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Midterms: Trump threatens Democrats over investigations after they take House – live Midterms: Trump threatens Democrats over investigations after they take House – live
(35 minutes later)
From the comments:
None of these results are a victory for Americans. Both parties remain in the pocket of Wall Street and the MIC.
The only good result will be if a truly social democratic candidate ever wins the Democratic nomination. Then people will be offered a real choice.
Bernie 2020 then?...
After 2 years of this lunatic president this is the best America can do? Trump is going to win in 2 years, I've already decided. What an utterly broken society you must be to have so many who will vote for this madness. I'm in despair at all of this, I still can't make sense of it. And yes, I know the democrats won the house, but for God sake, what a low bar against this vile administration.
When you put it that way...
Scott Walker a.k.a. Mad magazine's Alfred E. Neuman and Kris Kobach both crashing and burning is a beautiful thing.
Scott Walker, who left the 2016 primary race with a call to stop Trump...
Btw, I like the habit of the Guardian to lighten up reports, facts and figures with tweets by a guy called the "real Donald". He's very funny, keeps posing as if he were the President of the US. The thing that's not very convincing is that he occasionally comes across as a bar room brawler. Otherwise a good act. Did you pay him to join your staff as a sort of extraterrestrial contribution?
Bad news, whereangelsfear...
My thoughts/biggest takeaways for tonight: 1.First and foremost – women have spoken. 2.The urban/rural divide is real3.Split ticket voters are a real THING4.Florida is still the land of WTF/TBD!!!!
The Republicans fell hard in conservative-leaning metro areas and big cities, the New York Time’s Jonathan Martin points out.
The underlying question being whether Trump’s 2016 coalition holds for 2020. Will places like this return to the Republican fold in 2020? Or will Trump’s (presumed) presence in that race set up an even sharper repudiation of Trump Republicanism?
Charleston Salt LakeOkla CityKCAtlanta Richmond Va Beach Houston DallasDes Moines The OCThe House GOP majority collapsed Tues bc even conservative-leaving metros can’t abide Trump Republicanism https://t.co/M4hcudQpCH
About half a Diet Coke after threatening Democrats with senate-led corruption investigations and quipping “Two can play at that game,” Trump has endorsed Nancy Pelosi for speaker of the House.
In all fairness, Nancy Pelosi deserves to be chosen Speaker of the House by the Democrats. If they give her a hard time, perhaps we will add some Republican votes. She has earned this great honor!
We’ll see where he lands in a few hours, when he’s scheduled to hold what is sure to be a measured, linear and coherent news conference.
All across the country, female candidates ran for office and won in record numbers. They were powered mostly by a female-led resistance movement forged in opposition to the election of Donald Trump two years ago, though there were also notable victories among Republican women.All across the country, female candidates ran for office and won in record numbers. They were powered mostly by a female-led resistance movement forged in opposition to the election of Donald Trump two years ago, though there were also notable victories among Republican women.
By early Wednesday morning, 92 women had been elected to the 435 member House, surpassing the previous record of 84. In the Senate, 10 women had been elected bringing the total number of women who will serve in the 100-person chamber to 23 – and more victories were expected.By early Wednesday morning, 92 women had been elected to the 435 member House, surpassing the previous record of 84. In the Senate, 10 women had been elected bringing the total number of women who will serve in the 100-person chamber to 23 – and more victories were expected.
Read the full piece here:Read the full piece here:
Aimee Allison, founder of She The People, issued a victory statement.Aimee Allison, founder of She The People, issued a victory statement.
“Women of color have shown the country that we are the saving graces of our democracy,” she said. “We took back the House thanks to an unprecedented number of female candidates who ran for the first time. Victories by Deb Haaland, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Lauren Underwood, Sharice Davis, Jahana Hayes, Ayanna Pressley, Veronica Escobar, Sylvia Garcia, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ushered a new era in politics, one that is just coming into view. To the thousands of organizers and leaders on the ground, and to the millions of women that proved our progressive and democratic might at the polls – we see you and thank you.”“Women of color have shown the country that we are the saving graces of our democracy,” she said. “We took back the House thanks to an unprecedented number of female candidates who ran for the first time. Victories by Deb Haaland, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Lauren Underwood, Sharice Davis, Jahana Hayes, Ayanna Pressley, Veronica Escobar, Sylvia Garcia, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ushered a new era in politics, one that is just coming into view. To the thousands of organizers and leaders on the ground, and to the millions of women that proved our progressive and democratic might at the polls – we see you and thank you.”
It looks like we’ll get the senate majority leader before the president. Stay tuned.It looks like we’ll get the senate majority leader before the president. Stay tuned.
McConnell will hold a press conference in the Capitol at 10:30am.McConnell will hold a press conference in the Capitol at 10:30am.
The outcome of a closely watched and bitterly contested governor’s race in Georgia hung in the balance in the early hours of Wednesday morning as the Democrat, Stacey Abrams, refused to concede the election while her Republican opponent, Brian Kemp, did not claim victory.The outcome of a closely watched and bitterly contested governor’s race in Georgia hung in the balance in the early hours of Wednesday morning as the Democrat, Stacey Abrams, refused to concede the election while her Republican opponent, Brian Kemp, did not claim victory.
Abrams, vying to become America’s first female African American governor, trailed Kemp by just under 100,000 votes out of more than 3.8m votes counted as her campaign maintained there were still enough ballots left to count to take the race to a runoff election.Abrams, vying to become America’s first female African American governor, trailed Kemp by just under 100,000 votes out of more than 3.8m votes counted as her campaign maintained there were still enough ballots left to count to take the race to a runoff election.
Kemp did not declare outright victory as Luke Bryan’s country song Chuggin’ Along blasted through the speakers. Rather, he avoided mentioning the specific results, saying: “We have votes to count but we have a very strong lead.” He added: “I’m confident victory is near” as he mentioned the math looked good for his side.Kemp did not declare outright victory as Luke Bryan’s country song Chuggin’ Along blasted through the speakers. Rather, he avoided mentioning the specific results, saying: “We have votes to count but we have a very strong lead.” He added: “I’m confident victory is near” as he mentioned the math looked good for his side.
In a rousing speech at the Regency Ballroom in Atlanta, Abrams vowed to make sure “every vote is counted” as her campaign maintained that tens of thousands of absentee and provisional ballots could mean Kemp would not take the required 50% to claim victory outright.In a rousing speech at the Regency Ballroom in Atlanta, Abrams vowed to make sure “every vote is counted” as her campaign maintained that tens of thousands of absentee and provisional ballots could mean Kemp would not take the required 50% to claim victory outright.
“Democracy only works when we work for it. When we fight for it. When we demand it,” Abrams said. “And apparently, today, when we stand in lines for hours to meet it at the ballot box.”“Democracy only works when we work for it. When we fight for it. When we demand it,” Abrams said. “And apparently, today, when we stand in lines for hours to meet it at the ballot box.”
Read the full piece:Read the full piece:
Here’s a scan of some of the good news to emerge from the night for Democrats:Here’s a scan of some of the good news to emerge from the night for Democrats:
We are waking up in a world where:D’s will control the HouseWalker will not be Gov of WI1.4 million will get their voting rights back in FlUT, ID, NE voted to expand MedicaidAR, MO voted to raise their minimum wageI can keep going. Point is, it ain’t a bad morningWe are waking up in a world where:D’s will control the HouseWalker will not be Gov of WI1.4 million will get their voting rights back in FlUT, ID, NE voted to expand MedicaidAR, MO voted to raise their minimum wageI can keep going. Point is, it ain’t a bad morning
Based on what we know so far (with some states still question marks): Dems have gained 6 new trifectas and lost none. GOP has gained 0 new trifecta and lost 3.Based on what we know so far (with some states still question marks): Dems have gained 6 new trifectas and lost none. GOP has gained 0 new trifecta and lost 3.
.@BetoORourke may have lost, but tonight Texas Democrats gained...- two U.S. House seats- two state Senate seats- at least 11 state House seats #txsen #txlege.@BetoORourke may have lost, but tonight Texas Democrats gained...- two U.S. House seats- two state Senate seats- at least 11 state House seats #txsen #txlege
Wow, Democrats didn't just capture the NYS Senate, they led a friggin armed revolt. pic.twitter.com/QXXwZp3nE7Wow, Democrats didn't just capture the NYS Senate, they led a friggin armed revolt. pic.twitter.com/QXXwZp3nE7
...Additionally, the Ds ran some fantastic House candidates, & many won. Liberal, sure. But these are smart, ambitious, talented & likable pols w/ diverse backgrounds, & they'll stock the party's bench w/ future big-time leaders at at time when its sorely needed......Additionally, the Ds ran some fantastic House candidates, & many won. Liberal, sure. But these are smart, ambitious, talented & likable pols w/ diverse backgrounds, & they'll stock the party's bench w/ future big-time leaders at at time when its sorely needed...
Two can play at that game, mon vieux.Two can play at that game, mon vieux.
How might Democrats use their subpoena powers next year? Here’s a quickie list via CNN:How might Democrats use their subpoena powers next year? Here’s a quickie list via CNN:
Among House D probes:- Immigration/family separation - Whether Trump violated emoluments - whether WH improperly used security clearances- why Trump admin not defending ACA in court- areas not explored by Mueller, including potential money launderinghttps://t.co/r06tvB547PAmong House D probes:- Immigration/family separation - Whether Trump violated emoluments - whether WH improperly used security clearances- why Trump admin not defending ACA in court- areas not explored by Mueller, including potential money launderinghttps://t.co/r06tvB547P
The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel adds that “Democratic candidates I talked to in the final days told me they also wanted to investigate Trump’s decision to send troops to the border, right before the midterms, for a caravan that posed no security threat.”The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel adds that “Democratic candidates I talked to in the final days told me they also wanted to investigate Trump’s decision to send troops to the border, right before the midterms, for a caravan that posed no security threat.”
What will Trump say at his news conference in a few hours? The president has declared success this morning despite his party losing the House majority and despite Democrats winning the popular vote margin nationally by high-single-digits – the biggest such margin going back a decade, it appears.What will Trump say at his news conference in a few hours? The president has declared success this morning despite his party losing the House majority and despite Democrats winning the popular vote margin nationally by high-single-digits – the biggest such margin going back a decade, it appears.
His tendency to declare everything he touches a “win” aside, Trump does have some bright spots to point to from last night. Republicans expanded their Senate majority, making the process of confirming Trump’s picks for federal judges even smoother and minimizing the chances of a Brett Kavanaugh-style showdown on a nominee for the next two years at least.His tendency to declare everything he touches a “win” aside, Trump does have some bright spots to point to from last night. Republicans expanded their Senate majority, making the process of confirming Trump’s picks for federal judges even smoother and minimizing the chances of a Brett Kavanaugh-style showdown on a nominee for the next two years at least.
Midterms are done. Trump emerged with a stronger, Trumpier Senate primed to confirm his nominees. How long will Jeff Sessions keep his job? https://t.co/nl0m5vgkulMidterms are done. Trump emerged with a stronger, Trumpier Senate primed to confirm his nominees. How long will Jeff Sessions keep his job? https://t.co/nl0m5vgkul
Trump also showed his power on the campaign trail, with some candidates on whose behalf he made campaign appearances – Ron Desantis in Florida, Brian Kemp in Georgia, Mike DeWine in Ohio, Ted Cruz in Texas – going on to win.Trump also showed his power on the campaign trail, with some candidates on whose behalf he made campaign appearances – Ron Desantis in Florida, Brian Kemp in Georgia, Mike DeWine in Ohio, Ted Cruz in Texas – going on to win.
Trump is also showing some pugnacity this morning. “Two can play that game!” he tweets about potential corruption investigations.Trump is also showing some pugnacity this morning. “Two can play that game!” he tweets about potential corruption investigations.
If the Democrats think they are going to waste Taxpayer Money investigating us at the House level, then we will likewise be forced to consider investigating them for all of the leaks of Classified Information, and much else, at the Senate level. Two can play that game!If the Democrats think they are going to waste Taxpayer Money investigating us at the House level, then we will likewise be forced to consider investigating them for all of the leaks of Classified Information, and much else, at the Senate level. Two can play that game!
Some tight House races remain too close to call this morning. Texas Republican representative. Will Hurd leads his challenger Gina Ortiz Jones by fewer than 700 votes. The Associated Press and a number of other media outlets withdrew their calls that Hurd had won the race. Hurd is one of the few Republicans in Congress who have been highly critical of Donald Trump.Some tight House races remain too close to call this morning. Texas Republican representative. Will Hurd leads his challenger Gina Ortiz Jones by fewer than 700 votes. The Associated Press and a number of other media outlets withdrew their calls that Hurd had won the race. Hurd is one of the few Republicans in Congress who have been highly critical of Donald Trump.
In Georgia’s sixth House district, Democrat Lucy McBath has a narrow lead over Republican Karen Handel. McBath became a gun control activist after her 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed in 2012.In Georgia’s sixth House district, Democrat Lucy McBath has a narrow lead over Republican Karen Handel. McBath became a gun control activist after her 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed in 2012.
Texas senator Ted Cruz won re-election Tuesday night over challenger Beto O’Rourke, though it was a pretty close race, with only three points separating the candidates.
The Houston Chronicle takes a county by county look at how Cruz held on.
A dead man, who before his death was a brothel owner and reality TV star, has won a seat in the Nevada state legislature. The AP reports:
A Nevada brothel owner and reality TV star who died last month after fashioning himself as a Donald Trump-style Republican candidate has won a heavily GOP state legislative district.
Dennis Hof defeated Democratic educator Lesia Romanov on Tuesday in the race for Nevada’s 36th assembly district, which includes rural communities and large stretches of desert in the southern part of the state. County officials will appoint a Republican to take his place in the seat.
Hof was found dead on 16 October after a weekend of parties celebrating his 72nd birthday. Officials are still determining his cause of death, but they don’t suspect foul play.
Hof owned a handful of brothels in Nevada, the only state that allows them to legally operate.
He also starred in the HBO adult reality series Cathouse and wrote a book titled The Art of the Pimp, akin to Trump’s book The Art of the Deal.
Hof was found dead at his Love Ranch brothel about an hour outside Las Vegas. His body was discovered by porn actor Ron Jeremy and a prostitute at the brothel.
Hof had spent the four previous days partying with notables from the sex industry and political world celebrating his 72nd birthday.
The brothel where his body was found is where NBA player Lamar Odom was found unconscious in 2015.
About 20 brothels operate in Nevada, mostly in rural areas. They’re banned in the counties that contain Las Vegas and Reno. The state doesn’t publicize how many are open, and most owners keep a much lower profile than Hof did.
Hof ran for office in 2016 as a Libertarian but lost the race.
This year, he ran as a Republican and earned backing from Trump associate Roger Stone and tax-cut activist Grover Norquist.
He upended Nevada politics this summer when he ousted an incumbent Republican lawmaker in a primary, celebrating at an election night party with “Hollywood Madam” Heidi Fleiss.
Or as the Las Vegas Review-Journal puts it in their lede: “Democrat Lesia Romanov was the only candidate with a pulse in the race for assembly district 36, but apparently that wasn’t enough to defeat deceased brothel owner Dennis Hof.”
Now that Democrats have won control of the House of Representatives, what will they do with it?
Don’t bet on a move to impeach Donald Trump as some on the left would like to see, the Guardian’s Tom McCarthy reports.
The focus will instead be on a policy agenda that could even include cooperation with Trump, Democrats say.
Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi has laid out six legislative priorities she said Democrats would purse. They are:
Campaign finance reform.
Healthcare legislation focused on lowering pharmaceutical drug costs.
Green infrastructure-spending legislation focused on boosting wages.
Protecting Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US as children.
“Commonsense background checks to prevent gun violence.”
The Equality Act, adding protections for women and LGBT people to the existing Civil Rights Act.
Election night brought new sadness and frustration to Parkland, Florida, where a school shooting in February left 17 people dead, the Guardian’s Lois Beckett reports.
In Florida, less than nine months after one of the country’s deadliest school shootings, and just days after a mass shooting at a yoga studio in the state’s capital, voters selected pro-gun candidates in the state’s two major races, for governor and for US senate. Republicans Ron DeSantis and Rick Scott won those races.
“I’m shaking with anger right now,” Jacyln Corin, a high school senior who helped found the March for Our Lives student movement, told a room of fellow activists at an election watch party in Parkland Tuesday night.
Donald Trump will hold a late morning press conference to discuss the midterm results, his press secretary says.
President @realDonaldTrump will hold a press conference today at 11:30am at the White House in the East Room. The event will be open press.
Montana representative Greg Gianforte – best known for his assault on a Guardian reporter – appears to have won re-election over Democrat Kathleen Williams.
He took Montana’s only House seat in a special election last year, and has now won election to a full term. He had 53% of the vote early Wednesday morning.
At a campaign rally last month, Donald Trump praised Gianforte for body-slamming reporter Ben Jacobs.
Arizona’s Senate race has not been called, but Republican Martha McSally holds a narrow lead over Democrat Kyrsten Sinema. Green party candidate Angela Green, meanwhile, attracted more votes than the margin between the two major party candidates.
I’m groggy but my math good enough to know the Greens just denied the Dems another major seat. When did we see that before.... pic.twitter.com/mAjGfnihLf
Here in New York, Democrat Max Rose knocked off the only Republican representing the city in Congress, defeating Representative Dan Donovan with about 53% of the vote. Take a look back at our story on the Army veteran’s ultimately successful quest to the city’s only Republican bastion.
In another closely watched race further upstate, Democrat Antonio Delgado has unseated Republican representative John Faso. That race drew attention for negative ads attacking Delgado’s brief career as a hip-hop artist. The “big city rapper” is also a Harvard law grad and Rhodes scholar, and now a congressman-elect.
In central New York, a third Republican incumbent was defeated, as Democratic challenger Anthony Brindisi narrowly beat Representative Claudia Tenney.
Indicted Representative Chris Collins was ahead in his re-election bid against Nathan McMurray, but the Democrat, after initially conceding defeat, later called for a recount, per the Buffalo News.
Donald Trump is up and tweeting about what he calls a “Big Victory”, despite his party losing control of the House.
Received so many Congratulations from so many on our Big Victory last night, including from foreign nations (friends) that were waiting me out, and hoping, on Trade Deals. Now we can all get back to work and get things done!
Good morning and welcome to our ongoing live midterm elections coverage. If you’re joining us now, here’s where things stand:
Democrats have taken control of the House of Representatives. They’ve picked up at least 26 seats previously held by Republicans, and have at least 219 seats in races that have been called so far. Democrats won Republican-held seats in Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Republicans have kept – and strengthened – their hold on the Senate. They have at least 51 seats, with a net gain of two over the Democrats. Four Democratic incumbents have been defeated: Bill Nelson in Florida, Heidi Heitkamp in North Dakota, Joe Donnelly in Indiana, and Claire McCaskill in Missouri.
In the governor’s races, Democrats gained seven new seats. In closely watched races, Florida Democrat Andrew Gillum was defeated by Republican Ron DeSantis. In Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker lost his seat to a Democratic challenger. In Georgia, the race between Democrat Stacey Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp has not been called, with Abrams trailing but declining to concede.
Voters passed ballot measures across the country with new laws on voting rights, marijuana, taxes and more.