Yes! The Democrats took the House and credibly defended a
difficult map in the Senate. I hope there will now be more checks on Trump and
the fascist Republican Party.
There is something in this victory
to please multiple Democratic factions: women, people of color, and social
democrats. Personally, I am pleased that part of my essay Turning Out the Left
has been vindicated. I am also pleased that young people, feminists, people of
color, and social democrats seem to be forming a coalition; after infighting of
the 2016 election I was wondering if that was even possible.
On the other hand, I expect a
horrible lame duck session; I expect the Republican Congressional delegation to
take all advantage possible of their remaining weeks in power.
Once the new Congress is seated,
both parties will be choosing new leadership in the House. The newly-elected
social democrats will come into conflict with the Wall Street Democrats. I do
hope the House Democrats will use their subpoena power to investigate the Trump
administration’s corruption and crimes against humanity.
Given that the Senate and the
Presidency are both in Republican hands, and a right-wing Supreme Court majority,
I am not hopeful for much Democratic legislation until 2020, and the Court may do much
damage. Still, skillful Democratic legislators may be able to at least get some
decent deals through. At least, I hope, they will protect the social insurance
programs.
So, a lot to hope for, but not
immediately. We must keep our hopes up and take heart from our success at the
polls and in investigations.
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