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Even before voting begins today, this is already a record-breaking election.
The campaign and its allies are spending record amounts on political ads. A near-record number of lawmakers are retiring or running for different offices, creating an unusually high number of open seats. And President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are approaching record lows, giving Democrats a rare opportunity: to regain control of the House and Senate by cutting off some traditionally Republican states.
Both sides frame the election in existential terms. Democrats see the midterm elections as an emergency brake on Trump and his agenda. Republicans have described the election as a sort of firewall against far-left activists.
Not surprisingly, given the risks, turnout was historic. Over 59 million Americans voted early this year, and you guessed it! — completely shattering the midterm early voting record set in the 2022 election.
In-person turnout was similarly strong in many places on Tuesday, including Georgia, Florida and Maine. But it could be days or even weeks before we get full results, especially in very close races. It will take longer to figure out what these results mean for the rest of us.
Democrats are indeed excited — almost disconcerting — about the hope they can retake Congress. Polls have been favoring their candidates in the House, and they need to gain four new seats to take control of the Senate.
However, even if this happens, there are limits to what even a very large “blue wave” can achieve. Voters who expect new lawmakers to ride their white horses into Washington and destroy the Trump agenda may find the next two years… a bit disappointing.
How disappointing? Well: My colleague Andrew Prokop recently asked congressional aides and outside experts what the Democratic majority can do in the remainder of Trump’s second term. They “paint a picture of grim hardship akin to trench warfare”. coin.
Most predictions are simple math. Most legislation requires 60 Senate votes to overcome a filibuster. Even under the most optimistic projections, Democrats fall short of the 60-vote threshold, meaning that most bills they want to pass will need to attract (either through compromise or political hardball) a certain number of Republican senators.
Contrary to my memory Schoolhouse Rocks!However, Congress’s power does not begin and end with the passage of a bill. A majority in the House and Senate would give Democrats greater influence over congressional investigations and the ability to issue subpoenas. If Democrats win the Senate, they would gain control of the confirmation process for top government officials and federal judges.
Subpoena powers could allow for stronger investigations into things like the Trump family’s cryptocurrency investments and Trump’s fundraising for the White House ballroom. Meanwhile, a Senate majority would allow Democrats to block Trump’s nominations for judges and executive positions — a tantalizing prospect as lower courts become increasingly partisan and two conservatives on the Supreme Court approach 80 years old.
On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Schumer told reporters that he did not expect a Democratic victory to convince Trump to “change his ways.”
“But we’re going to fight Trump with all our might… no matter what he does,” Schumer said.
➨ Give yourself some time. Today seems like a great day to embrace the art of calming meditation! Set aside three minutes, find a quiet room, and focus on your breathing. If you need more guidance, try tools like Calm, Ten Percent Happier, Headspace, or the UCLA Mindful app.
- did you know…Polar bears are absolutely thriving in Norway despite their habitat being virtually lost? Researchers believe the bears have learned to adjust their diets.
- Today’s tidbit: What breed of dogs did Queen Victoria of England and Rob Zombie love? (You can find this puzzle and other brain teasers in Vox’s Daily Crossword Puzzle. Find the answer in tomorrow’s edition.)
- Yesterday’s trivia: Yesterday we asked you which American pharmaceutical giant was founded by a Union Army veteran after the Civil War. That’s Eli Lilly, still named after its 19th-century founder.