The upcoming midterm elections may very well prove to be the most consequential in American history. At stake is the health (or lack thereof) of American democracy. The raid on Mar-a-lago and the unsealing of the warrant and property receipt are a welcome sign that the Justice Department is finally moving forward in the right direction. But Trump’s legal problems are a double-edged sword.
They bring Trump front and center into the news, making it hard for Republican candidates to have it both ways–distance themselves from Trump without directly standing up to him. But, in the crazy, backwards politics of the Republican party, Trump’s legal problems assure him the nomination. This Justice Department action could be a huge win for Republicans in the midterms, as Democrats will be cast as being too busy with a witch hunt to be concerned with kitchen table issues like inflation and rising crime.
Overall, the Justice Department’s handling of the situation hasn’t made things any better. Garland finally spoke to the American people, and said the thing that needed to be said–the law must be enforced without “fear or favor.” But it may prove to be too little too late. The raid has galvanized Trump supporters, and Republican lawmakers have jumped to Trump’s defense. Now, it will be critical to make the case that Trump’s crimes warranted the DOJ’s action, and make that case with all haste.
Meanwhile, more and more election deniers are on more and more ballots and winning more and more races all across the country. The November midterms may be a proving ground for the nation’s ability to hold orderly elections and maintain a peaceful transfer of power. It is impossible to know if election deniers will succeed in disrupting the election process. If what happened in the last election cycle was a precursor to November, we are in big trouble.
Even one loss in the senate midterm election could spell the end of any hope of legislative progress for progressives or even moderates. Unfortunately, the contests may very well be dominated by the president’s historically low poll numbers; and the fact that despite the name of his landmark legislation, he has not thoroughly explained to the American people how he can and will tackle inflation. Neither will the Democrats win in November by resting on their laurels when it comes to recent legislative victories.
What will ultimately determine the outcome of the November midterms is the ability of Democrats to turn out their base, and to make this election about Trump’s extremism. It will be a contest of energy.
We face the prospect of the ultra-conservatives and those willing to be obsequies to them gaining control of legislation. Once they are in power, the president will not be able to stop them. Now is the time for Biden to take a step back, and ensure the progressive wing of the party is given a voice. It is they who will carry the party to victory in November.
Progressive Without Apology 