President Donald Trump Wednesday lauded the Republican Party's work to expand its Senate majority, while "significantly beating expectations in the House" during Tuesday's midterm elections, but he also indicated that he's willing to work in a bipartisan manner with a House that will shift to a Democratic majority in a few months.
"We did this in spite of a very dramatic fundraising disadvantage, driven by Democrats' wealthy donors and special interests, and a very hostile media coverage," the president, sounding somewhat subdued while speaking before a press conference, said.
"We also had a staggering number of House retirements, so it's a little tough. These are seats that could have been held pretty easily."
He noted that he'd traveled to many campaign rallies, which attracted large crowds, and he doesn't recall seeing a vacant seat.
"As an example of the 11 candidates we campaigned with during the last week, nine won last night," Trump said. "This vigorous campaigning stop, the blue wave that they talked about, I don't know if there ever was such a thing, could have been."
There have only been four midterm elections since 1932 in which a president's party has gained seats, but Republicans have picked up three, "or it could be four. Perhaps it could be two. But we picked up a lot, and most likely the number will be three."
The governors' races were also "incredible," said Trump, against "well-funded and talented and skilled Democrat candidates, and people that worked very, very hard, respectfully, for those candidates like Oprah (Winfrey) who I like. I don't know she likes me anymore, but that's okay. She used to."
Voters also rebuked Senate Democrats for how they handled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's hearings, said Trump.
"Candidates who embraced our message of low taxes, low regulations, no crime, low crime, strong borders, and great judges excelled last night," said Trump.
Trump outlined his regrets for some of the Republicans who lost their races, while expressing his appreciation for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
"We have been working very well together," said Trump. "We have a great relationship. People just do not understand. Which is fine. And also to perhaps, looks like I would think, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, I give her a lot of credit. She works very hard. She has worked long and hard.
"I give her a great deal of credit for what she has done and accomplished. Hopefully, we can all work together next year to continue delivering for the American people."
Democrats want to work on economic growth, infrastructure, trade, and lowering prescription drug posts, he added, and he believes his administration will be able to work together.
"The Democrats will come to us with a plan for infrastructure, a plan for healthcare, a plan for whatever they are looking at, and we will negotiate," said Trump. " And as you know, it has been very hard in the Senate, because we essentially do not get the votes from Democrats, because they do stick together well.
"I do not agree with them on a lot of policy. But I agree that they stick together. They stick together good."
Trump added that he is happy about the economy as well, and many people congratulate him on it.
"Our steel industry is back," he said. "Our aluminum industry is starting to do really well. These are industries that were dead. The miners are working again. We must all work together to protect our military. We have to do that."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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