Keep your eyes on the prize

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In the week since the American midterm elections, there have been myriad commentaries and speculation by political pundits and media mavens. Almost all agree that the results were a huge repudiation of President Trump’s style of governance, on a scale unseen since the electorate rejected Republicans in 1974. That came after President Nixon had resigned three months earlier, when informed by Congress that he faced certain impeachment for the Watergate cover-up scandal.

Now constant hyperbole and braggadocious bluster from Democratic supporters fills television and computer screens every day, yet they dramatically fell at the first hurdle when eleven members of Congress failed to show up for a procedural vote aimed at impeaching Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Articles of impeachment were filed by a rogue Republican congressman with a vendetta against Secretary Hegseth and President Trump, but all of his party members were present to defeat his motion by a slim margin of seven votes. The Democratic Party has frequently known disorganisation and dissent among its “Big Tent” membership, and the Hegseth vote fiasco proves that nothing has changed. Hype about the midterm Blue Wave, Blue Tsunami, etc, may quickly fade without solid leadership of a large and diverse new caucus in January.

One television host stood out by explaining that the Democrats and Republicans each have 27 per cent of the electorate as registered members, with the remaining 46 per cent either registered independents or unaffiliated. This large “floating” group became the determining factor in this month’s election, aligning with Democrats in showing their disapproval of President Trump. However, if Democrats don’t prove they are worthy, then the “floaters” can and will easily vote against them in a Red Tide next time around.

Already Democratic leaders Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Chuck Schumer hear mumbling and grumbling among their caucus that they have been fumbling for too long, and that maybe the newly elected majorities will choose an alternative Speaker and Senate Leader in January. Although President Trump is a lame duck, he still commands massive influence in the White House, which could create a Red Tide by 2028. Democrats should listen to an old Pete Seeger folk song: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.

BERNIE SMITH

Parksville, BC