The November election could be about many things. Immigration. Tax cuts and the economy. The Supreme Court and the future of abortion rights. Trade and tariffs. The menu changes with the cascading of events. Ultimately, the midterms will be about intensity. On that factor, Democrats ought not to underestimate President Trump. …
In a divided country and a charged political environment, Trump has pursued a strategy of energizing and inciting his supporters rather than expanding his circle. He pits Americans against other Americans and stirs animosity toward the establishment and the media, rarely with subtlety. …
The landscape tilts against the president’s party this year, typical of midterm elections. But Democrats underestimated what they were seeing at Trump rallies in 2016 and how that would translate on Election Day. They will need to match the president in their capacity to energize their potential voters. That’s the battle that will rage between now and November. CONT.
Dan Balz, Washington Post