From Vox · Caitlin Dewey · · 1m 50s
History warns Democrats: big waves don't guarantee big wins
Democrats won the largest midterm landslide in over 50 years. History shows that doesn't mean they'll pass the laws they want.
In brief
Democrats won the largest midterm landslide in over 50 years. History shows that doesn't mean they'll pass the laws they want. Democrats won the biggest midterm wave in over 50 years, but history suggests electoral landslides rarely translate into legislative success against a hostile president. Originally reported by…
Democrats win historic midterm wave
Last week's blue wave was the largest in more than 50 years. Incoming Democratic members of Congress are now in Washington, DC, setting up offices and meeting colleagues.
Trump warns of veto power
President Donald Trump told Fox News that Democrats cannot control the agenda. He said he would send back their bills with a stamp, blocking their legislative priorities.
“They're in control, but they're really not in control.”
The 1974 Watergate precedent
The last blue wave this large came in 1974 after Richard Nixon's scandals. The Watergate babies passed reforms opening congressional proceedings and strengthening federal oversight.
Reforms weakened over time
Ronald Reagan became president six years later and weakened the mid-1970s reforms. Making government transparent also made Congress more polarized as lawmakers became more performative.
Gingrich's 1994 revolution stalled
Newt Gingrich's 1994 Republican sweep ended four decades of Democratic House control. But it triggered bitter confrontations with President Bill Clinton, including debt-ceiling standoffs and government shutdowns.
Compromise required for major bills
When major legislation did pass under Gingrich, it required compromise. A sweeping welfare overhaul only passed after Clinton vetoed prior versions twice.
Split government creates obstacles
Even when one party controls the White House and both chambers of Congress, it must reconcile competing factions and navigate Senate procedures. Split control creates even bigger obstacles.
Electoral history versus legislative history
Democratic bills will likely only pass through compromise or fierce confrontation. Making electoral history is one thing, but making legislative history is an altogether tougher proposition.
The takeaway
Democrats won the biggest midterm wave in over 50 years, but history suggests electoral landslides rarely translate into legislative success against a hostile president.
