The 2018 Midterms in 10 Words or Less
It’s Election Day and we’ve asked many friends and colleagues who have been involved in the 2018 midterms to share their thoughts on this election in 10 words or less (we’re fans of brevity). From the journalists covering politics on a national stage to the professionals and strategists that have lived and breathed campaigns for most of their careers, we’re excited to bring you their words first-hand.
Some individuals told us they were concerned or disappointed, viewing today’s election as a test of American democracy during a period of unprecedented partisanship.
“Bigotry + fear + Trump + congressional complicity = American democracy on the brink.” — Jonathan Capehart, opinion writer, The Washington Post
“Republicans embrace racism. Again. Some folks never learn.” — Rodd McLeod, political consultant and former Gabby Giffords campaign manager
“Does POTUS wake up to subpoenas, probes and impeachment?” — Mike Allen, co-founder, Axios
“Both parties are behaving like snotty-nosed kids throwing sand.” — Deana Bass, co-founder, Bass Public Affairs and former chief of staff to Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson
“More polarizers, fewer compromisers, mirroring Americans’ anger at each other.” — Stephanie Silverman, founder and CEO, Venn Strategies, LLC
Others were energized and captured the powerful sentiment driving historic voter turnout this cycle.
“First-time candidates + Trump + women + Mueller = new D.C. landscape next year.” — Daniel Lippman, co-author of POLITICO Playbook
“Trump incitement v. inspiring commitment of millions to American ideals.” — Robert Shrum, Democratic strategist and Carmen H. and Louis Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics and Professor of the Practice of Political Science at the University of Southern California
Our last group fell somewhere in between, some expressing skepticism or general disillusionment, others summarizing what they’ve observed to be a long and grueling campaign season.
“Democrats have the best music, but still need the lyrics.” — Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican Ambassador to the United States and President of Sarukhan & Associates
“Willie Nelson v. Zodiac Killer; PC culture v. silent mad-as-hell majority.” — Jessica Ferguson Sandlin, former press secretary to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)
“Midterms will definitively gauge voter mindset versus opposing political agendas.” — Andrea Tantaros, political analyst, bestselling author and former FOX News co-host
“A long and wild ride with so much at stake.” — Jennifer Vasquez, senior producer, NBC O&O Stations
“Someone will claim victory; no one can claim a referendum.” — Laura Chambers Crist, director of strategy and communications, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and former communications director for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX)
