The NPR Politics Podcast Democrats Claw Back Ground In Fight For Senate Control
Aug 22, 2022
Democratic Senate candidates are feeling confident as they rally behind Biden's legislative wins and challenge the fallout from the Supreme Court's abortion decision. They see opportunity in running against Trump-backed nominees, which even Mitch McConnell has questioned. Discussions dive into key Senate races, highlighting the electoral vulnerabilities of incumbents and the rise of candidates like Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin. The Ohio race showcases intense competition, with financial backing and tailored voter appeals playing a critical role in shaping the outcomes.
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Shifting Senate Landscape
- Democrats have made progress in the Senate race, now a toss-up.
- The overturning of Roe v. Wade and Trump's reemergence are key factors.
McConnell's Concerns
- Mitch McConnell publicly acknowledged that Republicans face challenges in winning the Senate.
- He emphasized "candidate quality" as a concern, suggesting some nominees are risky.
Past Candidate Quality Issues
- McConnell's "candidate quality" concerns echo similar issues from 2010 and 2012.
- He cited candidates like Christine O'Donnell and Sharon Angle who lost winnable races.