Gridlock is likely to rule the federal government until at least 2023. Why 2023? Because it may not be until after the 2020 Census that the Democrats have a good chance of regaining control of the House of Representatives. As long as Republicans rule the House, compromise with Democrats is […] Read more »
How the Politics of Nostalgia Sank Eric Cantor
… Like Tea Party challengers across the country, Brat sought to make immigration reform a defining issue in the campaign, accusing Cantor of supporting “amnesty” for immigrants in the country illegally, even though Cantor opposed the comprehensive, bipartisan Senate bill and only supported (but did not bring to the floor) […] Read more »
Memo to Establishment: Pay attention to this new report on the Republican Party
The defeat of Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor has prompted us to release this new and updated, full report of Democracy Corps’ Republican Party Project. The focus groups were conducted and reported last summer; the latest survey interviews were conducted in May and include results on immigration measures. The Republican […] Read more »
Cantor’s Fall
… Perhaps five decades from now, Cantor’s loss will be easier to explain within the context of larger events. Maybe it is indeed a harbinger of a coming “populist revolution” or a sign that the Republican Civil War is once again at full tilt. But as of right now, the […] Read more »
Wait, the Tea Party’s Back? Lessons from Eric Cantor’s Defeat
… Not only does Brat’s victory underscore the continued presence of the Tea Party, but it also provides a high-profile example of the Tea Party’s main strategy, what I call a “party within a party.” Further, Brat’s victory pushes us to consider who or what we mean when we speak […] Read more »
Virginia Exurbs Prove Fertile Terrain for David Brat
College professor David Brat’s primary win in Virginia’s 7th congressional district caught the political world by surprise, particularly the man he defeated, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. But a close look at the VA-07 terrain shows that Mr. Brat had a few points in his favor going in. The seventh […] Read more »