Staff Reports
The political landscape in Washington is gearing up for a showdown, like an old western film where the showdown happens at high noon. This time it’s not just about which cowboy gets to wear the white hat; it’s about who gets to sit at the big desk in the Oval Office. As much as Democrats would love for voters to obsess over local House and Senate elections, the spotlight is firmly shining on the presidential race. Step aside, lower office. The big boys are in town.
Wake up with the Washington Examiner: Meet the new senators and get caught up on what those tariffs mean https://t.co/1A2JsjFZQL
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 27, 2024
Republican leaders, particularly the outgoing Mitch McConnell, have had their sights set on 2024 as a golden opportunity to reclaim the Senate. The past election cycle was a missed chance for Republicans to chip away at Democratic control of Congress, and after watching a parade of lackluster candidates stumble like Bambi on ice, they’re back with a new game plan. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has swapped out the old playbook for something fresh, recruiting energetic new faces and targeting Democrat vulnerabilities with all the finesse of a well-seasoned chess player.
Despite the occasional hiccup in downballot races, the GOP still managed to snag a three-seat Senate majority, a victory that greased the wheels for the inevitable resurgence of Trump. Twelve fresh senators—six Republicans and six Democrats—are set to storm the halls of power. The GOP is revved up, eager to flex their muscles after years in the political cellar, while Democrats find themselves licking their wounds and preparing for life as the party in opposition.
Interestingly, the incoming Democratic senators may boast about their diverse backgrounds and experiences, but they’re wading into a situation where they’ll need to learn to navigate as the underdog. Their lack of a majority means they have a steeper hill to climb than a raccoon trying to scale a greased pole. Meanwhile, the GOP is ready to leverage the budgetary tools they’ve gained to bypass Democratic roadblocks, allowing them to implement changes that could slim down government overreach.
Over in tariff land, Trump is back in action and looking to deliver on his campaign promises faster than a Starbucks barista on a Monday morning. Right out of the gate, he’s slapping a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, proving that even our closest neighbors aren’t immune from the economic pressure he’s prepared to apply. Critics questioned the wisdom of targeting Canada, considering that Trump’s primary concerns are more about issues flowing south. But Trump’s border czar isn’t missing the bigger picture, keeping an eye on both the northern and southern borders like a hawk guarding its nest.
The excitement from Trump’s latest tariffs sparks a lively debate over whether he can enforce such measures without Congressional approval. The answer, surprisingly enough, leans toward a yes. With a quick move, he could declare an economic emergency, effectively turning Canada and Mexico into bargaining chips to compel them into tightening their border security before he officially steps back into the White House. While the left might grimace at his methods, conservatives are savoring the possibility of Trump wielding tariffs as a tool of negotiation to guard American interests fiercely. It’s a bold move that is bound to shake up the status quo and put Washington on notice that the game has changed.
