Economist Podcasts Bolt from the blue: Democrats hold the Senate
Nov 14, 2022
Idris Kaloun, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, and Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor for The Economist, dive deep into the recent U.S. midterm elections, discussing why Democrats defied expectations in the Senate. They analyze the implications for President Biden's governance amidst challenges posed by Donald Trump's influence on the GOP. The duo also unpacks the significance of the Biden-Xi Jinping meeting, offering insights into U.S.-China relations and hinting at future discussions in the newly introduced 'Drum Tower' podcast.
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Midterm Election Results
- Democrats outperformed expectations in the midterm elections, retaining Senate control and potentially gaining a seat.
- Republicans are expected to narrowly flip the House, a weaker victory than anticipated, reflecting poorly on Trump and McCarthy.
Implications of Senate Control
- Retaining Senate control allows Biden to appoint Supreme Court justices if a vacancy arises.
- It also prevents Republicans from forcing Biden to veto difficult bills passed by the House.
Impact on Biden's Agenda
- Despite Republican's anticipated House majority, Biden's legislative agenda faces challenges.
- Increased spending and taxation plans are unlikely, and the administration can expect investigations and tough negotiations.