The Republicans, in spite of what most polls were showing, expected a "red wave" election. They were convinced that they could take control of both houses of Congress. They were wrong. While control of Congress has yet to be officially decided (votes are still being counted), it now looks like the Democrats will probably keep control of the Senate and if they lose the House it will be only by a very small margin. The Republicans fell far short of their goal and expectation.
I have heard some pundits on TV say the GOP is ready to get rid of Trump and field more moderate candidates. I think those pundits are living in a dream world. That's not going to happen.
First, don't sell Trump short. He's still the most popular politician in the Republican Party. He may not be very popular with most Americans, but the base of the GOP still loves him.
Second, The party is controlled by its base -- and that base is composed of racists, homophobes, misogynists, and fascists. They have no desire to moderate, and they don't think they have to do that. They live in a Fox News world, and still think that most Americans are as extreme and downright crazy as they are.
Third, party leaders can't moderate until the base does. If they try, they will meet the same fate as Rep. Cheney.
Fourth, while the midterm elections were a severe disappointment for Republicans, it wasn't a blowout. It's going to take a much more severe defeat to make Republicans realize they must change.
Fifth, while many MAGA crazies were defeated in this election, many were also elected (on a federal and state level. Enough are still in government to keep stoking the fire of crazy among party members.
We need a second political party -- one that can debate with Democrats and compromise for the good of the country. Sadly, today's Republicans are not that party. And they won't be until they change (become more moderate). But they just aren't ready to do that -- yet.
