With Eyes on 2016

After the votes have all been counted, officially closing the books on the 2014 elections, it became apparent that the Republican Party won going away and that it has taken control of both the House and the Senate. Short term, this could mean more Republican support for laws and bills that previously may have faced opposition, or it could mean even more complete support across both Chambers when it comes to stymieing Obama. Long term, however, this could actually pose problems for the Republican Party. Not only is the Republican Party acutely aware that it is in dire need of an infusion of new, young supporters of all races, but it also knows that simply sandbagging Democrat measures, and thus, by association, sandbagging the entire government, is not the way to entice the already disenfranchised. With an eye towards the 2016 elections, and even beyond, the next two years are going to prove critical to the continued success of the Republican Party, or to the bounce back of the Democrats, and, because 2016 is a Presidential Election year, the next two years are going to be just as important to those who plan on running with either of the Parties.  

For the Republicans, how the Party decides to use its newfound majority of both Chambers is not only going to be telling of their current political plans, but it will also be indicative of how they plan on taking even further control of the Government in 2016. In the event the Republicans exercise their power to its limits and block all President Obama’s actions then they will definitely be accomplishing short-term goals, but that would not be conducive to a successful Republican 2016 election. Instead, in order to appeal to the new demographics the Republicans are desperately trying to reach, the youth and the minority populations, they should not be concerned with simply trying to stop the President and the Democrats, as it appears they are, but they should be trying to compromise, even if, in the short term, the compromises don’t exactly appear to be in line with typical Republican ideals. Government gridlock is a sticking point when it comes to the discontent youth have with those in power, and, with opportunity due to the new numbers advantage the Republicans have, the Republicans have a chance to do something about it, albeit not how they might have exactly envisioned; compromise might not be ideal in the short term, but in the future it could pay dividends if it makes the youth and new voters think that the Republicans are the reason progress is being made.

As for the Democrats, yes, the numbers suggest they are at a disadvantage when really, with eyes towards 2016, they are in a position to succeed. With the balance of power shifted towards the conservatives, and thus with the onus of action now squarely in the Republicans lap, the Democrats are in the position the Republicans were only a few years ago: get measures passed if they can sneak through, or stay stagnant, and, truth be told, either would work just fine for the Democrats as they are already viewed as the underdog when it comes to power in Congress. If these next two years are a ringing success for the Democrats, they will get more seats, and by extension more power in the next election, but, assuming the Republicans continue to block Obama and keep gridlock a reality in Washington, the Democrats will be able to run a platform the indicts the Republicans for not being able to make progress in the two years of power they had.

Ultimately, the next two years are going to be of paramount importance to both Parties, as neither can afford to slip up, especially with 2016 deciding a new President, one party is going to have to take control and run with it, lest allow their opposite to take the power they so desperately need.

Gibson, Ginger. Midterms 2014:Republican Senate Could Ease Gridlock. International Business Times. http://www.ibtimes.com/midterms-2014-republican-senate-win-could-ease-gridlock-1718470 Accessed 11/20/14

Masket, Seth. Would a Republican Congress Help Democrats in 2016.  Pacific Standard.  http://www.psmag.com/navigation/politics-and-law/gridlocked-republican-congress-help-democrats-2016-election-voting-93629/ Accessed 11/20/14