Staff Reports
The ongoing discussion regarding Donald Trump’s electoral victory seems to be generating a buzz that could only be topped by a reality TV reunion special. The question on many lips is whether or not Trump has been handed an electoral “mandate” from voters. News flash: Whether it’s a mandate or a mere high-five, Trump won the election, and he’ll wield his power as he pleases, much to the chagrin of those still nursing their wounds.
Critics claim this year’s margin of victory is historically weak, waving their analytics around like participatory trophies at a Little League game. Some insist that Trump’s popular vote doesn’t even surpass 50% and that he’s sitting at a rather pedestrian ranking of 44th out of 51 presidential elections since 1824. They argue about “weak coattails,” noting that several Democrats managed to snag Senate seats in states Trump triumphed in, as compared to the 0 they scored in 2016 or 2020. This kind of talk is rich coming from a group that brewed a “blue wave” in 2018; as if anyone forgot that little episode.
Do Trump and the Republicans have a "mandate" after taking the presidency, popular vote, House, and Senate?
We discuss that, recess appointments, and MORE with special guests @JoshKraushaar, @NBSaphierMD, and @AndrewCMcCarthy. Listen live at https://t.co/p9jTZflI6k!… pic.twitter.com/cwn6bXgoA7
— The Guy Benson Show (@GuyBensonShow) November 20, 2024
Meanwhile, in the alternate universe of conservative reality, many believe the narrative of a decisive win has solidified and that those still counting are just delaying the inevitable. It’s almost a sport to mock slow-counting blue states, often taking their sweet time like they’re savoring a five-course meal. Remember when Bill Clinton supposedly had a “mandate” with just 43% of the popular vote? Now that’s what you call a double standard!
According to conservative thinkers, Trump’s performance speaks for itself: he blitzed through battleground states like a running back through a weak defense, racking up a staggering 312 electoral votes—outdoing Biden from 2020 because, surprise, surprise, he captured the popular vote as a Republican for the first time since George W. Bush. That’s not just a mandate; it’s a victory lap. What he chooses to do with this power remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: just like a fashion trend, mandates can fade fast if the wearer isn’t careful.
Looking at the House results reveals another victory—House Republicans have reportedly outpaced Democrats in the national popular vote by approximately 4.5 million ballots. Some pundits are already whispering that Republican gerrymanders are at play here as if it’s some kind of secret society keeping their electoral seats locked in a vault. And while Harry Enten may lament the House majority’s size, it’s vital to look at how Democrats have made a concerted effort to ensure their stalls at the political flea market remain well-stocked. Shouldn’t that be classified as a “threat to democracy,” or is that just reserved for what rattles the liberal cage?
As for the upcoming Senate landscape, Republicans can bask in their 53-47 majority without too much apprehension about missed opportunities. If they hadn’t stumbled in previous elections, they could have easily added a couple of more seats to their tally. Geographically speaking, solidly red states will likely be the big winners as states like California and New York prepare to lose seats and electoral votes. Upcoming trends suggest that Republicans may be in an advantageous position for the next cycle if demographic shifts continue. Who says red states don’t have a bright future ahead? It seems that the electoral math may soon be dripping in crimson shades, leaving many to wonder if Democrats are ready for the next match-up come 2028.
