The Views of the Author Are His Own and Not Endorsed by WisOpinion.com
Contents
Election Day Triumphs for Democrats
Election Day proved marvellous for Democratic candidates. They won gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia with aplomb, flipping several counties previously won by Trump. It was a jolly good show across the board! They improved their standing in rural, suburban, and urban areas alike.
A Remarkable National Turnaround
The Democrats succeeded in state Assembly elections in both New Jersey and Virginia. In Pennsylvania, they secured all three state Supreme Court contests. Similarly, they celebrated victories in Georgia by electing two statewide utility regulators. Meanwhile, they clinched two Mississippi state Senate seats and a new mayor was elected in New York City. Importantly, they struck a crucial blow for democracy by winning the California redistricting referendum.
The Impact of Economic Sentiment
What largely united these victories was widespread dissatisfaction with the faltering economy under Trump. Democrats concentrated on tangible issues like affordability, inflation, and unemployment. Voters expressed disdain towards identity politics. According to The Washington Post, many pinned the blame for rising prices squarely on Trump. Trump himself attempted to deflect, remarking that his name wasn’t on the ballot or that the shutdown was to blame. Trump’s economic policies faced a resounding rebuke, with Republicans also held responsible for the most prolonged government shutdown in U.S. history.
Tragic Shutdown Consequences
Trump obstinately refused to negotiate with Democratic congressional leaders to end the government shutdown. Instead, he jetted off to Asia and Florida. Yet, he found both the time and funds to lavishly remodel a White House bathroom. More significantly, Trump moved to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, coercing Democrats into not extending vital Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Such measures would render millions unable to afford ACA insurance. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a significant majority, including half of Republicans, desire an extension of these credits.
The Human Toll
The cut to SNAP impacts 42 million Americans, among them 700,000 Wisconsinites. Fortunately, America’s moral compass remains intact. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed grave concern over these actions. They declared: “This consequence is unjust and unacceptable….” Wisconsin Democrats like Senator Tammy Baldwin, Governor Tony Evers, and Attorney General Josh Kaul echoed these sentiments, supporting the end to this unjust policy.
Legal Repercussions and Relief
Two federal courts intervened, ordering Trump to recommence SNAP funding. Trump resisted, haughtily delaying compliance. Federal Judge John McConnell condemned Trump’s manoeuvres, stating: “The evidence shows that people will go hungry….” In a decisive move, he instructed the administration to resume full SNAP payments promptly.
Continued Political Gamesmanship
Despite the court’s decision, Trump remains obstinate, relentlessly seeking to sabotage SNAP funding. This endless cruelty is disheartening but showcases a significant lack of compassion.
Kaplan penned a column for the Wisconsin State Journal from 1995 to 2009.
