In American Politics, The Pendulum Always Swings

Guest Opinion by former Tennessee Congressman John J. Duncan Jr.

After the 2008 elections, many commentators, pundits, and so-called experts were saying, writing and prophesying that the Republican Party was dead or dying and on its way out.

Former Sen. Howard Baker wrote that they were wrong and that his Party would come back as strong as ever because the Democrats would either "overpromise or underachieve" or both.

He was right. In 2010, just two years later, President Obama lost 63 seats in his first midterm elections. Republicans took back control of the House 242 to 193. The Democrats did maintain control of the Senate 53 to 47, but Republicans picked up six more seats that year.

President Truman lost 56 House seats in the 1946 midterms, President Clinton lost 54 in 1994, and President Trump lost 41 in the 2018 midterms. A party is always greatly affected by the popularity or unpopularity of the President, and that is true at all levels, federal, state, and local.

Republicans were carrying two very heavy burdens this year—a very unpopular President and a very unpopular war. In fact, I am surprised their losses were not greater.

President Trump's ratings were the lowest of his time in office. He had done many good things: major tax cuts, including on tips, overtime and Social Security; securing the border; cracking down on crime and federal fraud; lowering prescription drug prices; and securing trillions in new investments.

But people just do not like his braggadocio, narcissistic personality. Many millions hate him, and he said and did things that even embarrassed his supporters.

However, the biggest thing of all, the thing that hurt Republicans the most, was our stupid, unnecessary war in Iran. Usually, there is a rally around the flag feeling that often makes war and war leaders popular.

This year, the only rally around the flag effect was in Iran where our bombings made Iranians unify in support of an unpopular regime. In the U.S. every survey showed that this war was the most unpopular ever.

Also, people almost always end up voting on pocketbook, kitchen table issues. When diesel fuel went to over $6.00 a gallon or even higher some places, and gas and food prices kept going up, Republicans were in trouble.

And, those who were hit hardest—farmers, truckers, and people living in rural areas—have always been among the strongest Republican support groups. People in rural areas usually have to drive further to go to work and shop.

Unfortunately, President Trump allowed himself to be seduced by a very cruel man, Prime Minister and war criminal, Benjamin Netanyahu. Also unfortunately, only three or four Republicans in Congress had the courage to oppose the very powerful Israel Lobby.

While claiming to be for America First, they were acting, voting and speaking in favor of Israel First.

What is most galling of all to Republicans around the Country is the way that millions have fled the high tax, high crime, wasteful social policies of Democrat-run cities and states and yet keep voting for Democrats. Could someone please explain this?

It is also very hard to understand why anyone in this Country would vote for socialists when people are fleeing socialist countries all over the world, trying desperately to get here.

Socialism has destroyed the economy of most countries. In the U.S., with only four percent of the world population, our capitalist, free enterprise system allows us to buy about 26 percent of the world's goods and services.

I grew up in a political family and have followed politics all my life. In the end, the only certain thing I can tell you about American politics is that the pendulum always swings, sometimes for you, sometimes against you.

I hope, for the sake of this Country, and especially our children and grandchildren, that Republicans will not lose heart and that they will keep fighting for the peace and freedom that has made this Nation the greatest in this world.

The above originally appeared on The Duncan Dispatch. It is reprinted here by permission.

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