Jackson Jambalaya

 The initial battle may be won but the war for control has just begun for Democrats. Voter wrath that toppled Republican control in Congress will turn again in 2028 if Democrats don’t address the causes of that wrath.

Combative conservative blogger Eric Erickson wrote that while high prices and the Iran war were key across-the-board issues, there was much more kindling voter wrath. He listed actions by President Donald Trump that infuriated distinct groups of voters: tariffs; treating affordability as a hoax; corruption, incompetence, and cruelty; playing nicer with Russia than with our allies; overly aggressive deportations and accidental arrests of Hispanic American citizens; and never-ending threats and lies.

“Voters are tired of the weirdos in Trump Land who trade on social media memes, latent racist memes, a fixation on winning Twitter, and nonsense over seriousness,” wrote Erickson. Ordinary Americans want trade and war policies fixed “more than a culture war.”

Can Democrats fix things and rein in the President? 

Democrat leaders say addressing affordability will be their top priority with ending the war in Iran the first step. Others say they intend to undo Medicaid and food stamp benefit cuts to low-income Americans and reduce health care costs. 

Such acts require legislation. With their new majorities, Democrats may be able to get bills passed, but for them to become law, the President must sign them. Trump has already said he may become “Mr. Veto.” Democrats did not secure large enough majorities to override vetoes. 

And they can’t count on Republicans for much help. Republicans will have little motivation to help Democrats pass bills. Indeed, they will seek ways to ensure Democrats fail to boost their chances for regaining control. 

Failed promises will quickly undermine Democrats' newly won support. 

Thanks to Supreme Court rulings expanding executive power, Democrats can do little to rein in Trump. He can still issue his daily executive orders and ignore Congress. Democrats only avenue to curtail him would be another impeachment. But Democrats won’t have the votes in the Senate to get him out of office.

The avenue for Democrats to set the stage for 2028 victories will be unpopular. Make deals with Republicans, like Vice President J. D. Vance, who want to end wars and with farm state Republicans who want to address affordability. Pass veto-proof war powers and trade legislation that give the Congress a greater say. Work with Republicans to avoid government shutdowns. Then count on Trump continuing to be Trump to keep voters riled up.  

This would require Democrats to be smarter than Republicans were over the past two years. How likely is that? More likely, continued havoc and voter wrath will set the stage for 2028.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath” – Proverbs 15:1

Crawford is an author and syndicated columnist from Jackson.