The Democrats will run as one against Trump and the current state of the country in 2026; that much is clear. But what will the GOP message be? How will the party that controls the government deal with a status quo that most people dislike?
Here is the playbook:
- While Trump never puts it in these terms, lots of GOP pundits view his economic program as short-term pain for long-term gain. They will be praying that the long-term gain starts showing up in 2026.
- Crime, crime, all the time.
- We hate trans people and illegal immigrants. Democrats love them and hate you.
- God, I hope those gerrymanders work as promised.
Does that sound very inspiring to you, particularly if the economy sags?