Now that the much talked-about mid-term elections have come and gone, many who took time to engage can get back to their daily routine.
A part of Donald Trump’s political ascendance was his ability to target his opponents and mock them in a way to make them irrelevant or plucking away any political favorability they had.
It’s the House fool
As the mid-terms came many political pontificator’s were nervous in wiping Trump’s success off the table or declaring many of his missteps were self-inflicted. After all his rallies were huge hits, packed to the brim with supporters? Many assumed his magic would last forever and that he was untouchable? A good many more bought into the notion of his celebrity and the new-found Republican party he had developed. The economy was booming. Tax cuts were rolling in. The wall would be built, absent of any money from Mexico. Ending his second year as president, Trump was feeling a bit giddy. His tone was who in their right mind would vote against what was achieved?
The IQ Factor
From “low-energy Jeb” to “lyin’ Ted Cruz” to “dishonest Hillary” on and on, Trump had created a line that many supporters came to adore which was about the House of Representative from the 43rd district of California named Maxine Waters. He declaredly labeled her as “Low IQ” Maxine.” The name stuck with his supporters and he took glee and great pleasure in admonishing her. The fact he has created a history of marginalizing or mocking those who are non-white, intimating them as lazy, stupid, criminalistic or other negative attributes was not seen as racist behavior. To his supporters he was simply telling it like it is!!! And, after all he was making their lives better, not to mention giving them their country back?
The result of losing the house
For two years Trump and his administration has held the wild card of controlling all three branches of the government. Yesterday, they received a public rebuke as they lost the House of Representatives. While some will dismiss this fact, it is critical and may provide a glimpse of what Trump and his supporters must deal with. The win provides the Democratic party with the coveted power of being transformed into chairs of the many committees. It also provides them with power of the subpoena.
One chair swap that will take place in January 2019 is the Financial Services Committee. Despite Trump labeling her as a “low IQ” individual, Maxine Waters is in line to be selected as chair. Those who know her define her not by an IQ issue but brilliant in being an advocate against the powerful, specifically personalities such as Trump. They applaud her resilience and track record of getting the job done. Whatever motivated Trump from creating the moniker he assigned her, he may come to regret it as she becomes laser focused on all of his alleged corruption and mis-dealings, including releasing to the public his long-promised tax returns.
Some will dismiss her strategy as “what’s the big deal?” They may be blind of not understanding what transparency is all about? Or, perhaps like some have stated, they may fear the exposure of his financial entanglements which perhaps could be a reason of his behavior, not necessarily just the Mueller special investigation? In the meantime, yes, the economy is moving and consumer confidence is up but the core reality is many view the president as untrustworthy and the likes of Waters and others in the house now have the ability to put a spotlight of what they have been prevented from uncovering or at least obtaining an honest answer for the people they represent.
The Trump and Waters soliloquy will be an interesting dance. One might assume Trump felt he would never lose the house to allow Waters to be unleashed? The voters decided that reality.
BEFORE WE GO…..ICYMI
Many of you recall the tragic murder of Trayvon Martin? The again, some of you are aware of the Women’s Movement which mushroomed the day after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president? But how many remember the killing of Jordan Davis who was gunned down by Michael Dunn in Jacksonville, FL? Unlike George Zimmerman the killer of Martin who was found not guilty, Michael Dunn was found guilty of Davis’ death and is now in prison. Like the parents of so many who have been found their plight by the end of a gun, Davis’ mother found the energy to raise her voice and become a political voice.
Yesterday, Lucy McBath was one of those women who threw their hat in the political ring and won their election (although the results are within the range of an automatic recount). If she is ultimately successful, her victory is a sign of how democracy works – at the local level.
Lucy McBath declares victory in Georgia’s 6th District race
The race was too close to call Tuesday night
Thomas Reports 