From The New Yorker · David Remnick · · 1m 50s
Breaking the Decade-Long Trump Fever
Democrats sweep midterms, shattering Trump's decade-long grip on power.
In brief
Democrats sweep midterms, shattering Trump's decade-long grip on power. Democrats won sweeping midterm victories, rejecting Trump's policies and restoring democratic norms after his authoritarian tendencies. Originally reported by The New Yorker.
1974 Watergate Pardon
President Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon after Watergate, triggering a political backlash that cost Republicans forty-nine House seats and four Senate seats.
“Watergate, Ford said, had been "an American tragedy, in which we all have played a part. It could go on and on and on, or someone must write the end to it. I have concluded that only I can do that, and if I can, I must."”
2026 Democratic Midterm Surge
Democrats won sweeping victories in both houses of Congress, securing nine of ten most populous states and flipping key battleground states.
Firsts and Milestones
Democrats elected the first Muslim senator, first Black female governor, first Latino governors in Texas and California, and first Native American female governor.
Trump's Authoritarian Shift
Trump deployed racist rhetoric, defunded institutions, and appointed controversial figures like Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem to his administration.
Midterm Voter Concerns
Voters prioritized economic issues including fuel prices, groceries, housing, and health care amid Trump's policies.
Trump's Inaugural Behavior
Trump prioritized moguls at his inauguration, spending tens of millions on his wife's documentary about limousine travel and private planes.
Trump's International Actions
Trump ordered military intervention in Venezuela, imprisoning its president and elevating a compliant leader to extract oil and gold.
Trump's Social Media Blame
Trump blamed Fox News for Republican losses, claiming he would have won in a landslide if he had been on the ballot.
“I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!”
Democratic Resilience
Judges, civil-rights lawyers, academics, and citizens stood up to Trump's bullying, corruption, and heartlessness.
White House PSA
The White House issued a social media PSA claiming Trump remains the president despite midterm losses.
J.D. Vance's Stance
J.D. Vance believes Trump will decide who becomes the Republican nominee by acknowledging the folly of war with Iran.
“Donald Trump will ultimately decide who’s going to be the Republican nominee.”
Democratic Opportunity
Democrats have won an extraordinary opportunity to deliver on voter demands and transform American politics.
The main idea
Democrats won sweeping midterm victories, rejecting Trump's policies and restoring democratic norms after his authoritarian tendencies.
