Midterms 2022 Midterms' lesson: Leadership matters By Jay Cost November 11, 2022 03:46 PM Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email Print Midterms 2022 Midterms' lesson: Leadership matters By Jay Cost November 11, 2022 03:46 PM Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email Print The electorate delivered a split decision last week, dividing its vote with almost perfect equality between the Democratic and Republican parties. Pundits had predicted massive Republican gains, and GOP operatives and advocates were expecting a “red wave,” but it was not to be. What to make of this? For starters, the practical policymaking difference between a wave and a drop will be far less than the effect it would’ve had on the parties’ confidence going into 2024. As it stands, Republican gains in the House should be enough to create the effect of divided government, even if the Democrats retain nominal control of both chambers. That would be about the same result as if the GOP had won both chambers decisively, for President Joe Biden would still be there to wield his veto pen, frustrating Republican efforts at legislating. The true policy downside for conservatives is, presuming the Republicans fail to win the Senate, the Democrats can continue to confirm their judicial nominees. But the political upside for Republicans is that Biden seemed emboldened last Wednesday and will probably run for reelection no matter many Democrats’ preference for him to step aside. Given his massive unpopularity, that...