Trump and Democrats Both Lost in 2020

Not since the “shellacking” Democrats suffered in 2010, has power been
reshuffled more than it’s going to be. A Congress with an
unprecedented composition will be sworn in today, arguably the most
diverse and unpredictable in history. This is probably a reflection of a
very fickle, impatient, and volatile electorate. Americans have seemingly
decided not to put up with anything or anybody anymore.
After six years of Bush II, Americans showed their disapproval by
electing a Democratic majority to the House in 2008. That changed in
2010, when after two years of Obama, Americans threw them out and
elected a Republican majority. Similarly, after two years of Trump,
Americans showed their disapproval again and threw out the
Republican majority and restored Democrats to power.
After four years of Trump, 81 million Americans said “ya basta” and
threw him out too, but simultaneously punished House Democrats (12)
and left them with a slim majority. The political landscape is shifting
dramatically from coast to coast. Eleven of those 12 Democrats were
denied a second term.
The blue wave that was expected in 2020 never materialized. It was
actually more like a tsunami, sweeping Democrats off the land and into
the ocean, like throwing a fish back into the water. Unexpectedly and
inexplicably, a red surge of Republican women caught everyone by
surprise. Their number will increase from 22 to 36, mostly pro-life and
two QAnon supporters.
The 117th Congress will show a total increase in women from 127 to at
least 141, including three more women of color than before (48 to 51).
While women will comprise at least 27% of the House and 24-25% of
the Senate (depending on Georgia), they will still be underrepresented.
They comprise 50.52% of the U.S. population.
There will also be a mixed bag of “firsts.” The 117th will include the first
Black female Democrat from Missouri, the youngest Republican from
South Carolina, the first two openly gay male Democrats from New
York, and nine first term Republican women.
The political dynamics in the House will definitely change. Democrats
held a 35-seat majority before November 3 (232-197). Their new
majority will be only 222-213. That margin will soon have two vacancies
because Biden has named two House members, both Blacks, to his
administration. The AOC plus three group has increased to eight, which
could prove challenging to Speaker Pelosi.
Biden is going to have his work cut out for him. He will face an
antagonistic House filled with Republicans whose first loyalty will be to
Trump, second to themselves, third to their party, and fourth to the
country. House Democrats will be seemingly embroiled in unrelenting
internal differences in philosophy, policy, and strategy, putting at risk the
five seats that could cost them their majority. Historically, the party of
the incumbent president suffers a shellacking at the hands of a very
distrusting and unforgiving electorate, and 2022 could be no exception.
Puzzling as this Congress may be, it will have a role to play Wednesday
in certifying Biden’s victory.

About Dr Juan Andrade, Jr.

The 4th Latino in history to be honored by both a President of the United States and the
Government of Mexico. Has earned five degrees, received five honorary doctorates, and three
distinguished alumnus awards. His 100+ recognitions include Chicagoan of the Year, Lifetime
Achievement (four times), One of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in America (five times),
featured as Un Orgullo Hispano by Univision, and honored by most Hispanic magazines and
national organizations.

The only Hispanic in history to be a commentator on English-language radio (WGN) and

television (ABC), and newspaper columnist (Chicago Sun-Times). He helped promote
democracy in 10 Central and South American countries during the administration
of President George H.W. Bush.
Co-founded the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute in 1982.

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