There are three reasons why the GOP did better than expected on Election Day: Trump, Trump, and Kavanaugh.
First, Trump’s economy is roaring. Under his stewardship, gross domestic product growth has more than doubled since the Obama presidency.
Trump is truly driving the economy, first demonstrated by the way consumer and business confidence soared soon after he took office, presaging the current boom.
Second, Trump himself energized Republican voters. Until the president began barnstorming across the nation, it was questionable whether Republican voters would turn out for their local member of congress or senator.
In race after race, Trump turned the tide. Think Missouri and Florida, where Trump helped turn the polls on their heads.
Third, Brett Kavanaugh was a catalyst. This man did not suffer in vain. The American public reacted in disgust at the way Democratic senators handled baseless allegations against him.
The Democratic overreach awoke Republican, independent and even women voters.
In the end, a blue wave became a mini-blue wave.
Democratic House gains have been far less than previous wave elections and Republicans likely will increase their Senate majority after the final recounts.
But there are caveats for gloating Republicans.
Starting in January, the Democrats will control the House. If legislation is to move, compromise will be necessary.
President Trump is, at heart, a deal maker and a genius one at that. This is the moment for him to re-define his presidency and find common ground on issues like immigration, infrastructure, education and healthcare. It will be wise for him politically and good for the country.
The subpoena power of Congress is awesome. We could face a nightmare scenario soon. Presidential leadership can make a difference and Trump is uniquely qualified to build bridges. Remember this truism: popular presidents aren’t impeached or removed from office.
Here are my takeaways from the election:
1. Trump’s greatest attribute? Some 63 percent of voters say he’s “strong,” according to a recent Quinnipiac poll. I believe specific issues do not carry Trump, it’s the perception of his overall strength.
Trump’s re-election campaign should play to this attribute with a 2020 slogan: “Keep American Strong.”
2. Despite the “wins” on Election Day, Republicans ignore the demographic changes at their peril.
The country is trending blue and the GOP’s two largest anchor states, Texas and Florida, are moving to full blue status, as the 2018 election results show. The warning lights are blinking for 2020!
3. The passage of Amendment 4 in Florida all but insures the state as blue in future national elections. This constitutional change gives 1.4 million felons the right to vote with little limitation or process.
Former felons vote overwhelmingly Democratic.
Had the Amendment been in effect, Trump would have lost in 2016. Ditto DeSantis and Scott this year. Surprisingly, Republican leaders did little to oppose the Amendment.
4. The GOP needs to shed its anti-immigration image soon. The 2018 exit polls had 77 percent of Asians identifying themselves as Democratic and 69 percent of Latinos. Thirty years ago, 70 percent of Asians voted Republican and, in 2004, 44 percent of Latinos voted for George W. Bush.
5. Exit polls showed approximately 63 percent of voters under 44 say they are Democrats. As the Bernie Sanders movement shows, many are buying into a socialist vision.
The GOP needs to appeal to younger voters with a “freedom” message that counters this dangerous trend.
6. Asked in the exit polls if “Congress should impeach Donald Trump,” a minority of 39 percent said yes. Democrats should be wary of pulling this trigger.
At the same time, the president should take care in avoiding to appear meddling in the judicial process or limiting the Robert Mueller investigation.
Fight this battle in the court of public opinion. Then let the American people decide. Their judgment is usually good.
Christopher Ruddy is CEO of Newsmax Media, Inc., one of the country's leading conservative news outlets. Read more Christopher Ruddy Insider articles — Click Here Now.
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