Can Republicans Change Course? Privilege Dies Hard

 

Terre Haute Tribune Star

November 6, 2026

After reading this New York Times story (After Midterm Drubbing, Trump and Republicans Start Pointing Fingers), I have questions.

“They [Republican leaders] cited Mr. Trump’s tariff policies. They pointed to his decision to take the country to an unpopular war in Iran that drove up prices. And they questioned his political instincts, arguing that he had imperiled his party’s chances by supporting weak candidates and going on an unconvincing tour in the final weeks of the campaign.”

Which Republican politicians and robot Republican voters did not know or recognize these facts before last night’s “drubbing”? Much will be expected of the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. But when will Republican Party leaders and their blinkered voters step up, admit to years of corruption and incompetence, and mark a new, common people path for the GOP?

Can the Republican Party free itself from the chains of dark money billionaire dollars? Can the Republican Party accept small "d" democracy? Must the Republican Party continue to undercut the people's will through gerrymandering and vote denying tactics? Can the Republican Party disown and desist in appealing to prejudices, open their minds and arms to a nation that has always been a salad bowl of ethnic, racial, gender and class differences?

We'll see. Privilege dies hard.

— Gary Daily