TRUMP GIVES DEMOCRATS A 2026 AGENDA
MIDTERMS ARE ABOUT THE PRESIDENT, BAD NEWS FOR GOP
To capitalize on their midterm election advantages, Democrats, in a familiar refrain need to offer a positive agenda, not just opposition to Trump..
“This cycle isn’t just about what we’re up against,” says Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona. “We’ve got to present a real plan.”
Actually, history and politics today suggests that’s wrong. If the Democrats capture control of Congress -- probable -- they won’t be the governing party with Trump in the White House. A new agenda will be the mandate for the 2028 presidential aspirants.
With rare exceptions midterm elections are about the incumbent President. Trump and most of his policies are unpopular, creating a plethora of opportunities for the opposition.
Like most elections 2026 starts with the economy and affordability. Trump promised to end inflation “rapidly” to make America “affordable again.” The cost of living is down only marginally in 14 months; most voters think he hasn’t kept his promises.
The White House contends when big tax cuts kick in alongside sizable interest rate cuts with a new Federal Reserve chair the economic picture will look better this fall. Just as likely with the Iranian War and energy shocks it could look worse.
On specifics, the health care card is a gold mine for Democrats. Promising to try to restore the huge cuts in Medicaid and the Obamacare tax subsidies are powerful affordability arguments.
Another is raising the $7.25 minimum wage which hasn’t increased since 2009. Already more than 30 states have a higher state minimum wage with half over $15.00. Campaigning on raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour is an easy one.
Taxes, usually a GOP advantage, are not this year. The Republican’s Big Beautiful Bill passed tax cuts that favor wealthier taxpayers.
A simple campaign proposal for any Democrat is to return the top tax rate to 39.6% from 37% with a smaller surcharge on incomes over $1 million. More revenue can be raised from closing corporate loopholes, like carried interest, and real estate loopholes.
These then can be accompanied by tax cuts for those making less than $200,000. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Bernie Sanders propose an even more liberal measure.
Immigration is another place where Trump has blown a big advantage with a zealous and brutal crackdown on migrants and even murdering some U.S. citizens. This mayhem dominates the immigration discussion much more than the success of closing the border.
Most Democrats can embrace immigration measures that echo the Obama policies, a tighter border, deport illegals with criminal records while expanding legal immigration, including a rational pathway to those who’ve been here and been good citizens.
For credibility, candidates have to disown the failed Biden Administration immigration record.
On foreign policy with continued opposition to the Iran War and the glaring incompetence of the administration, Democrats can more than hold their own on national security as long as they don’t turn to left wing isolationism. Also, there is a strong case that the fate of Ukraine, which is being hurt by the Iranian adventure, should be a more important priority.
Israel is a sensitive issue for Democrats who enjoy solid support with Jewish voters and are courting young voters, many of whom have turned on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Voicing support for Israel while opposing Netanyahu and going to war at his behest will draw fire from staunchly pro-Israeli forces including the powerful American Israeli Political Affairs Committee which has become more conservative and pro-Republican.
As Republicans lose most of their advantages they already are running to divisive social issues such as banning transgender people from playing in women’s sports. Trump’s current priority is a voter suppression bill which includes anti-transgender provisions. This is a bogus issue, should be left to schools and some athletic conferences, not politicians.
But in some districts it puts Democrats on the defensive and dominates more important issues. It’s worth noting that even some liberal activists like former tennis star Martina Navratilova oppose allowing transgender women to play in women’s sports.
Every Democrat should embrace tough ethics reforms, including banning stock trades for any top government official in the legislative and executive branch while in office.
Two phrases for Democrats to avoid: Impeachment and defund ICE. Even with control of Congress, impeachment is a non-starter, a distraction from the other matters. Reforming ICE should focus on getting rid of some thugs and instituting better training; abolishing the immigration and customs agency would be crazy and chaotic.
Ok this is overwhelmingly an anti-Trump agenda. That’s normal. Oft-cited is the 1994 Republicans’ Contract for America; that was a brilliant political ploy that galvanized GOP candidates that year, while leaving very little future mark.
The Democrats in the 2018 midterms and Republicans in 2022 both successfully took back the House. Both campaign strategies were dominated by opposition to Trump the first time and Biden the second.
That’s what midterms are about.