Republicans faced a significant electoral setback in the recent midterms, a result that columnist Miranda Devine argues is a direct referendum on former President Donald Trump. In an opinion piece for the New York Post, Devine suggests that the party's fortunes were tied to Trump's "smashmouth politics" and that he cannot distance himself from the outcome.
Devine points to the rhetoric from newly elected Democrats, such as Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed and Minnesota Sen.-elect Peggy Flanagan, as indicators of Democratic intentions to politically target Republicans. She also notes comments from figures like Rep. Jamie Raskin regarding impeachment and criticisms leveled against "greedy billionaires" like Elon Musk, which she suggests were amplified by the election results.
The article highlights that exit polls indicated the midterm elections served as a referendum on Trump, with his approval rating at 38%, which Devine describes as the lowest for a president in nearly two decades. Voters reportedly blamed him for high prices and gas costs, and many viewed the Iran war as a mistake. Devine references Newt Gingrich's earlier prediction that gas prices would be a major factor, noting that rising costs likely contributed to voter dissatisfaction.
Devine asserts that Trump handpicked candidates who underperformed and that his continued influence alienated voters. She cites examples like the defeat of Trump's chosen candidate in South Carolina by Annie Andrews and the victory of James Talarico in Texas, who unseated Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Similarly, Maine's Troy Jackson defeated Republican Senator Susan Collins, with Jackson campaigning on issues like the cost of living, gas prices, and the Iran war.
Democrats, according to Devine, skillfully used allegations of corruption against Trump's associates, including his son Donald Jr. and former lawyer Alina Habba, to shape the campaign narrative. These issues, she predicts, will be amplified as Democrats take control of Congress and initiate investigations.
Despite the losses, Devine suggests Trump has an opportunity to alter his approach. She advises focusing on the economy, completing the withdrawal from the Iran war, and maintaining a firm stance on immigration without granting amnesty. She also recommends that his family and associates cease leveraging his name for financial gain, drawing a parallel to the controversies surrounding Hunter Biden.
Devine concludes that if Trump can set the stage for a Republican victory in 2028, his legacy could still be preserved, similar to how past presidents like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton navigated losses in their midterms to regain popularity later.