The blue wave happened. What comes next?

Based on my time spent on the Hill during three campaigns, one thing is abundantly clear: for the vast majority of elected officials in DC, job protection/self-preservation is the primary motivator for their actions.

Now, Trump is a special case. He is now a lame-duck and cannot run again. Besides that fact, he is also a mentally ill malignant narcissist whose views and actions are guided by very specific psychological needs. Trump is all about two things: 1) sating his malignant narcissism by having to place himself at the center of everything, and 2) saying and doing whatever his lizard brain needs to keep him one step ahead of the carnage he’s previously created.

I wrote this on Bluesky the other day:

Also, remember, Trump was actually a Democrat for most of his adult life (although he clearly has no actual firm policy positions - its all about whatever he thinks will help him in the short term).

So, is it possible he might “work with Democrats” as he told the New York Times on election night? Possibly, even if it seems far fetched. He is a wild-card and will do whatever his lizard brain needs to keep from experiencing narcissistic collapse.

Let’s turn our attention back to the rest of elected Republicans in DC.

We are already seeing stories about the increased likelihood of impeaching Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, even before Democrats take control of Congress. And not only from Democrats - several Republicans are starting to pile on as well.

Rumors are spreading about Marco Rubio stepping down to distance himself from Trump.

Mister Mix gave us a great take on how putrid a person and politician JD Vance is based on Vance’s rationale for the election results. However, to me, the most incredible thing is simply Vance’s willingness to publicly break with the person who more than any other politician in memory demands complete and utter one-way loyalty - Donald Trump (which, to be clear, is exactly what Vance did).

Republicans in congress and JD Vance see the writing on the wall. Trump’s time has come and gone (although he can and will be dangerous for the next two years - he is still President after all). And, again, self-preservation rules all.

Let me be clear. I don’t expect Republicans in Congress to “moderate” their views or beliefs. In fact, the remaining members who were elected or reelected are likely more extreme in super-safe gerrymandered districts. However, there may be enough Republicans - who do not view themselves as super-safe - to allow Democrats to start moving the needle in our direction with some self-preservation minded defecting Republicans when congress reconvenes.

Likely? Who knows. But it would not surprise me.

As for Schumer, Jeffries and institutional Democratic leadership, I’m with Kevin M. Kruse on this:

Democratic Leadership will do and say what Democratic leadership wants to do and say. But it is the committee chairs like Jamie Rasking and Robert Garcia who will drive the agenda. And they seem to be all in on accountability.

We all need to take a deep breath and see how the Democrats’ plans take shape. And if the people need to push, we will.

The Beatles - Come Together