While I voted for Donald Trump twice, I always viewed him as the Lone Ranger; the unknowable person who rescued our nation from crooked Hillary and the Obama economy. I do support his campaign’s efforts to allege and contest “fixed” elections, because – after four years of anti-Trump schemes – I doubt Democrats have suddenly embraced truth, justice and the American way. Yet, I’m ready to let Trump go (I haven’t been drinking) – and that’s OK for a Republican to admit.
If Democrats broke election laws, legal remedies are at best 50-50 shots. Republicans have exercised our right to vote in record numbers, but we cannot influence the judiciary. The CG has reported Republican allegations (some disputed by the press) to confirm the smoke, but the burden of proving dumpster-fire elections in Democrat-controlled precincts is the Trump campaign’s alone. Because the GOP is the practical party, it must consider life after Trump.
The macro-view of the election, even within the DNC, is a red wave swept the nation everywhere but at the top of the ticket. The GOP flipped one governorship (Montana) and two state legislative chambers (New Hampshire House and Senate), while Democrats failed to flip even one state entity. Republicans hold 59 state chambers and 27 governorships (to 39 and 23 for Democrats). This is significant because voters think nationally and act locally.
State and local elections are home rule events, because state residents know who controls their law enforcement, roads, and schools. Look at Florida, where Governor De Santis advanced anti-mob and “stand your ground” laws, the roads are good, and public schools achieved the biggest gains on national test scores (source: NAEP). My son-in-law, who just left New York for Florida puts it bluntly: “Florida just works!”
Right now, the GOP has 50 seats in the US senate, with 2 incumbent Georgians awaiting run-offs. Even if Loeffler and Perdue are un-seated, there was no blue wave – and Democrats must defend 13 seats in 2022 and 21 seats in 2024. Mind you, $185 million was invested in Maine to defeat Republican Susan Collins, who still won 54.7% of the vote. Collins, who is the “poster gal” for politesse and moderation, won 55,000 more votes than Trump (who lost Maine).
House Republicans have a 6-seat net gain now and lead in 11 undecided races; equating to 222 Democrats and 213 Republicans in 2021. Pelosi has a slim majority now and two more years in power. After the 2020 census, Florida and Texas will add six GOP districts. And, the presidential party always loses House seats mid-term (except 2002), averaging 27 lost seats. Is this a good jumping-off point for Mr. Trump or what?
US presidents win with a macro-message. Carter’s was to restore political decency, Reagan’s was to de-fang communism, and Clinton’s was to restore Democrat relevance. Donald Trump’s calling was to de-fang elite statists. He’s accomplished that and the GOP is now armed with three Trump appeals:
- MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN is equated by small-business owners and working-class voters (black, brown and white) to American-owned businesses and gainful wages. In contrast, the Green New Deal is a job and cost-of-living killer.
- CULTURAL MODERATION was sparked by the Kavanaugh hearing and a summer of urban warfare. #MeToo extremists denied a man due process and civility, alienating moms, mothers, sisters and wives. Rioters called for de-funding police, alienating law-abiding citizens (black, brown and white).
- BIG-TENT REPUBLICANS are the antidote to Democrat identity politics. Trump doubled the percentage of black GOP voters. 35% of Latinos are now Republican. GOP women kicked incumbent House Democrats to the curb.
The Great Blue Wave did not happen because Americans are more conservative than the DNC wants to admit. Trump lost because the college educated soured on his personality. Not to worry, Biden’s genial personality can only cover for his bad policies for so long. Come 2022 and 2024, voters will be treated to Republican conservatism with civility. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?