2026 Election Retrospective

On purpose, since October 1 I’ve been silent about the 2026 election (see first brief paras of the post).  I decided to wait until all of the returns for House and Senate seemed to be solid.  As I write, Alaska Senator  seems close to closure, and a few seats too close to call.  Time to talk.

First, I don’t predict outcomes in advance.  This year I thought the Democrats (my brand) would make enough headway to  get a small majority in the House, but no headway in the Senate.  I was astonished as the week unfolded.

Re the bizarre shutdown of airports Friday afternoon: it has all the earmarks of a set-up by the President of the United States to punish American voters,,,  Proof?  None, except the now long and exhausting pattern of retribution by the President to his perceived enemies – the ones who don’t bow down.  It is the Presidents “brand”.  By 2024, we knew what we’d be getting….

Below is some data, most of which (excluding 2026) I shared a month ago:  Election of U.S. President 2018-2024.

Friday I. found an interesting source about the 2026 election: The 2026 Election by the Numbers by James Lindsay from the non-partisan Council on Foreign Relations.  It is referenced below.

A few personal thoughts: at 86, I consider myself pretty well informed as a citizen, politically.

Nov. 3, 2026, was reality and not rhetoric.The people (every vote, including those who didn’t vote), sp0ke volumes.  Anyone seeking proof that every vote matters, and has equal weight regardless of the voters personal wealth or perception of influence, need only look at this years results, everywhere.

Like you, and everyone, I have a personal ‘base’.  These are the people I see frequently: people I know, and people I don’t, in all sorts of contexts, like post office lines, etc.  Family members of all ages, etc.

I have lived 26 years in this suburban community which was politically dominated by Republicans; and began a transition in the 2000s.  Fast forward: Nov. 3 every political position with party identification – State House and Senate and Congressperson – continued as Democrat.  So did Governor, constitutional offices like Attorney General, and U.S. Senator.

We “liberals” are not in any sense of the term “radical”.   My personal home town ‘base’, (and I think almost everyone’s base), is made up of genuinely nice people, who simply want government (which is all of us, after all) to work and be fair for everyone.  We differ on lots of things, civilly.  I have an expansive view of this: everyone, everywhere should have a chance to thrive regardless of circumstances.  I have always resonated to the Theodore Roosevelt definition of a ‘square deal’.  Roosevelt came from wealth, but had an understanding of the worth and values and struggles of the common person.

There is no room in my definition for reservation of rights to Trillionaire individuals or companies.  Excess power is not a gift to be misused.  Nov. 3 2026 was a demonstration of power to the people through the ballot.

Caustic politics (I win, you lose) is self-defeating.  Whoever won office last Tuesday, assumes office with an obligation to represent everyone.  My preference is “We” politics, which I ascribe these days to Democrats, as opposed to the “Me” politics of winner take all, loser, shut up.  Years ago, in the 1980s, I scribbled a little illustration of what I felt was the Political Scrum.  I offer it here, for your consideration.  I still think of myself as I thought of myself then, a moderate, pragmatic Democrat….  Where do you fit?

When we elected persons on Nov. 3, they were generally elected for 2, 4 or 6 year terms.  Their terms do not begin until January, 2027.  Many continue in office until later election.  You owe it to yourself to know your ‘cast of characters’ and figure out how you, individually, can make a difference from now forward.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Political Scrum 2024 (pdf)

COMMENTS 

from Fred:  Thanks Dick.