History rarely repeats, but it often rhymes. Today, the political environment — defined by an angry Democratic base and unease among independents — feels like a throwback to eight years ago after President Donald Trump was elected the first time.
While Democrats appear well-positioned to gain back House control like they did in 2018, the way they got here has been quite different. Plus, the road ahead is filled with different challenges for each side this time — specifically when it comes to party image and the economy.
In 2017, the “shock and awe” was Trump’s election itself. Disbelief among his detractors spawned nationwide (even worldwide) “Women’s March” protests the day following his inauguration, and it immediately spurred scores of Democrats with little or no electoral background to launch candidacies for Congress to serve as a check on the new administration.
Democrats’ outrage only intensified amid allegations of Russian interference in the election, Republicans’ failed attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act and Trump’s ambiguous comments following the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville. But the intensity of their engagement
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The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the US House of Representatives, US Senate, Governors and President as well as American political trends.
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