Every election generates its inevitable hyperbole, but the overheated rhetoric — fueled in part by social media — has worsened considerably in recent years. Yet as Americans rose on Wednesday, Armageddon again failed to materialize and the republic remained intact. Better yet, they’ll no longer be subjected — for 20 months, at least — to the avalanche of tedious political advertisements that dominated the airwaves in recent weeks.
The day-to-day concerns of working Americans are no doubt more mundane than many political activists imagine. Democrats were certainly caught flat-footed in this regard, barely acknowledging the destruction that inflation and high gasoline prices have inflicted on family budgets. Voters noticed the disconnect no matter how loudly progressive partisans screamed about abortion or democracy.
They’re still counting ballots across the nation. A big “red wave” did not materialize, but GOP control of the House was likely. The temptation for the new majority to fall victim to their grievances in pursuit of retribution will be very real. They should resist — as the election results make clear.
Americans want policy answers to problems. Rather than engage in endless committee hearings intended to embarrass the White House, rather than start talking about the “I” word as Democrats did the minute Donald Trump was elected, Republican lawmakers should push policies that can get inflation under control, lower energy prices and create an economic environment that encourages growth and prosperity.
The president probably will veto most such measures. Let him.
Getting spending under control by lowering baseline budgets from COVID-19 “emergency” standards would be a good place to start. “Passing 12 separate appropriations bills with these reduced baselines will save hundreds of billions in higher out-year spending,” Dave Hoppe noted this week in The Wall Street Journal, “which will protect America from further inflation.”
Hoppe, who served as chief of staff to Paul Ryan during his tenure as House speaker, also advises that a Republican House “continue to reduce the growth of spending and to restore economic growth through tax cuts,” allowing working Americans to keep more of their own money.
Republicans should also fight back against the Biden administration’s attacks on domestic energy companies and the White House’s regulatory attacks on the industry. Enhanced border security programs would also be appropriate.
Voters are fickle and political trends run in cycles, with the euphoria of victory evaporating into the agony of defeat. The GOP has an opportunity to avoid the latter if it doesn’t become immersed in the politics of vengeance and instead advocates for policies that will end the Biden economic malaise.
— Tribune News Service
