The Republican Party was hopeful heading into yesterday's midterm election — with good reason. President Barack Obama's approval rating has hit an all-time low with even those who voted him into a second term often wondering if it was a mistake. Americans tend to favor making big, sweeping changes, and by late last night, as the numbers across the country were tallied, the Republican sweep was being referred to as a "wave."
The GOP was able to seize control of the U.S. Senate by picking up at least seven seats previously held by Democrats, a wishful goal that had previously eluded them since 2006. The Republican Party also won 13 U.S. House of Representatives races, expanding its already sizable majority to at least 241 seats. That is the most seats the party has held since the days of President Herbert Hoover. The number of Republican governors will also greatly outnumber that of Democrats when Inauguration Day rolls around. People wanted change, and for now they will have it.
Here's the thing: Since Americans like change so much, and it is going to take more than two years for our nation to feel different, there is a good chance that for every seat a Republican flipped last night, a Democrat will flip it back in 2016. Basically, the GOP has two years to pull off a miracle or people's rallying for change will actually put the Democrats in great shape for having serious control.
It has been anticipated and even expected that Hillary Clinton will announce her presidential candidacy fairly soon. She originally said she would make a decision after New Year's, but sources close to her have also said it might be sooner if the Democrats tanked in the midterms.
If you fast-forward a few years, last night's win by the GOP may actually leave Clinton an even bigger winner in a few years with a Senate ready to work with her for real change.
