Democrats confront difficult prospects for midterms

[brooklynite]

The Hill

House Democrats are beginning to confront the challenging reality awaiting them in the 2022 midterm elections amid a spate of retirements and dim redistricting prospects.

Democrats had hoped that brightening economic and public health outlooks combined with ongoing discord within the GOP would save them from the kind of electoral thrashing that historically besets the president’s party in midterm elections.

But privately, some in the party are beginning to acknowledge the uphill battle they will face next year when their narrow majorities in the House and Senate will be on the line.


“I think it’s starting to set in a little bit,” one Democratic consultant and former House staffer said. The consultant noted there was “a lot of optimism” among Democrats earlier this year after they captured the Senate majority and President Biden was sworn in to the White House.

“There are things to be optimistic about and it’s not like the Republicans have it all figured out either,” the consultant added. “I just think we need to be realistic about things, that history isn’t really on our side.”

[Kid Berwyn]

1. Time to Democrat

Why fear what hasn’t happened?

Elections make a great opportunity to demonstrate the reason to vote for the Democratic Party’s candidates, starting with our history of wielding the powers of government to make life better for all the people. Another would be how Democrats believe all people are equal under law. Another might be how Democrats work for positive, lasting change, like Universal Health Care, er, I mean Social Security.

[brooklynite]

2. Where was the word "fear" used?

Accepting realistic prospects is the first step to addressing them.

[Kid Berwyn]

4. The Hill

The article makes out we have a lot to fear.

[brooklynite]

8. Who do you imagine they're tryng to "scare"?

THE HILL (like POLITICO) is an industry publication for people in politics. They don't write for voters.

[Kid Berwyn]

13. Its owner published John Solomon.

John Solomon smeared a bunch of good people, including a number of very prominent Democrats.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215382580

[uponit7771]

3. "one Democratic consultant and former House staffer said" 🙄🙄🙄

Come on

To be sure, a Pew Research poll released last month found Democratic congressional leaders outperforming their Republican counterparts. Fifty percent of respondents said they approve of the job Democratic leaders are doing compared to just 32 percent who said the same of GOP leaders in Congress.

The article doesn't go into comparison of who's retiring between the party and in the end and the redistricting doesn't give republicans any kind of edge yet.

[-misanthroptimist]

5. Is it just me?

It seems to me that it is "doom and gloom for Democrats" far more often than for Republicans in the media. Kinda sick of it.

[uponit7771]

12. Yes, democrats need to work the refs

[DanieRains]

6. Republicans Are Evil Lying Delusional Treasonous Murderers Who Would Kill Millions

Just to hold onto power.

Only you can stop them.

Vote Democrat to stay alive......

There I just wrote every Democrats campaign ad.

Somebody should just say it.

[PBC_Democrat]

7. That Leaves 17 MOnths to Establish a Record to Run On

Get stuff done
Make people's lives better
Pass what we need to pass

Then let the people decide ...
Better to have a list of accomplishments than a wish list

[msfiddlestix]

9. Horrible Prospects for Dems in 2022 sure is inspiring news!

Doesn't this just make everyone's day? I'm so revved up with HOPE!!

[Bettie]

10. Right?

I mean, such optimism.....we...well, according to the article don't have this at all.

And yet, I remember when expressing even mild worry about the election would get you lambasted for "spreading doom and gloom"....go figure.

[msfiddlestix]

11. My relief and joy with President Biden is constantly being diminished

with all of the horrible news wrt to prospects, and current situation in the Senate as well as the house.

I just want to continue hanging to the precious moment we have before it all goes straight to hell again.

I'm sick of being reminded of it. I've changed my routine regarding cable news shows first thing in the morning. I come here to skim the news looking for an image of the fascists psychotics in orange jumpsuits, not finding that continue to search for interesting or surprising good news, only to find more and more bad or horrible prospects for our future.

Looks like I'm going to need to follow through with the internet/DU for the same reasons I've shut off the tv.

It's just too damn demoralizing...

[brooklynite]

14. Do you need to be inspired? I need to be motivated...

...and a realistic assessment of the challenges ahead is very motivating.

[Bettie]

15. Whatever

I declare that this is "doom and gloom" and wonder why it is allowed now, but even a tiny bit of fear or anxiety was not permitted previously for fear of dampening enthusiasm.

Must be because you hobnob with the "important people" and most of us are just normal humans who don't really matter.