The drama, the uncertainty, of the midterm elections has finally caught up with me. Since waking up Tuesday morning I have been on edge. Stomach queazy. Short of breadth.
Would love of country, of democracy, outpoll misplaced ardor for a flawed leader? Would sufficient voters choose a return to civility, to the rule of law, to working toward a united experience versus division and the enrichment of a few chosen oligarchs?
The tragedy of this election is that the results will portend two divergent, dispiriting outcomes.
Scenario One: If Donald Trump and his lackeys retain control of either the House or Senate, or both, he will feel empowered to continue dismantling a government order that for almost 100 years has been the leading light for all nations and their peoples.
Scenario Two: On the other hand, if Democrats secure majorities of either chamber of Congress, or both, all that we can expect for the next two years is a contest of wills between elected representatives and a lame duck president who, with the acquiescence of the Supreme Court, has almost unchecked authority to issue executive orders that would supersede acts of Congress.
ICE raids would continue to terrorize our streets. Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and possibly elsewhere in Eastern Europe, would be rewarded. Strongmen dictators would have an ally in the White House. Relationships with long-time allies would continue to deteriorate. The sanctity of treaties would be imperiled. Civil servants and military leaders would continue to be purged if they failed to bend the knee to Trump’s excesses. State and local governments would have federal funds withheld if Trump found disfavor with their elected officials. Environmental and healthcare safeguards would be weakened if not entirely jettisoned.
With a congressional majority, Democrats would be able to fashion a creditable alternative, even if it could not overcome a probable Trump veto.
Don’t expect relief from an impeachment of Trump or any of his appointees. JD Vance is no improvement. Without a supermajority in the Senate a conviction would not be possible.
I prefer the second scenario. I prefer believing sufficient Americans have awakened from the miasma of a Trump administration.
God help us if they have not.