Why Democrats Consider a Majority in the House a Valuable Win
Democrat strategists and commentators may argue that the House plays a more significant role due to its "power of the purse" and the requirement for all spending bills to originate in the US House. However, it is undeniable that both chambers, the House and the Senate, share a crucial role in passing any bill to the President. Hence, the primary aim for any party in opposition during midterm elections is to gain control of at least one of the legislative houses. Even a narrow majority in the House can provide substantial leverage and benefits for the opposing party.
The Value of a House Majority
For the Democrats, winning the House is a critical victory, even if they do not gain control of the Senate. It stops Donald Trump from enjoying the full extent of his powers safeguarded by checks and balances when Republicans have control of both houses and the Supreme Court. Without the additional leverage of the Senate, the Democrats have taken a significant step toward limiting Trump's influence and implementing their legislative agenda.
Lessons from 2018
Despite the Democrats losing only a net of two Senate seats, the overall scenario in 2018 was far more challenging due to the repeal of healthcare reforms (Obamacare) and the high number of seats the Democrats needed to defend, particularly in red states. Republican control of the Senate created an uneven playing field. However, the Democratic win in North Carolina, Florida, and potentially Arizona (first Senate victory in a red state in a decade) signaled a significant shift in voter sentiment.
Broad Political Changes and Voter Sentiment
The breadth of the Democratic victory in diverse regions is a game-changer. It is not just Democratic voters who are now more engaged, but also independents and some Republicans disillusioned with Trump's leadership. Various factors, including the growing unpopularity of rural-centric policies, are contributing to a new wave of urban and suburban voters. This demographic shift benefits the Democrats and signifies a long-term advantage as the US population continues to urbanize.
Checks on Republican Ambitions
Democratic control of the House ensures significant checks on Republican ambitions. Key policy efforts such as repealing Obamacare, enacting further tax cuts, or implementing far-reaching changes to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are less likely to succeed. The House also gains subpoena power, allowing Democrats to investigate and expose scandals, potentially undermining Trump's and his administration's attempts to sweep issues under the rug.
Exposure of Scandals
With subpoena power, Democrats can hold officials accountable and compel administrations to answer questions under public scrutiny. This not only affects Trump but also Republican leaders who might have planned hidden or covert agendas. The ability to review Trump's tax returns is a significant advantage, given the past reluctance of presidential candidates to reveal their tax records. The Democratic pursuit of this information could mark the end of private tax returns for future presidents, providing transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, the Democratic victory in the House in 2018 was a turning point for US politics. Beyond the immediate gains in control, it signals a shift in political power toward more inclusive, urban, and suburban demographics. The constraints imposed on Trump and the Republicans, along with the potential for increased transparency and accountability, underscore the value of a House majority for the Democrats in shaping the future of US governance.