Prospects for Democrats holding ground this fall are improving
Democrats’ recent wins and Republicans’ (now with more!) disarray may upend conventional wisdom on 2022 midterm elections. January 6 hearings have moved independent voters (small sample) away from Republicans in swing states and away from Trump himself. What once looked like a Democratic wipeout now looks competitive. Might be time to find local elections to support with your time and money, people. We are already scheduling early voting support shifts for October.
Dan Pfeiffer believes “the odds are still against Democrats,” but “as we sit here today, one can make a credible bull case for Democrats,” he writes:
In rapid succession, Democrats passed legislation on guns, microchips, veterans’ benefits, and the historic Inflation Reduction Act. Democrats now have reasons to be happy, and Independents have reasons to reconsider supporting Republicans. More specifically, the climate change provisions are an opportunity to re-engage young voters.
Pfeiffer left out last Friday’s epic jobs numbers and the lowest unemployment in 50 years.
Inflation driven by gas prices has been a drag on Democrats chances all year. Republicans hammer on it relentlessly. Nevertheless, Gas Is Under $4 a Gallon in Half of the US, CNET reported Monday:
Gas prices continue to plummet in the US: On Aug. 8, a gallon of unleaded averaged less than $4 in 24 states, according to AAA.
Even with the lower prices, Americans are limiting their driving and combining errands. Gasoline consumption is down almost 10% from last summer, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
That and the cheaper cost of oil has led to lower prices at the pump: The nationwide average on Monday was about $4.06. That’s 15 cents cheaper than a week ago and down 66 cents from this time last month.
By October, inflation pressures could be even less and Democrats’ chances even stronger.
Trends are moving Democrats’way. Please, get busy now. Earlier is better than later.
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