLY want to win, they need to start standing for something, rather than just being an opposition. It only works for so long. At some point you have to be more than “not Trump”
1
And then there is rural America, like where I live in a safe Republican district in western NY: not one Democrat on the ballot and no chance to turn around the Congressman, the first to endorse Trump. The population here is old, white, dependent on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and completely, utterly unwilling to change, take the evidence of failure to heart--- just as the story in Politico made clear the other day. My point? I really hope there are enough angry, dedicated suburbanites to send the "economic nationalists" and Trump to oblivion. The only thing my neighbors will never consider is voting for the Democrat who would actually try to make their lives better.
1
I really can not see how the GOP can be surprised by this outcome. With there quiet support of trump they have said they believe in racism and bigotry and hateful violence. Yes, I do believe trumps hard core base holds those values as he does however I DO NOT believe the average Republican does nor the average independent. If the GOP truly wants to stay relative in government they must reject trump at all levels.
1
That is a funny picture with the article. A kid plastered with GOP stickers and a trump MAGA hat. He doesn't look old enough to vote. I hope by the time he can vote, he'll make better choices.
2
It's heartening to hope that the race-baiting and fearmongering tactics of Trump will inevitably fail. He hasn't been coy about his bigotry and his desire to divide our nation for his own gain. It has been frightening, hopefully frightening enough to get people to stand up and say no more and never again.
2
My message is, please stay angry and resist GOP's antipeople moves on health care or tax matters. We are many more than the one percent they seek to pass the benefits to. On top they are liars who never can muster enough strength to face an aroused citizenry. A little determined push on our part is enough to shatter their plans. Let's stay angry and ready to call'em out or ourselves come out in towns and cities of this country as the occasion demands.
1
Dream on, Democrats! Hatred of President Trump is not the kind of policy that will produce the next Democratic administration. You will have to do better. Virginia went for Secretary Clinton in 2016; New Jersey, too. Nothing has changed.
Actually, most of Virginia remains bright red, geographically, if you look at the map. I suppose you might call that "fly over" Virginia. Luckily for Northam, he controlled NoVA and Tidewater.
But here is the point that the NYT is missing. New Jersey and Virginia are both blue states. Democratic wins in either or both is not newsworthy. Hillary won both, last year - neither broke for Trump. What would be newsworthy would be if the GOP won either of them this year.
I guess that things have been so bad for Democrats that they will celebrate victories in their own states as major milestones.
4
It's the numbers, not the wins. And VA is purple.
1
You're ignoring that the Democrats went from a relatively helpless minority in the House of Delegates (state assembly for those who don't recognize what it is) to at least 49 - 51 and possibly in control depending on recounts.
That's "YUUUUUGE." And it was done in the face of pretty serious gerrymandering.
The GOP took a whupping in Virginia, no way around it.
1
The Democratic win from Virginia to New Jersey from Washington to Newyork and Marine in Tuesday's state and county as also the gubernatorial elections is a clear rejection of the Trump brand of negative divisive politics, and a reaffirmation of constructive issue based politics to which the Democrats after a brief spell of confusion are returning. If they continue such live connect with the constituents and keep articulating their concerns they can look forward to better prospects in the future.
11
'“Voters are taking their anger out at the president, and the only way they can do that is by going after Republicans on the ballot,” said Representative Charlie Dent, Republican of Pennsylvania.'
You know, Congressman, if you believe like Trump, you will get booted too.
7
It's clear the Progressives' "Lots of people named Clinton are worse than Trump!" Club® bubble hasn't been popped by the encouraging Democratic victories in VA/NJ, and elsewhere.
PC Complaint #1: "The Democrats have no clear message!" Yes, they do: Donald Trump and his administration present a clear and present danger to the entire world - so vote to replace those who would do his bidding. Luckily there are a number of candidates willing to do this. Is that really that difficult a message to comprehend?
PC Complaint #2: "Being anti-Trump and his policies as a candidate isn't good enough." Have you listened to Trump lately? For the short-term - 2018-2020 - it's quite sufficient for many people.
PC Complaint #3: "No Democratic candidate excites me." Check out the resumes of the people nationwide who've been elected recently; their serious dedication should excite you enough. This isn't a Roman Colosseum. (Yet!)
PC Complaint #4: "The hated DNC is gloating." No, they're relieved they have some good news. Perhaps they intend to build on it with the many people so horrified by Trump that they crossed party lines to make a statement. Many Democrats are appreciative of those voters crossing party lines to oppose the singular evil of Trump - because Democrats know they won't get support from the PC.
PC Complaint #5: "The DNC is corrupt/centrist/neoliberal/illiberal/DonnaBrazile4eva!". Say what?
OK. Stay in the bubble. Other people will nod, smile - and keep voting Democratic.
76
I am looking at one particular resume: that of Ralph Northam, who just won in Virginia:
-- VMI grad - appeals to the military tradition-loving types
-- Former Army doctor and Gulf War veteran- ditto
-- Pediatrician & Neurologist- appeals to those who respect intelligent people and whose heart strings are pulled knowing that they are voting for a guy who works with children to keep them healthy.
but here is the kicker...
-- He is also an admitted Bush supporter, yet ran as a Democrat.
So... the message is this... centrists are electable. Neither wild-eyed, conservative populists nor wild-eyed, liberal progressives are electable. Elections are still won in the middle. It is time both parties figure that out.
3
The DNC is dead or have you not seen who the President is?
1
That getting decent people elected who believe in the rule of law and treating everyone fairly regardless of who they are or what they believe or whom they love is such an uphill battle is what is so disconcerting to me. Gerrymandering or not, there are literally millions of American citizens who want America to be white again, who think you are lazy if you are jobless or homeless, who think there are those who "deserve" to be helped in society and those who do not, who look down on those of us who are educated as "elitist." They may not all be racist, ignorant, narcissistic, homophobic sex offenders themselves but (to paraphrase Ta-Nehisi Coates) they decided it was perfectly fine to elect someone who is.
Until there are many more reasonable people who care about their fellow citizens and want to live up to the ideals of a real democracy, I don't hold out a lot of hope for the future of America.
43
We're still the country of instant fantasization (gratification as well). The Dems and otherwise the Clinton machine and the punditry never saw "it" coming. Going off on a tangent, Bin Laden publicly declared "war on America" in 1996. Then 5 4 3 2 1 bang, surprise surprise.
In any event, maybe things will work out. The failed establishment gets removed or removes itself over the next few years, Rep or Dem, and some synthesis of immaculate conception comes to power for the benefit of mostly all.
1
If Doug Jones pulls off an upset victory over Judge Roy Moore for Jeff Sessions' Senate seat in Alabama in the special election December 12, then we'll know yesterday's results were the biggest "send 'em a message" vote ever.
Right now the race in Alabama is closer than anyone thought possible, though religious fanatic Moore is favored.
Anyone who is still revved up for working for yesterday's races could throw some money and/or muscle to the Alabama race, since it's just next month. Worth a try.
64
Let’s not make an almost-impossible-for a-Democrat- to-win election a bellwether for the entire 2018 race.
D 10 areas going for Democrats is hardly headline worthy. Suburban DC, NYC and Seattle are hardly similar to suburbs in Atlanta, New Orleans, Memphis, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, LA and many others.
The story is Democrats were able to hold serve and win a race in Virginia they very much needed.
7
I live in WA state, and cannot emphasize enough the importance of Democrats taking over our state legislature. Republicans in this state have long tended libertarian; thus, WA was one of the first two states, along with CO, to legalize recreational cannabis, and to legalize gay marriage and physician-assisted death with dignity long before "liberal California," where I used to live. For such live-and-let-live Republicans to lose seats here is indeed a damning indictment of the party.
22
Recreational cannabis is liberal, not libertarian. Efforts to industrialize it run counter to its culture, which is why California struggles to implement legalization. The state wants the industry corporatized for bureaucratic convenience, while the existing producers very much want to preserve a boutique and wine-like industry. Everybody wants a law, but no agreement on the law can be reached.
1
Alas, my old nemesis, libertarians do not have a moral aversion to or the public will to legislate or govern against "recreational cannabis." They do, however, remain committed to the idea that all legislation ought to help reduce the cost of governing, not to increase it.
What people see (who oppose the legalization of pot) is that DWI / DUI accidents and arrests have skyrocketed in places like Colorado. There is a rise in job losses due to failure to pass mandatory, corporate drug testing and/or corporate requirements to have a clean driving record, etc. Other crimes related to drug use are also on the rise. The costs of policing these other issues (not the pot, but crimes related to and resulting from pot usage) have skyrocketed.
While I don't pass personal judgement against those who choose to use pot, I think the legalized marijuana states' experience is unfavorable. Is the expanded freedom costing the states money? Regulation (and subsequent taxation) are the normal ways localities manage or control this. THAT is what frustrates libertarians.
Otherwise, Mr. Bolger, I hope you are well. Best. -- Ed
The most important part of this article is it’s title. It has become clear by now, I hope, that the most important divide in American politics is cultural, not economic, and that the dividing line runs squarely between the city and the country. Cities are blue; rural America red. For a year now, rural America taunted the cities, calling its white, old, dying population “real America” and everybody else - aliens, interlopers, illegal immigrants and worse. Well, they forgot the suburbia. The US is a suburban nation. The suburbia are where the educated, productive, socially liberal, and yes, multiethnic population live. As the suburbia go, so does the nation. The memo to the Rust Belt: we are the real America. You are not.
27
Now, how do we get Trump to stay in Asia? Forever.
46
If he could’ve just stayed in the fog there at the demilitarized zone on the Korean Peninsula.
1
I guess it's not likely we can stop his re-entry as an undesirable or clear and present danger
3
You can't thank God. Our country still has the good fortune to have Trump leading it to a better immigration policy.
Very few people thrive in an environment of constant chaos: dreading and expecting something worse every morning, and not being disappointed, is a strong motivator for change, for action.
Trump doesn't just spread chaos, he is crude and mean and a liar.
A republican strategist just referred to last night's rise of the Dems the "Coalition of the Decent"....I agree, and despite the complaints about the Dems not yet having a coherent message, I think a return to some semblance of respect and decency and truth is a good place to start.
(this morning, my little corner store had a sign hanging on the counter: THANK YOU AMERICA!!...yes, indeed)
46
Trump's vandals may giggle as they wreck, but they don't appear to be happy.
1
This article, and so many media outlets, are gushing over suburban hostility to Trump. I am so tired of hearing about the plight of suburbanites; I hail from the Sanders wing of the Democratic Party, the real wing of the Democratic party, and the plight of people who rent apartments in crumbling urban buildings always seemed more compelling than the relatively trivial misgivings and "miseries" of the soccor mom set.
I fear that the new infatuation with Suburbia will move the Democratic party to the right. And as the Dems plead the case of homeowners, I am sure their support in the pampered precincts of Northern Virginia and Long Island will soar. But this will result in a concommittant collapse of Democratic support in the big cities which will rightfully feel used, neglected and scorned
And that could mean another victory for the GOP.
Dems, be happy with your suburban support. But don't forget your overwhelming mission -- to be an advocate for the persecuted and disadvantaged -- which is more important than at any time since 1933.
Fellow New Yorkers: Did you ever bother to wonder where low level employees live given astronomic rents. (and your adorable suburban voters enjoy soaring house prices) I know educated, polite people who live with 20 other people in three room apartments. Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton and Debbie Wasserman should be purged.
Heed Bernie Sanders or lose my vote.
24
Sky rocketing rents are a problem in many places. When was the last time you ran for office? Nothing weaker than someone whining and threatening but can’t see that they hold the power for change in their own hands. Good luck.
1
And then what? Another four years of Trump whose father and senior advisor son in law made their fortune exploiting the renters of their crumbling apartments? And where does your comment leave the roles and responsibilities of city and state government?
@ David G. Bernie pushed the "free collich" thing too hard and the idea was absurd before we realized single-pay health care. Do you really believe that the America of today is ready for an elderly-small-state-Jewish-intellectual-with a Larry David NY accent? I don't. Bernie is NOT a real democrat anyway but a self described socialist. He should NOT have been allowed on the democratic stage where they owed him Nothing. America has been so right wing stupid now for so long that we have to walk this thing back-slowly. For full disclosure, I voted for HRC and have never voted "R" in a national election. Remember: Fight for what is POSSIBLE. My sincere hope is that the Clinton clan take the dough and move on into the sunset.
Please do not forget the revolt that is threatening Democrats as well.
The defeat of a poor Republican candidate, in one state, is just that only. As of late, both parties have been failures as in meeting the needs and expectations of citizens and will need more than running a candidate who is not-Trump or not-white-male.
6
Oh, please. "Democrats win in states historically-unpopular Democrat won!" Democrats' challenges have not abated. In New Jersey, Christie destroyed his own party more than Trump. In Virginia, the difference from a year ago was the turnout. Forgive me if I don't think it's accurate to suggest that just showing up to vote -- which would have prevented the problem from existing -- constitutes a "rebellion". It's your basic civic duty.
I'll be impressed when Democrats start flipping the hard districts. There have been signs of it in places like Oklahoma and Kansas. Those states are where the truly instructive races are taking place.
12
Some people are just naysayers. And for them—there is no hope.
13
I don't see how Democratic ideals clash with the way the frontier was civilized by community efforts.
1
Seems to me that the Republicans’ failure to “flip” traditionally Democratic areas to red — not to mention the failure of several recent and current Republican presidents to win the popular vote — hasn’t stopped Republicans from claiming some moral and popular right to force their will on the majority who disagrees with it.
Why should Democrats have to win Oklahoma or Kansas to demonstrate their right to govern?
1
We ARE going to make America great again, one local election at a time.
In 1991 I was in Russia as a young college student with a group called leadership for the 21st century. I was sent to represent America because my naive, but hopeful, essay on American values won me a place at the table to witness the turnover of the USSR to the Commonwealth of Independent States. There were food lines 18 blocks long that cold December. Physicists made $2 a month in Russia back then.
When paired with my Russian student counterparts, they would whisper to me on the bus, asking what it was like to vote, as if it was a secret, titillating crime. If, as natural born citizens we were lucky enough to have won the genetic lottery and been born here, or perhaps moved mountains to immigrate, we must never lose our will to vote and participate in this great democracy. It is a privilege and an honor for which many have fought and died.
Courage to Mr. Mueller for his role in restoring justice in our elections, and courage to us all to get out and vote. We only deserve to be a beacon of hope if more than half of us can be bothered to vote. The current oligarchic cabal of chaos relies on your apathy to maintain power over you. Courage! Pride! Effort! Civility! Charity! Quality! Believe! Serve!...and VOTE!
32
WELL SAID PUBLIC SERVANT. MY CONSENSUS ALSO.
Great comment until the part about Mueller. A lesson you learned in Russia as to how bureaucrats and regulation is not the source of success. Mueller is part of the cabal and should be recused. His connections to the Clintons and Lynch are too close to be objective. The Trump Dossier paid for by Clinton controlled DNC as the source of these investigations. That’s corrupt. To deny it is in itself ignoring facts which is illogical
1
It is now time to prepare for November 2018.
We need to get Democratic candidates who will take on the Republicans in every race, from the House and the Senate to state legislature seats to local offices.
There should be no uncontested election anywhere. We need to work hard, and not count our wins now as the end of the process. This is just the beginning, the first step of many.
Democrats need to work hard to win as many elections as possible in November 2018. This election just shows that it can be done. Time to get with the program.
22
This certainly looks good for the Dems. We can only hope that party leaders won't allow infighting and bruised egos to get in the way of victories next year
12
The message last night was pretty clear. Republicans are being punished at the polls for not standing up to Trump.
While 80% of Republicans still support him (amazingly), there are a few Republicans who can tell right from wrong.
Enough of that remaining 20% are so appalled at the direction the GOP has gone, that they were concluded a vote for the other side was the right thing to do.
This really is a referendum on racism, xenophobia and hatred. And the environment too.
62
Virginians also voted for Democrats because they fielded excellent candidates who's campaigns introduced as kind, hopeful, smart and reasonable; people who had done important but relatable things with their lives. The message was about job training, community and technical colleges, reforming sentencing, healthcare, fighting for a better society. Media stereotypes marginalize the votes of women as only sending a message about trump. well...OK, but they also voted FOR a pediatrician to govern our state. if you're a mom working 2 jobs, you don't keep up with DC news, but Northam's ads were reassuring and reasonable. And exit polls show #1 concern as healthcare. Gillespie, the retired ? lobbyist was never going to have Trump lovers support; he is swamp personified.
14
The Virginia strategy must be repeated nationwide. Candidates must be found by the Dems for EVERY office, down to dog catcher. An uncontested election means that your party will never be heard by the voters. Virginia doubled the number of candidates from the last election. Then they beat the pavement over and over. That is how you win. NOT with TV ads and bullet-targeting purple districts and ignoring people you think will vote for your candidate with no effort from you, like in 2016. Winning is hard work. Money helps, but it is never, never enough.
11
Will the Dems first order of business if a majority can be established, deal with gerrymandering?
7
Can't redistrict until after after the 2020 census ... but it is possible that the method of redistricting can be changed to a non-partisan commission.
Read here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia%27s_congressional_districts
"Virginia is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country, both on the congressional and state levels, based on lack of compactness and contiguity of its districts. Virginia congressional districts are ranked the 5th worst in the country because counties and cities are broken into multiple pieces to create heavily partisan districts.
Virginia’s congressional districts do not meet the “competitive” mark of a 5% margin of victory, but they average a margin of 35%, comparable to the national district statistical average of all 435 districts. Districts 10 and 11 in northern Virginia and the 2nd in the Hampton Roads ranged between 16-18%. Virginia, like the nation as a whole, has about 73% of its delegation winning by a margin of 20% or more. Districts 4, 7, 5, 1 and 8 ranged from 22-32%, and three outliers had a margin of victory of more than 50%: the 9th at 48%, the 6th at 62%, and the 3rd at 89%
....
In January 2015, Jill Holtzman Vogel(R) of Winchester and Louise Lucas(D) of Portsmouth sponsored a Senate Joint Resolution to establish additional criteria for the Virginia Redistricting Commission of four identified members of political parties, and three other independent public officials."
It went nowhere, but could be revived.
2 states' election results do not represent the entire union's sentiments just like Ms. Pelosi's machine does not reflect the sentiments of the entire Democratic party. To exploit yesterday's election result to incite a false perception that the whole country is shifting is an illogical exaggeration let alone a wishful thinking.
It's easy to downplay & poke fun at the leaders but we need to be totally unbiased for a minute and look at the reality for what it is. Current reality is that the country is getting stronger, more productive, and more vibrant.
Despite all the bashing, unpleasant tirades, and mockery hurled at Mr. Trump, the agendas from his campaign are being carried out. A truthful platform - again, whether you like it or not. A truthful delivery - again, whether you like it or not. No matter which camp you are in you should acknowledge that we were delivered the truth. That, to me, is refreshing in itself. No duping just to get a vote. Can you say that about all the candidates all the time?
3
Well said and could not agree more
Certainly transparent what we’re getting:
1. Less health care—none for many
2. Keeping kids uneducated
3. Denial of science
4. Open poisoning of water and air
5. Tax breaks for the ultra rich who don’t need them
6. Prisons as a profit driven business
7. Ascendancy and acceptance of white supremacy mov’t
8. Reversal of anything the last President did, simply because....
You’re right. All this and more in plain sight.
The whole country doesn’t have to shift.
80,000 coters in the Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin suburbs put that man in office. Change the suburbs and you xhange the result.
There are times when outrage outweighs political affiliations, when failed leadership is so destructive it creates chaos and danger and acts as an impetus for voters to take a stand.
Are these those times?
10
The entire US west coast is Democratic. If this hopeful trend continues spreading toward the east, America will be back to Americans. In the mean time, let us educate more and more people to current state of politics, and what we need to do to get the country back to We The People.
16
There is unmistakable passion in most of these comments. And that is commendable. However, there are tasks to be undertaken that must lead to the frustration of Republican plans to redistribute incomes from the middle class and those striving to become middle class to would be American oligarchs. That is just as overarching as discovering the truth about the 2016 presidential election. If indeed members of this administration (and the President) contributed to tainting its legitimacy then Republican leaders have been complicit in corruption. All the facts are not known and I won't prejudge them. But the congressional Republicans must let the chips fall where they may. And then the voters will decide what to do. Meanwhile, the electorate's only tool to keep the republic is the ballot box. Long live the American Republic!
5
While anger about Trump may be the proximate cause, Trump is a symbol and representative of what the whole Republican Party has become over the last 30 years. The far right tilt of Republicans in general is the real thing to rebel about. The media talks about Ryan and McConnell as establishment Republicans but compared to just 15 years ago, they're right wing extremists. Even the moderate, principled conservatives I know are no longer Republicans and some even voted for Hillary. The thinking, rational, compassionate people of this country have had enough.
338
Good Americans have begun taking their beloved country back from racists, fascists, bigots, and Trump-enabled deplorables. .
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
--Winston Churchill
224
Where is the five-star like button?
1
I wonder what attitude the guy serving the steak has regarding the red-hatted ignoramus receiving it. . .
9
It's heartening to read that the suburbs, too, provided pushback.
Next step, persuading white women who voted for Trump to open their eyes to his big con.
Wake up! You're being played. Your rights, your *children's* rights -- including the right to the most basic necessities, clean air and water -- are being eroded. If you don't care about your own liberty and health, perhaps you value those of the humans you brought into the world?
11
I think we should keep our optimism in check.
15
Larry Krasner won 75% of the vote in Philadelphia making him the most progressive District Attorney in the country. It's a major win for the Black Lives Matter movement. He promises to challenge mass incarceration, end the death penalty, and hold police accountable. His track record as a civil rights attorney is impeccable. This is a huge deal for the ripple effects likely to spread across the country. NYT - share Krasner's story!
11
Hay donald,
The chickens are coming home to roost.
9
A lot of people are disgusted by the bigotry, selfishness, greed, authoritarianism, ignorance, and immorality displayed by the House of Trump; and that House includes his appointees and Republican congressman.
We should expect to see some very healthy changes via the voting box.
Yay, America!
11
Oh my. Who let the dogs out..congrats to the normal, American voters...
6
I'm tired of being told I'm not a "real American" because I live in city, or that I'm an "elitist" because I have a college education. Let's hope Trump and the GOP reaps in 2018 what they've sowed for the past year.
172
I totally agree. Good point. Despite my college degree, middle class income and living in a city, I'm as "forgotten" as the white working class Trump voters. But, that doesn't mean I'm going to vote for a very bad character person just because I'm mad. At least Hillary, as weak as she was, would have been a small step in the right direction or at least not the many steps backwards we've taken under Trump.
1
I agree. "Real" Americans reject authoritarianism and fascism in all its forms...and they vote!
Time to end the Trump "Drain the Swamp" charade and elect people who want to govern for ALL Americans.
A revolt against Trump is just that. It is not a ringing endorsement of Democrats, and certainly not of the progressive wing. Fundamentals that drove middle America away from the Democratic Party have not changed. But this is a moment of opportunity for the Democrats to come together, find an appealing message, and deliver it with credible candidates. I’m not sure the party can get past that first step, but I am hopeful. Again.
5
Well, ya'll Democrats don't get too cocky just yet. Just 'cause we don't like Trump doesn't mean we Never-Trumpers suddenly like the left. Moderate centrist Dems have opportunities in 2018. Far left candidates still do not.
9
Bingo! Democrats need to take this moment and hold the center.
Simply put-it was a nine shoot in the arm especially on the date the haircut got elected!
1
It appears that people have become interested—in participating in the voting process!! I'm heartened.
10
Oh God, let this be a sign!!!!!!!!
Keep Hope Alive.
15
I’m hardly enthusiastic about this rout and revolt of suburbs or whatever. The Dems still have no voice and platform and are run by elite leadership that still believes Hillary can win. Please let a real third party be born.
9
Hillary will not run again. Can we please get past 2016?
2
Could it be that most Americans weren't paying attention in 2016? Didn't the media lull people into believing that Clinton would win? As bad as Trump is, maybe the only good thing he might do is wake America up. Trump may make people pay attention to the news and politics. After all, who really cares whether your favorite sports team won last week when America's house is burning?
6
Good news all across the country. May this be the start of the backlash against DT and all he and his cronies stand for.
3
Why did the Russians let the Democrats win this time? What's going on?
1
"Suburbs Rebel Against Trump, Threatening Republicans in Congress"
This can't come fast enough.
3
It must be catchy. Helena, Montana just elected a former Liberian refugee for Mayor! Of course there are already some racist trolls surfacing, but Wilmot Collins is a well liked guy, and who cares what color he is anyway.
4
I'm still worried. Trump Country will vote for opposition no matter what. This man has treasoned with a hostile nation and still they vote for him. This will be 50/50. The stupid shall inherit the scraps.
2
What's that old saw about not counting chickens before they come home to roost?
2
Good Morning, America, how are ya? You've been missed- now let's roll up our sleeves & get to work "cleaning out The House"!
8
Mr Gillespie, I guess your scortched-earth campaign tactics did not work! After listening to the lies Trump comes up with everyday, I'll never believe the "facts" tossed out by a Republican again.
7
And they voted in billionaire shoe salesman Murphy from Wall Street, to take the place of Crooked Christy. Maybe Donna Brazil will run for VP with Bernie. Who knows, anything can happen, it may all be an illusion, like "The Stone" article said.
Or delusion?
There’s a general realization looming on the horizon spreading far and wide that effectively we have an imposter in the White House ... in truth a tragically unprepared and dangerously unprincipled ‘fake’ president who is an unabashed leech and an unrepentant liar.
6
Thank you for getting out and voicing your votes and your dedication to America as the land of the free for EVERYONE!
6
Democrats please don’t get complacent. A lot can happen in a year before the next elections for house and senate. Keep working!
9
"Congratulations to all of the ”DEPLORABLES” and the millions of people who gave us a MASSIVE (304-227) Electoral College landslide victory! "
We may be analyzing the November 2017 election but Trump is tweeting out the results of November 2016. I guess he has lots of down time today and nothing to prepare for.
5
Democrats seem to have made this type of hype their MO..."We won a couple State elections! The GOP is on it's way to irrelevance and extinction!!!" Then they proceed to lose the House of Representatives, Senate, White House, over a thousand State Legislature seats. We've all heard this tape before. And it didn't end well.
3
...perhaps this is the end of my year long nightmare depression...
3
Great, only 38 months left!
1
Big deal people! They were big Dem states anyway, like this god forsaken city of Seattle that i live close to. Hopefully for not much longer. I hate what this state has become.
2
Why wouldn't the suburbs want to reorder things to benefit angry, uneducated white men?
2
Here in San Francisco, we're still scratching our heads why anyone ever voted for an infantile narcissistic professional con man/pathological liar, but it's nice to see people catching on maybe...?
14
Dems are waking up to smell the coffee now!
3
The suburbs didn't vote for Trump, so there isn't much of a revolt there.
3
People of Color elected the Dems in Virginia. 58% of White voters voted for Gillespie. Doesn't look like change to me. DEMS were able to get their base out and that's why they won. I keep wondering why so many White voters in Virginia side with a racist bigot?
10
Trumpism is finished - utterly destroyed.
1
Much being made of "Democrats winning big" last night.
But this only shows it was not Democrats the people rejected last November...
It was Hillary Clinton.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
10
It was Clinton. But for me, it was also a Democratic Party that never seriously questioned or criticized Obama and Clinton when they were destroying Libya and Syria, and destabilizing entire global regions (including Europe with the refugees from their wars). Considering the (justified) Democratric criticism of Bush for his war crimes against Iraq, the hypocrisy has been absolutely nauseating. Only Gabbard and Kucinich had the personal courage to go against Obama and Clinton.
I voted for Northam yesterday, but if the Party throws up another warmonger/war criminal in 2020, I'll vote for Trump again.
3
Clinton as a continuation of Obama, Mark? I completely agree. When Mr. Obama said he'd "passed the baton" to Hillary, that displayed an arrogance that irked voters in the same way as Mrs. Clinton's insults aimed at voters (basket of deplorables). Trump, for better or worse, true or not, enunciated a plan. Mrs. Clinton acted as though she deserved our vote without her having to earn it. Remember her surrogates and that Special Place In Hell?
That is not how to win an election.
A year later, she is still roaming the land explaining that she really won. That is now her only source of income. And I think it confirms the wisdom of the voters. Trump won 62% of the states and that is why we have the Electoral College. To assure that the winner in the majority of the states is elected, not someone who sweeps several highly populated counties.
That we need to discuss this a year out... smh
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
1
It's time to get rid of the useless, incompetent GOPers in the Senate.
7
What tiles me up is how the Democratic party ignores many small elections. This is how the right has taken over. Not running a candidate because you'll think you'll lose is just plain stupid. That the Dems won seats they didn't expect in Virginia proves my point.
9
Trump became a Lame Duck President last night.
8
Irrational exuberance
Let’s see how this goes in red states with incumbents in non-off year
And with President Trump and his team blasting out racist rhetoric and ads to get the white turnout and vote.
Right now it’s real news, with fake analysis.
2
Fast forward to 2020 ..... Ex-President Trump .... has a nice ring to it!
6
People with good brains came out en mass to vote yesterday. Let's hope there's enough of them to turn out for the 2018 and 2020 elections.
5
Dems never play rough enough, if they get a majority they need to cut funding to red districts and states,after all the people who li v e there hate big govt so take it from them and squeeze them hard.
4
How do you like them apples, president Trump?
2
Republicans have taken our country down a deep dark path to nowhere. Gillespie ran as a bigot and nothing more. He demonized blacks, Hispanics, gays and anyone who's not white or rich. He took his voters into the gutter. His reputation is ruined. I'm so glad he lost!
9
Let GOP become a party of evangelicals and rural America, with generous sprinklings of white suprematists, racists, bigots, homophobes and similar. Let them pay the price for the outrage to our democracy called Trump!
9
For real? What did the Republicans expect? They are led by a fool.
8
Huh. Who would've thought people would rebel against racists eventually?
8
You are incorrect. Pelosi is very popular. If I lived in California, I would certainly vote for her.
14
Dems feeling buoyant? Confident? A lot can change in a year. The anti-Trump sentiment can evaporate quickly. Fox News will continue to lie to its viewers in order to bolster this administration. The stock market could inexplicably continue rising. And most of all, the Dems could shoot themselves in the foot. One good day shouldn't be cause for buoyancy. Trump and the GOP are still gunning for ACA. They are still gunning for tax changes that will gut the middle class and suffocate the future generation with the federal deficit. White supremacy is still on the rise, police violence against people of color is still a threat. Women still could have their reproductive rights taken away from them. I feel less threatened and hopeless than I have for a year. But buoyant? Hardly.
11
One thing for sure ... the stock market cannot "inexplicably keep rising" for long. It's in big-bubble territory already, stock values make no sense based on P:E. Almost all of this is driven by the expectation that big corporate tax cuts will happen. If they don't, expect a pretty savage correction. And even if they do, US stocks are up in "irrational exhuberance" territory.
2
Four failed attempts to repeal and replace that would destroy the 98%
One current attempt to steal from the middle class to give tax breaks to the wealthy
This republican regime is nothing but a con and guess what - the educated middle class can read and count and we are now voting...in droves
The greed, hubris and self absorption is just too much - we are woke and voting and we won’t ever miss another election.
29
I like your spirit and wish it were true but one swallow does not a summer make. They Republicans having been winning and gaining power for years. Just sad no one is voting for anything but only against.
2
Um,..nonsense. There is one enormous elephant in the room. Donald Trump is your President. And that didn't happen by mistake. Virginia and New Jersey are hardly a scale by which an entire nation can be weighed. As usual, Democrats are counting chickens at the drop of a hat. They did this before, and it didn't go so well.
15
Eddie Brown:
The whole world sees what a bozo Donald John Trump really is.
He is a self-important blowhard who talks big, and produces little or nothing. He has been at it a year, and has diddly to show for his efforts.
By next November, he is going to be a lame duck at this rate.
Democrats need to put the pedal to the metal and win a much larger number of races.
2
I agree that Trump didn't happen by mistake - Putin helped.
If you read the article, it provides examples of specific districts in VA and NJ, explaining why the results in those districts are significant. The fact that the GOP lost its 66-34 majority in the Virginia House of Delegates is certainly significant.
The writers are correct that the suburbs will be critical in 2018, and presently the suburbs are a major problem for the GOP.
There's a reason that Hatch said last night's results will impact the tax bill. The current tax bill will guarantee the GOP loses control of both houses of Congress in 2018. The GOP was wrong on health care and they are wrong on this tax bill, which is not tax reform.
2
We are coming after everyone affiliated with the Republican Party including Dog Catchers! The people have awoken, and falsehoods won't work. Your deeds and actions are a disgrace. You sold your souls. Hopefully you won't need public assistance when we're through with this act of defiance!
15
These election results will cause the Republicans to double down on voter suppression. Count on it.
25
Great to see all of this. A blue west coast is awesome. I am not expecting a blue midwest, but there is a real chance that Kansas will have a Dem governor in 2018, given that Kobach is pure Trumpist.
11
Wouldn’t it be ironic if the winning Democrats were just better candidates and that voters wern’t the blind bats the Media likes to think they are? But what kind of story would that be to report? When one considers themselves indispensable, appearances must be maintained at all cost.
3
“For every blue-collar Democrat we lose in western Pennsylvania, we will pick up two moderate Republicans in the suburbs...” - @SenSchumer, defending HRC Campaign, July 2016
*Sigh* No, it is not a good sign for Democrats in 2020 that they're winning in areas HRC easily won, despite her campaign still losing miserably.
A good sign for democrats in 2020 would be if in these statewide races they ran candidates with an effective populous economic message, and STILL won the suburbs.
Keep peddling this myth and you'll hand Trump a second term.
6
Her campaign didn't lose miserably. It barely lost.
A populist economic message isn't going to win the suburbs. As a suburban moderate I am very heartened to see the Democrats winning with centrist candidates.
A slew of far left candidates will hand Trump a second term. Get out of the bubble in Brooklyn; America is not particularly receptive to left wing politics.
1
In Feb 2016, I bet $5 on Trump - because I am consistently unlucky. I sought more takers, and became very worried when no one else would bet. "No one else" was a varied collection of doctors, attorneys, and such at my suburban tennis club. Trump is the suburbanite's "evil twin" with chutzpah to speak and act on their inner wishes they are afraid to reveal. Could it be after almost a year comes a realization this vicaroius pleasure will produce no gain for them? I am not sure. And over the past year at the various environmental, health care, gender rights, and other assorted rallies, I have seen only the usual collection of lefties, professors, gays, students, unionists, musicians, and their kind - no soccer moms or stock brokers.
2
Democrats won in Virginia, a state where only 1 GOP governor has been elected in the last 20 years, and in NJ a blue-as-blue state, and they are celebrating? I guess when things are as bad for the Dems as they have been, a little shot in the arm may feel better, but really, liberals are back living in their bubble if they think this tiny expected win portends well for them in the future.
Oh by the way, it was hilarious watching the CNN folks fall all over themselves on the election high they were on last night.
7
don't forget that the only GOP governor elected in the last 20 years was convicted of taking bribes, but since he was of the brotherhood of attorneys, the supreme court let him off the hook...
3
Dems and moderates showed up, voted and counted
That is how to win elections. Show up every day, every election, every time
The answer to everything is voting - show up, engage, hold your representative accountable.
Just vote
16
American suburbs "in revolt" against President Trump? I'm sorry, there were elections in a handful of states. Democrats' outstanding performance shouldn't be understated, but equating these localized victories with widespread suburban dissatisfaction is premature at best and foolish at worst, particularly in a hard news lede.
6
The idea that Republicans will respond to electoral wipeouts in states they'd done pretty well in until recently by passing a tax cut for corporations is breathtakingly crazy.
Trump is destroying the GOP as a national party. Are Republicans so cynical and depraved that they think the majority of Americans will support what Trump is as a person?
Parties consist of ideals and policies, and people. You cannot win for long in a democracy with people who are as incompetent and awful as Trump and those he surrounds himself with.
Trump is driving everyone with a brain and conscience away from him and out of the GOP. What is left will be the horrible dregs, the dead-enders. It is tragic to realize that perhaps as much as 1/3d of the American public truly supports Trump, wants his Putin-wannebe white-power kakistocracy.
But 1/3 cannot win the country, will likely hold only pockets of America, and the demographics are against them.
Trump has gone out of his way to alienate women, people of color, immigrants (latinos and moslems particularly), the educated. Religious Christians, normally a mainstay for the GOP are divided, increasingly repulsed by the obvious: no way to square Trump with the word of Jesus.
The Republicans used to own Virginia -- they just got killed there. That's changing demographics plus Trump.
4
I’ve been saying for months that the GOP
is in a hurry to ram their agenda through because they KNOW they once something passes; and their gullible lemmings figure out how it will impact them, it will be the end of their reign. I’ve been correct so far.
The fact is that the educated suburbanites in Fairfax, Manasses, etc., who usually, vote for Republicans, voted for Democrats out of spite for the "backward" and racist policies of Trump. Unfortunately, clueless Democrats would not realize and/or use this movement appropriately. Instead, the Democrats will prop up their own backward characters like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Donna Brazile. Of course, this will drive the educated suburbanites back to Republicans.
5
I'm really hoping the Democrats are taking note. Centrism wins. Even a candidate as disliked as Hillary Clinton BARELY lost.
Well, don't be a downer about last night's election results. People are ticked off that Ivanka, Don Jr, and Eric will benefit from the Trump tax plan demographics sanctioned by Republicans, who are getting to be seeds under peoples'dentures.
1
"Heroic! Unbelievable!
Over the last four days and nights...
in a dogsled race running
between Winnipeg and St. Paul...
Selfless, courageous.
Racked by influenza...
Will Stoneman, a plucky
17 year old from South Dakota...
He saved someone's life.
He's the last American hope in this race.
Racing through the night, driven by
his own iron will with a courageous...
Wait a minute..."
The writing here is just as sensational. Please, by all means, get rid of Trump. Destroy Republican control of the House and/or Senate. Take a victory lap. Enjoy the view. But please, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Even senatorial daydreams are for the moment just that: Dreams. Democrats should avoid cozying-up to complacency. Moreover, relapsing into bad habits. Sounds to me like the usual suspects are already plotting defeat again.
While airports, hotels, and conference centers are nice, the average American can clearly sense an urban disconnect. There is more to this story than New York elation. Democrats need to get out more. They are still missing the big picture. Otherwise, this is really going to hurt all of us.
Please, I beg you, don't do make me suffer your same mistakes twice. I'd prefer if you'd avoid making new ones as well. I put my odds for either outcome at somewhere under twenty percent right now. That's how much faith I have in the Democratic Party.
1
The election of Trump was not something I thought would ever happen. Never thought Americans would vote for a vile person like this man. After watching coverage of his divisive and racist rallies, his misogyny, his ugly personailty clearly manifested during the debates, I thought no way would people vote for this man. Boy was I wrong. Some part of me hoped that Trump would change after he got elected. The last 10 months have shown that he is incapable of change. What is even more distressing is witnessing the utter lack of any courage from the Republicans ( except for a couple of senators). The Democrats no matter what their faults are not so ignorant and dangerous like Trump. They need a candidate in 2020 who people can vote for so that they don’t have to vote for Trump as a protest vote. Just hope these elections are a sign of things to come.
7
Look for Joe Biden in 2020. He will be able to unite and take the orange haired bully down to his knees.
1
So the DNC sold themselves to Hillary a couple of years ago and today, they still haven't presented a single candidate to run against Trump. But we are supposed to get excited because a Democrats got elected while Trump is still in office? Why?
4
Because it's not about one person anymore, let alone gender, race, religion, age or leftist leanings. The people are happy with Virginia as the microcosm, that is a reflection of things to come. There is HOPE!
All right thinking Americans are deeply embarrassed by Donald Trump's conduct. These election results are a vindication.
6
The proposed tax reform only have two friends (top 1% and major corporations) and many foes (homeowners, family with college attendees, etc.) I hope Ryan and McConnell are smart enough to know that 1% does not make a majority and corporations don't vote. Yes, both can fund your campaigns better than most. Nevertheless, without ballots, no politician can win.
3
Seriously, our nation needs 3-5 viable political parties. Nowhere in the Constitution is the number of parties limited or even mentioned. By having multiple parties, they would all be forced to stand *for* something, rather than just being "not the other guys".
3
Which party was President George Washington in?
Clue, he warned against them when he left office.
Not so fast. Many Democratic candidates won in spite of the Democratic party.
More a testament to their individual commitment and effort.
The Democratic party remains disorganized and without a clear message and platform. The party will have to do A LOT more to continue any success at the ballot box in 2018.
3
Virginia was good to see. Jersey and NY weren't much of a surprise. Really only Florida, Penn, Ohio, Min, Mich matter. Hope the anti trump movement carries there as well.
I'd really like to see the dems crucify the repubs on this tax "cut." It's one thing to tell everybody they're getting a tax cut. It's quite another to give most people a tax *increase*, paid for with borrowed money - so offshoring corporations and billionaires can take home more bank. I don't think even the most cynical of us wasn't expecting that.
2
Nothing to celebrate here. The repubs still hold majorities in both houses and hold the presidency despite democrats having 10% more registered voters.
Sadly it’s going to take decades to recover from the Democratic establishment’s obsession with HRC, whose biggest triumph as a campaigner was a thoroughly underwhelming win in the 2000 New York senate election, and who is the only candidate in my lifetime would could have actually lost to a buffoon.
5
What’s shocking to me is how many people are still hung up on 2016 election. Get over it. We have work to do.
If Democrats are going to be successful in 2018 and 2020 we need to make it short hop for independents to step off the Trump platform and onto the Democratic platform. That means focusing on economic issues for blue collar America instead of transgender bathrooms, repairing and enhancing the Affordable Care Act by adding a public insurance option instead of a giant leap towards Medicare-for-all. I know this seems like throwing long term progressive goals under the bus, but we cannot keep handing Republicans wedge issues that prolong their hold on government. They are experts at turning such issues into election votes, but if we cannot win those elections then we cannot further our progressive goals.
2
I can't stand Trump or the current Republican party, but don't just coast on a couple of elections. A year is a long time. Democrats seem to settle far too quickly. It ain't over till it's over.
1
There is hope. Hope for sanity, for tolerance and for an inclusive and equitable society. Despite the moments of shock and despair (Trump-Putin's victory), ultimately balance is restored by moments like this when sanity prevails---and it reassuring.
No way to avoid acknowledging what happened: The Republicans got their butts kicked. Any effort by Trump to explain this away strikes me as absurd.
Nor can it fairly be said that suburban voters opposed Republicans for selfish reasons: a desire to preserve deductions for high state and local taxes that may of them pay. I too would benefit from preserving that deduction, but I'm willing to give it up if it would mean cutting the deficit. I think most voters agreed. They voted against Trump not because they wanted to preserve those deductions, but because they genuinely don't like the guy.
I've always thought that "almost anyone" could have beat Trump last November. Hillary Clinton's loss emphasized the "almost" in that brief phrase. Yesterday's election returns in Virginia emphasized the "anyone" part.
1
The suburbs are where people live who are willing to pay astronomical property taxes and inflated home prices to live close but not too close to urban centers.If Congress passes anything like the bills that are being discussed it will do to the Republican Party what the Civil Rights bill of the 60's did to the Democratic Party. The voters in the suburbs who voted for Trump believed they had a kindred spirit in him and never thought he would be trying to make them pay more for their bucolic lifestyle.The right under Obama portrayed itself as the deficit hawks and now under Trump, they are planning on being the deficit busters.Take away the deductions for State and Local tax and limit the deductions on property taxes to $10,000 and you will see what happened in Westchester County New York yesterday duplicated in suburbs all over America.The county exec of Westchester County was defeated by a little known Democratic in what I believe was a revolt of the Soccer Moms.I wouldn't want to have an R after my name in N.Y., Conn, N.J or Ca. if the current version of the tax bill is passed.
2
This is good news but the Dems are still woefully inadequate, with their mediocre people and policies. Rather than actually promoting fair, progressive policy they seem to be trying to throw sand in the gears. Yes, they don't want DT's policies, but they STILL are beholden to the same corporate entities that the repubs shamelessly kowtow to. Until the Dems come to their senses and come back to representing working class people AND disavow the big money interests on Wall St. and the big polluters, they will continue to lose elections.
2
Read the article. The voters who gave Dems this victory are suburban, educated, middle-class and up. If you think that a Bernie-look-alike stands any chance with them, you are delusional. These voters are socially liberal but fiscally conservative. I don’t want to pay more taxes under the GOP insane plan. I don’t want a Christian theocracy. I don’t want guns on every corner. But nor do I want class-baiting, deficit-exploding welfare programs or hateful rhetoric against globalism and corporations. Suburban voters are not going to vote for “a democratic socialist” and blue-collar voters are in Trump’s pocket and will remain there, no matter what.
Let's not let this liberal echo chamber convince us there isn't lots of work to do. Virginia and New Jersey and great, but there is that whole center of the country that needs to be persuaded that we are on the wrong path. Please God - let them see the light. I can't take another 7 years of this torture.
5
make America GREAT again. when was this supposed time of greatness. ?
it is all so vague that everyone has a different idea of that time. And they fall for this. ? if the past year is any indication, it must have been pre 1963.
1
Simply put:
The Democrats do not deserve to win anything...
BUT
Republicans and Donald Trump are so unbelievably bad at governing that they cannot be allowed to win anything...
So: the people who have been hurt by the malevolence to Trump and Republicans are going to start voting instead of sitting it out like they did last year.
The real news should get in the habit of stating the obvious: Trump support is a function of abject stupidity. Those who continue to be concerned with hurting their feelings should keep in mind that A) they hate our guts, and B) we are their hostages, for as long as we put up with it.
Last night was a good night for the country, because it was a bad night for Trumpery. Same thing.
3
One of the more pathetic aspects of Trumpismo is that crazy "You hate America" line from the Trumpers because we don't love Trump. Remember gaslighter-in-chief Kellyanne trotting that out?
It is so personality-cult it's up there with "Dear Leader" ... and now, when Virginia and New Jersey and scattered other places have given Trump AND the GOP the single-fingered salute .... I'm kinda surprised that ww haven't heard "You hate America...."
And I can't quite figure out why.
Seeking to turn this into an ultimate victory for Democrats and rebuke of Trump is so off the mark. Virginia has not been a Republican State since 2009, and New Jersey shifting to a Republican governor when Christie was elected was an anomaly. It is traditionally a Democratic State, so is New York. Nothing new. The Dems should not count their chickens until they are hatched. To expect a Republican to win Virginia after McCauliff, or Jersey to vote Republican when it is a hotbed of liberals is foolish thinking.
2
I challenge the Democrats to totally eliminate mortgage tax deduction in federal tax return if they really think tax reform will benefit the rich. I didn't think Mr. Trump was great. But between the two, he was better than Hillary.
We are so stupid that we still hang on the party line. Actually, both parties work for the money for re-election. I vote for the better person among all the candidates.
2
We'll see. The Times also gave Trump <10% chance of victory but he then won with a landslide 304-239 vote victory and the Times had to apologize for its coverage. As far as I can tell, Trump's base loves him because he is pursuing mostly good, common sense policies.
6
It is NOT just that voters who reject Trump were "taking their anger out" or rejecting him as a "pariah", it was a rejection of the cold-hearted, manipulative, dysfunctional and divisive strategies of the GOP agenda for the last 50 years. Trump is a symptom that made the underlying condition too obvious to ignore. The body politic is healing itself.
1
It would seem that others might have seen the same sign as they drove to the polls: Keep right except when voting.
1
Virginia's election results, first and foremost, were a resounding Democratic victory over the Republicans. But it was also a victory for the centrists in the Democratic Party. The Sanders/Warren camp has been saying for a long time that a centrist (read: Northam) can't win, and so the DP needs to shift left. Northam showed them that's not so. A centrist can win, and win big. Northam's big win will be very bad for Trump, but it will also be the death-knell of the Sanders/Warren wing of the Democratic Party.
2
This is the most divided I have ever seen the country politically. I am normally a pessimist, but I am somewhat optimistic about these results. After eight years of a sane president, we saw a racist Republican Congress become highly destructive. They are always over the line on the wrong side of morality, decency, and common sense. In my own township, the Republican supervisors refused to uphold laws to prevent a volatile liquid pipeline from cutting through neighborhoods. We voted for the Democrats who are fighting against it. In time, people will see that Republicans are on the indecent side of most debates, and will vote FOR the people who have their best interests at heart.
2
My faith in the United States, with Trump's sinking poll numbers and these electoral defeats, is returning, slowly and bit by bit. The Chinese say that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. We have take two now. Let's see what the future brings.
3
I live in Northern Virginia. This energy is real, spontaneous, organic and straight from the grassroots. The energy is outside of the democratic party and with the people who showed up to organize, create new networks, new ideas, to vote, to make a difference. The democratic party is the vessel in which the energy was contained.
2016 is long behind us. We are looking forward to the future. We intend to be represented by people who represent our values and vision for a hopeful, optimistic future full of possibility and potential for all.
The citizens of Virginia won last night.
Yes. We. Can.
1
It was an uplifting day for Democrats and for progressive programs, but I strongly object to both the tone of "gleefully" and the type of speechifying and middle-school temperament it describes. Such crowing and rude celebrating needs to be curbed and replaced with sober, positive assessments. No election win is worth anything until it translates into laws and programs that benefit the entire nation. I'm tired of politicians celebrating before they accomplish something of note legislatively.
2
A great day for the republic as many of the old guard got shot down in flames in races big and small throughout the country. Sometimes good things happen and yesterday there were a bountiful of things to be thankful for as women and minorities of all shades and backgrounds won. Awesome! Congratulations to all the winners and best of luck. The tide is turning. Better days are ahead.
I firmly believe most Americans, Republican or Democrat, only want a functioning government that bothers us as little as possible and takes care of the basic business of government (keeps us safe, provides assistance to those in need, educates our children, paves the roads). The difference between those who are Democrats and those who are Republicans is more a matter of emphasis than a real difference in outlook. Unfortunately, the primary system has empowered the fringes of both parties to push for on one hand the radical reduction in government services (Kansas) and Constitutionally impossible social engineering (Bring religion back into politics) or proposes fiscally impossible social engineering (single payer health care, universal free college education). It is the Republican abandonment of the basic American values of a stable functioning government at the heart of our society which has created so much alienation as much as the liberal ascendancy during the 1960s created the opposite reaction to the democrats at that time. The destructive nature of Trump's presidency may well lead to two decades of Democratic dominance of the office as much as Lyndon Johnson's presidency sent the democratic party into the political wilderness.
Oh Charlie Dent, it isn't just Trump who has us furious. We know the entire Republican party would enact tax cuts for billionaires and destroy healthcare if they had half a chance. Your entire party is in trouble.
Still, we Democrats were crowing before 2016 that we "might" take the House or the Senate. Didn't happen. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, there is plenty of work to do.
59
The largest voting bloc in the US is independent voters. We are looking for moderate candidates – those that work not just for their hard core party fringe supporters but can and will look at issues and act as what they are: our representative. Most of those that identify as Democrat or Republican are not part of the fridge. I think the electorate is tired of the fringe on both sides. The liberal fringe is directly responsible for giving us Trump. Give us a real Statesman or Stateswoman to vote for and we will turn out in droves!
21
Your so-called 'liberal fringe' might see things differently. Some might even blame the "hard-core centrists" for rigging the primary. But however you slice it, it's neither the left nor the center that is "directly responsible for giving us Trump." That dubious honor goes to Trump voters (oh yeah, and gerrymandering). If we really want to defeat Trump, maybe we should start by not persisting in shaming our allies.
3
“The liberal fringe gave us Trump"
Wow! A fervent watcher of Fox and Friends!
“Give us a real Statesman...” No. The way a Democracy works is to work at the Grass roots level. Get involved in politics in your city and state.
Stand up for what you believe in! And being an Independent means that you don’t STAND for anything...but will FALL for everything.
If you are unable to figure out which party you want to be a member then something is wrong. The Democratic Party believes that every citizen should have the opportunity for a good job, and to be respected as a human being.
The GOP are servants to their billionaire overlords like Robert Mercer, the Kochs, Adelson, and so on. Why else write this terrible “tax bill.” They truly believe that people get rich by hard work, ergo poor people just don’t work hard enough. The GOP blames the poor for being poor. Donald Trump Jr is an example of a person inheriting millions just like his father did. Then he uses a picture of his pre-school daughter Chloe to try to make a joke about “socialism.” Obviously he has no clue.
The GOP is pushing for private schools, charter schools--many not accredited and “for profit schools” as they allowed DeVos in as Sec’y of Education. She has NEVER stepped foot into a public school--EVER.
We Dems fervently believe in health care as a RIGHT. The GOP thinks it’s a privilege that only the rich should enjoy.
I firmly believe in the equality of human beings. The GOP only wants white Christians.
3
I hope the Dems don't get too confident with these victories. They've got to pull themselves together and instead of running on anti-Trump, provide simply stated alternatives to those policies. It now seems that Americans can only understand what is s-i-m-p-l-y s-t-a-t-e-d. And Dems have to finally play tough. No more "going high" slogans - the country is at stake.
47
This is exactly how the Hillary catastrophe happened. Hubris.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
19
Let us not rest on our laurels, Democrats. The Republicans have been eroding our beloved country for at least 37 years and they still have their Fox propaganda outlet.
We have a long hard fight ahead of us.
Once we get into office, then we can focus on updating our constitution (remove Citizens United, end the Electoral College, go to publicly-counted paper ballots, stop gerrymandering) and make it nearly impossible for the cheaters to continue their dark arts.
63
...and also reintroduce the Fairness Doctrine and start treating web-based media companies like media companies...
142
In fact,the resurrection of the Fairness Doctrine for the Sinclair TV stations should be the price for attaining monopoly control of the broadcast media in the many small towns should it be allowed to swallow up the Tribune stations!
6
I cannot like or agree with this enough.
1
United "We, the People" Stand--Divided, we "Make America Great Again."
4
A good start, but if you think people who believe Fox News is actual news will be swayed by "a better deal" you're dreaming.
22
With regards to New Jersey, anyone even remotely related to Gov. Christie was tainted. This started well before Trump became a candidate. To start with, turning down the money to build another tunnel to NYC surely annoyed any train commuter. Add Christie's style of political retaliation, such as the closing of the Washington Bridge and his budget mismanagement which led to a huge jump in taxes to pay for infrastructure made things worse. Finally add the images of him as a beached whale on New Jersey's shore while the beach was closed to the public makes him and his cohorts doomed.
19
The fight over the tax bill will further alienate many middle class suburban voters from the Trump agenda.
9
The Democrats did not win at all yesterday. Nor did they deserve to win.
Trump lost is what happened. That's why people voted. Has nothing at all to do with the Democrats.
If you could say that anyone actually won, it would be the Progressives who have been organizing and working in spite of the Democrats.
The Progressives are not full of themselves like the Democrats, so win or lose, whatever - they just keep on working.
12
Dear fourteen,
I'm afraid I must disagree. My fellow New Jersyans and I voted FOR fiscal responsibility, managed taxes, health insurance and the dreamers.
3
I don't recall seeing "Progressive" in the party affiliation of any of the many, many victors last night.
1
It’s not too early to start Nate Silver’s 2020 presidential predictions already, is it? Just look at how theChristmas ads start running nowadays even before Halloween is cleaned up after.
2
If the Dems want to win big in 2018 they better moderate their agenda. There is more to America than minorities, LGBTs, and migrants...they need to be included, of course, but the general opinion of moderates is the Democratic Party is the party of the fringe...and the far left. By taking a moderate stance, they will destroy the Republicans in 2018...If not, they won't retake the house or senate. Get a grip Dems, we need you.
62
In other words, more Clintonish Republican lite?
2
Good and good. But, Democrats, don't you dare let yourself believe that 2018 is inevitable. My own community is highly energized to fight the buffoon currently occupying the White House, but an eternity lies between now and November 2018. I'm heartened by the enthusiasm and hopeful that that enthusiasm translates into great candidates and funding. Articulate programs that counter Trump, address local concerns, and bring us into the 21st Century. But be on your guard, and don't let up. There is still a frustratingly large group of citizens that support Trumpist nonsense. Advance, but beware!
16
The organizers of the resistance will be women, and they are more mature than men so they will not assume "2018 is inevitable."
1
It's not just rejection of trump the reality show con-man, it's rejection of the throwback regressive, self destructive principles he espouses. It's Taking Our Country Back! Back to it's founding principles and values: equal opportunity, diversity, morality, facts and learning, fairness across the economic spectrum (not a republican thing), and rejection of racism, trade nationalism, immigrant bashing and all other forms of counter productive divisiveness. In other words We The People want America to get back on track after this highjacking by those who thought trump was the a tooth fairy bringing back the 1950's (or whatever imaginary perfect time they had in mind.)
8
Haven't spent much time in the Rust Belt, have you?
Congrats NJ. Wait until you see the failed tax and spend public sector union agenda. Christie was a buffoon but at least he kept it in check. The state is bankrupt. We need public sector reform. We need consolidation of government services and school districts. Now we will get higher property taxes (already near top in the US), higher state income taxes, bloated payback to the unions that run the state, and more financial ruin. When does it end?
9
I live in a small town, where we vote for candidates we know and respect as individuals, regardless of party affiliation. But not for this election-as a repudiation of Trump and his party, my husband and I voted the straight Democratic ticket-didn't even look at the names.
36
Some time ago when I first saw and heard Donald Trump I was stunned, not just by his overbearing self important narcissism, but even more by his incredible arrogance. The way he has of tilting his head back and looking down his nose at you while he's pontificating about how marvelous he is, or whether he's insulting someone with that dismissive air of someone born to royalty, he made my stomach turn. I knew then that here was someone who would lie, cheat, steal, kill, whatever, it made no difference to him because he has absolutely no respect for anyone or anything other than himself. And maybe Ivanka.
However, I'm now somewhat happy and even a bit hopeful because the election results in Virginia and elsewhere in the country might, just might mind you, mean that there are finally ohers in the country that see him the same way I do. I can only pray.
107
Almost everyone in New York sees him the same way you do, and we always have.
35
President Obama stated today after the election results:
"This is what happens when the people vote."
Once again succinctly summing up what we all knew all along, and what we must never forget.
Thank you, Mr. President.
2
I'm a native New Yorker and what you described is exactly what the people of New York have always known. The rest of the country was fooled because they saw him as the ultimate billionaire boss on a "reality" TV show, the all American symbol of success. Years of exposure to the real Trump made him lose Manhattan by 90 percent. Years of exposure to the real Trump will lead to similar feelings in the rest of the country and the world.
3
Here's an idea; when you take office, Dem's, do something for the people who put you there, you know, the voters. Get back to the idea of public service, representation of the people. I know, your masters will be upset, but we, the voters will reward you greatly.
49
Here's an idea. When the Dems are in office, don't 100% obstruct them when they try to do something for you. Meanwhile, "No", try blaming the perps, not the victims.
37
The Dems have been reduced to such insignificance that they get excited by anything besides absolute defeat. It's a little sad really.
1
Define "perps."
Dear Democrats,
Nice work, but don't rest on your laurels and end up snatching defeat from the jaws of victory come this time next year.
Cheers,
D.
32
The most terrifying words to a republican candidate are "I'm Donald J Trump and I'm here to help".
30
Why Americans are so mad at Donald Trump? Like him or not he was democratic elected president based on American constitution. Even he is acting unusual or abnormal but only until 2020. As an American citizen I did not support him but I will do my best to support him during his 4-year term. This is America and we should tolerate the leader elected by American people. Do we want "two" presidents in our country, one white and one black? One male and one female? There is no end. We should work together to build a better America in the future. It may sounds stupid to you but I really think that is the best solution. Demonstration is not going to help us.
9
kidding, right? You can't really feel people have an obligation to support a buffoon just because he was elected according to the constitution but without a majority of the popular vote.
3
Trump wasn't voted in, Hillary actually had three million votes more. By your account good people should just sit by and let a maniac ruin not only the country, but the world. Currently he is trying to start two wars that aren't necessary with North Korea and Iran and you would bury your head in the sand. Don't you sit in judgment on others and say "this is America" to stand by and allow the country to be torn down, America stands up for democracy and the good of all. Why is America mad at Trump, good Lord, if you have to ask that question I fear for your lack of cognitive powers.
1
They lost yesterday, the hate mongers and the fear drivers
The rich guys, the billionaires, the ones who don’t care to talk
To us, to anyone who is not big enough or rich enough to hide money
No Cayman Island shelters can hide the voices who are clamoring
To change things to really make a difference to show that it matters
Because it does matter, it has always mattered, women, brown and black
Children multi-racial, white and yellow, their little faces count on us
And we’ve let them down time and time again by ignoring the cost
But yesterday we saw a glimmer and like one small candle our one
Vote made a difference and, NO, Mr. Trump, you couldn’t shoot someone on sixth avenue and get away with it. You never could, but for one awful moment it seemed like you might do that. Now we know you can't, your tax breaks for the rich will fail too.Go ahead, hawk your wares in South Korea while we vote for decent leaders. Thanking you for waking us up. God bless America.
29
Is that why Democrats lost the House of Representatives, Senate, White House and over a thousand State Legislature seats?
1
"The enthusiastic left" ? I think we're seeing that decency, truthfulness, and spirited self-confidence threaten to drown this lightning rod of dystopia in good old mother's milk.
14
Oh Democrats! Democrats! Democrats!
Please (for once) refrain from . . .
. .. SHOOTING YOURSELVES IN THE FOOT.
You have done this from time to time. "Snatched defeat," as they used to say, "from the jaws of victory.
Another old tag comes to mind--one that (believe it or not) I read years ago while doing Greek. (Aristotle if you must know.)
"One swallow does not make a spring."
Okay okay! Thank you, Debbie Downer. Apart from all that:. . .
. . .GOOD SHOW, DEMOCRATS! WAY TO GO!
The President's comments (especially but not only about Mr. Gillespie) simply underscore the man's innate character.
SMALL!
In that massive frame, a decent or a generous bone may indeed be lurking somewhere. . ..
. . .but I've never seen it.
His remarks are of a piece with who and what he is. Sigh. But there it is.
And he has his supporters. I know some of them. Personally. These men and women are oh! so much more decent, generous, broad-minded than the President in whose camp they have ranged themselves.
But my last seven words are the clincher.
They still support Mr. Trump.
And, Democrats--your work is cut out for you. Big-time.
I wish you the best.
Get going.
12
Old sins have long shadows.
7
It's most ironic that in 2016 Trump largely ran on the personality factor, portraying himself as the consummate deal-maker, avoiding a policy-driven campaign approach like Clinton's. Now that his toxic, off-putting personal traits are well known, the Democrats are using the same script but to their great advantage.
"Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." The Fake Prez won't be conning too many any longer.
14
Mr. Trump, The suburbs are revolting!
Trump: They certainly are. My base still loves me, tho.
3
Former Gov. Robert F. McDonnell said “The enthusiastic left showed up tonight in big numbers..”
Glad for the Democrats. But I'd make the point that only Republicans think the Democrats are on the left. In the US, one of our biggest problems is there is no "left"
25
Nope. I'm a member of many others in the "left."
Darn. Elected Republicans have to decide to stand for something other than straddling the middle neither endorsing or refuting Trump. Other than Senators McCain and Flake, Republicans are short on backbone.
11
For the present this is no more than normalcy in the New Jersey and Virginia especially. The real problem the GOP has is after 8 years they've gained control because of Trump and yet they're disavowing his particular form of rule. A form of rule which is necessarily Obama in discipline yet opposite in intention. If Republicans want to go back to less than Zero power ,denying this President will do it.
1
The tax breaks for the rich at the expense of suburban and urban residents will sink the GOP’s hopes in 2018.
Not a moment too soon.
17
you guys don't know how much we dislike Ted Cruz in Texas
31
Signs of the beginning of the end are really looking good. The real power belongs to the people!
7
Just wait until John Kasich challenges Trump in ‘20. The Dems will be in trouble.
1
Because he did so well the last time?
7
The Democrats have been losing so often, so consistently, that they can't be blamed for seeing any victory as a turning point. But the pundits need to dial back the hyperbole a tad. They are acting like we turned Mississippi blue. All we did was notch a win in reliably blue states. 2018 is going to be challenging to say the least: The GOP has a chance of netting 8 Senate seats & a filibuster-proof majority in 2018. Only 8 GOP Senate seats are up for election in 2018, compared with 25 Dem seats. Ten of those Dem seats are in states carried by Trump. Those voters are unquestionably & defiantly conservative. It's unlikely they will switch parties...especially if the Dems run on a progressive platform. The GOP has turned a looming demographic disaster into legislative majorities so unbreakable, so impregnable, that none of the outcomes are in doubt until after the 2020 census. I don't see that changing next year. The Democrats are in more trouble in 2018 than they're willing to admit. A good example is Florida a state where I was raised. This point really can’t be overstated — Dems in Florida are nincompoops who seem incapable of winning anything important. Seriously, I’m not sure Florida Dems could win a coin toss if you gave them heads and tails. This is a party that lost to the governorship to Rick Scott...a man who had never held public office. Twice. We still have some serious problems in our party that we need to address. There's lot of work to do before the midterms.
28
More than a rebellion against Trump, I believe it is a rebellion against Congress- both Houses. Whenever they learn to act as adults and begin cooperating, arguing, agree in to disagree and coming to terms with what is good for the country and the people and finally producing legislation which can be passed; then we can get back to being a country of communities working together for the benifit of all as opposed for he few.
7
I think the issue is not “passing legislation” but rather passing legislation that actually benefits all Americans. That insures all Americans have a place at the table. That rebuilds our nation’s infrastructure in a way that will allow our nation to grow economically.
4
It's kind of hard for the Democrats in congress to work with the Republicans when they are totally shut out of everything. All legislation is being crafted in secret by a handful of republicans who plan to rush this tax package through without a CBO report. So far it's not looking good for regular Americans, but yet another windfall for the very wealthy, that they should have more money to finance their puppets and attack their opponents. This blatantly corrupt system must end.
Much of the post-election analysis misses the point that it was the primary economic and local issues that decided for people. Many new candidate faces took to heart that "all politics is local" and "it's the economy stupid". Race, sex, anti-Trump views are secondary; when they coincide with primary issues it is just icing on the cake.
Celebration now is fine, but unless the Dems embrace that a person's personal situation 'trumps' society-wide secondary issues when it comes to the ballot box, 2018 on will be rough going.
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It's no big surprise the Democratic candidate won in Virginia, and Trump is clearly in no danger of losing the 90% of Republicans that would support him even if he ate a baby on the White House lawn. But what has changed is that independent voters (who might have simply wanted a change last November) are now turning away. The GOP would be very right to be nervous about 2018.
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Ok, it's clear that most of us know who we DON'T like. But who DO we like? There's still no one in sight who can fill the void of intelligent, honest and experienced leadership on either side.
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Never in my 57 years have I ever felt the foundations of our democracy were truly at risk of failing - until one year ago, and more so almost each day thereafter. This has been a frightening year and THAT is what is motivating these election results. There are MILLIONS of people who are very committed to protecting this democracy, and the GOP will see their complicit complacent attitude toward the danger of "Trump" will be to their peril.
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It's important not to get cocky and confident with these victories. Very little will come out of them if the Democrats don't deliver and help the common man on the street.
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How are the Democrats supposed to help the common man when Republicans in power are doing everything they can to help the top 1%?
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For one thing, by heeding a bit of Bernie Sanders's message, strengthening unions and not ceding the agenda to wealthy neoliberals who are also part of the top 1%.
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The Republicans seem to be remarkably successful despite never doing anything to help the little man in the street.
Once again, Americans of all stripes expect far more from Democrats than they ever do from the Republicans. Time to drop the double standard.
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Normally a politician or party would change their stripes to keep on winning, but Trump will never admit he is the problem. As he continues his antics he will alienate even more Americans. It is for this reason that this result may repeat itself in the mid-term elections. There are Republican philosophies and Democratic philosophies but Trump is beyond the pale and thankfully we are not Russia and we will not put up with it.
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I worry that this is actually a bad result for the Democrats, i.e. that this result will allow the party leadership to think that being anti-Trump is enough. Instead, to win in 2020 they need to ask and answer the hard questions about what our party stands for. How can we bring back into the party what should be our white, working-class base without forgetting the many tens of millions dismissed by the rich Republican leadership as being the wrong race, sex, gender, religion, etc. How do we counter the insane belief that those rich white Republican men are working for the rest of us?
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A good start is to be pretty much against anything and everything Trump and the GOP have done so far and are trying to do to destroy our country
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The problem is that too many in that white working class base are motivated more by nativism and racial animosity than by economic angst. How else to explain Trump's continuing hold on this base while his policies champion the interests of plutocrats and the GOP donor class? A recent article reveals that many of his supporters don't even care that Trump is not delivering on his populist promises because they are more interested in kneeling football players.
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Problem is, I think the Dems can "win" in 2020 being "Anti-Trump"...after all, look what Trump did being "Anti-Dem". But the problem there is that the "victory" will be extremely Pyrrhic when even for better promises made, little is likely to get done.
The American people are fed up with Washington; and even if Dems get the sceptre back from Trump, the country is only gonna grind them up soon again if they don't do something to improve the lives of the average citizen. Till pretty soon we're likely left with nothing but our own huge Charlatans and pretenders, in a country the People have zero faith left in the institutions. In other words: "complete societal breakdown." Trump is already portend of such disaster, if he isn't already the disaster itself!
More and more Americans are deeply embarrassed by this cruel circus of an administration. How will America ever look the rest of the world in the eye again?
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“Voters are taking their anger out at the president, and the only way they can do that is by going after Republicans on the ballot,” said Representative Charlie Dent, Republican of Pennsylvania.
We aren't just mad at Trump, but at the entire GOP system which fails to reign him in; which doesn't truly rebut his misogyny and racism; which puts up with it so the conservative agenda can be met; and which consistently puts party over people and party over country.
I'm a left leaning independent voter, and have never identified as a Democrat. I applaud the Democrats elected yesterday for their diversity and willingness to jump in and improve our wonderful but beleaguered nation.
The GOP will lose and continue to lose as long as they clearly prefer to support policies and politicians that are led by the nose by the NRA, the Mercers, the Koch Bros and others.
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The Democrats have an opportunity to seize the moderate middle and take back Congress -- IF they don't blow it with a bunch of infighting. I'm not optimistic, given the recent hatchet job by Donna Brazile. Listen up, Sanders fans -- he's not a realistic option. Pick the ideas that are most important to you, and work out some compromises on other things -- not with the GOP, but with centrist Democrats. Otherwise you, and we, will be wandering in the wilderness for years to come. Assuming there still is a wilderness after the Trump years, that is.
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SANDERS IS A REALISTIC OPTION.
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I know one thing: If they think pushing through their billionaires' tax bill will save them, they're even more out of touch than they look.
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It is ironic that the Reagan military build-up of the 1980s eventually turned Virginia blue. It will take quite a change now for either VA or NJ to vote Republican for President.
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For some reason most of the coverage of the Virginia elections misses the real story. It was not a particularly surprise that the Dems won the three state-wide seats, although the margin was surprisingly large. What is the surprise, and is much more significant, was the huge pickup up in Dem seat s in the state General Assembly - possible now tied or even a Dem majority , depending on recounts and absentee ballots - a gain of at least 15 seats and maybe 17. Mostly of the newbies are women, as well. May of these seats had not been challenged before, or not seriously. This was totally unexpected. It creates a stronger bench for the future and shows what has to be done everywhere - recruit, campaign door to door on local issues, and get out the vote.
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Excellent analysis. This is far more important to the future.
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Yes, Democrats should be buoyed by the down-ballot races that show a grass-roots enthusiasm and should take advantage of that to run future candidates that reflect individual district views and priorities, whether these candidates be conservative, centrist or progressive. Campaigning door-to-door and getting out the vote also is critical.
Another factor that seems to be overlooked in after-election analysis is that Northern Virginia is disproportionately populated by Federal employees and annuitants and may not be a microcosm of other well-educated and well-heeled suburban and exurban areas. One should not discount the animus an incompetent president, a mostly corrupt cabinet, and a disinterested Congress have created in a Federal workforce, which prides itself on professionalism. Although government workers have been disparaged by previous presidents, this administration has been particularly ruthless. President Trump has diminished their livelihoods, questioned their expertise, and impugned their integrity, and the Republican Congress has done little to keep him and his cabinet in check. Hell hath no fury… but fury does not a strong foundation make. Democrats should be wary of overestimating the suburban revolt....
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" One White House official blamed congressional Republicans, asserting that swing voters last night embraced Democrats because they were frustrated that lawmakers had not moved on the president’s agenda."
Yes, let them believe that. But facts, real facts, beat beliefs. When the Washington Post had articles stating that the polls were tightening, I was looking at the actual absentee voting and saw a huge gap of nearly 10 points between likely Republican voters and likely Democratic voters. I didn't, however, predict the great gain in Democratic seats in the House of Delegates, but I was more optimistic than the Democratic professionals, who would have been pleased to pick up four seats, instead of the 15 confirmed wins and a few seats within the .5% margin.
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I'm just glad for the results last night. Dems, let's use this momentum to take the House or the Senate back in 2018 and let's get majorities back in the state legislatures -- that is how the GOP took power in the last decade. We have to make sure that the census info is applied fairly and gerrymandering is far less in extreme favor of the GOP. The majority of Americans are not in synch with Trump or what's left of the GOP. Let's make this count.
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I grew up in the bluest of blue states (Maryland), following this political mentality myself as a public school teacher. However, my small business owner parents have always remained loyal to the GOP because of tax issues. These past two years have been interesting as they became independent and we found common ground on many issues, including education and health care. While the 2016 election was decisive, I look forward to the coming years when we come together as Americans out of necessity for the sake of our democracy.
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Let's not get carried away. Dems need to go back to their roots & hit back against the tax plan as a start. They must champion fairness & middle class benefits loudly. They should do the following to fight the tax cut
1) Keep the alternative minimum tax. Trump would have saved $31 million in 2014 had it been repealed.
2) Families w/ kids making $40K or less pay not tax for five years. Phase tax back in for families making for $35K over five years to the lowest rate.
3) Keep the estate tax
4) No tax cuts for corporations. Give a generous tax cut to small business making less than $5-$7 million per year.
5) Keep home mortgage deduction but reduce it by 10%
6) Reinstate deduction for medical expenses, including insurance premiums paid out of pocket up to $1,000 in premium payments.
7) No income tax cut for the 1.5%.
Economic growth is much more likely when consumers get money in their hands.
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I'm fine with dropping the corporate tax but incomes over $400K will need to go back up to pre-1986 levels where they belong.
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I would also add no tax breaks for US-based companies that produce goods in other countries. And prohibit off-shore tax avoidance havens.
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8) retain SALT deductions
9) retain deduction for interest payments on student loans
10) leave corporate tax rates and upper %20 income earners tax rate at current levels
11) leave inheritance at current levels
12) close loop holes for storing income overseas tax free
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Now, if it were Idaho voting Democratic, that would be news. However, the NJ loss is fully explained by voters wanting to punch "17% approval rating" Chris Christie in his blabbering mouth. The GOP candidate was his Lt. Governor.
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@RM: no, it is more than the excesses of Gov. krispie Kreme.
I live in the Town of Hempstead, the most populous town in the most populous county in the NYC suburbs. It is best known for an all consuming
Republican machine that produced Al (Senator Pothole) D’Amato, who was in Washington for 18 years, and is now the most powerful lobbyist in New York State.
The Town was founded in 1862, and there is no record of the Town Supervisor, the presiding officer, ever being anything but a Republican...until last night, when Laura Gillen pulled off the biggest upset in suburban NY political history.
The County Executive went to Democrat Laura Curran, the third time a Democrat was elected to that position in 56 years.
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The sheep decided they would rather get devoured by the tigers than by the wolves. One day they will wake up and realize they don't need tigers or sheep to represent them. Never did.
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People who refer to other human beings as "sheep" generally overestimate their own capability for independent thinking.
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That's an awfully convenient and common trope: "everyone else is a sheep except enlightened me, who knows what's REALLY going on." We have a country chock full of people who all seem to think that. A bit ironic, wouldn't you say?
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What evidence do you have?
Please, Please, Please, Dems don't count your chicken before eggs hatched.
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Do not GLOAT...Get out and VOTE!!!
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Sure, get out and vote, but why not gloat, too?
"So far, only two Republican Senate seats are clearly in play, the Arizona seat being vacated by Jeff Flake and Dean Heller’s seat in Nevada." Not to be too morbid, but reality suggests that neither John McCain (R, AZ) nor Thad Cochrane (R. MISS) may make it to the 2018 mid term elections. If Flake's seat is in play, so might McCain's. If Cochrane is temporarily replaced by some ultra right wing whack job, his seat may also come into play.
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Trump is simply so atrocious, nobody can stomach him. Using his own favorite word, he is a "disgrace" for the United States. This has nothing to do with Republicans vs. Democrats and everything to do with this awful man. To think that he represents our country! Gross.
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