DTS
Thanksgiving break offers us several commodities: from a much-needed break from school (hang in there, we’re almost done) to an opportunity for us to sleep in and eat mouth-watering food, the break is an opportunity for us to relax, even if it is just for a bit. We all need to take a step back to reflect on what we need to be thankful for, especially in politics. For that purpose, I’ve created a Democratic Thanksgiving Summary, outlining just some things that Democrats can be thankful for going into the season of giving.
Election Changes. This election cycle drastically changed the state government of both the Kentucky and Virginia governments. Kentucky ousted their unpopular and embattled Republican Governor Matt Bevin and elected Democrat Andy Beshear. In Virginia, Democrats gained full control of the state government for the first time in more than two decades. The newly Democratic Virginia will now begin paving the way for a progressive agenda with a higher minimum wage, tighter gun control laws and the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment to take place nationally.
Smaller pool. Even though former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg decided to enter the Democratic presidential race (for reasons beyond my comprehension), the field has gotten significantly smaller since the Democratic Summer Summary I did back in September. Beto O’Rourke, Kristen Gillibrand, Tim Ryan, and Bill de Blasio are all candidates that have bowed out with more expected to go. It is also becoming increasingly clear that the top three candidates - Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Joe Biden - are the only realistic contenders for the candidacy.
Quid pro quo. Democrats in the House of Representatives are all but certain to draft and approve Articles of Impeachment against President Trump, and with good reason: several of the witnesses in the hearings, from Ambassador Gordon Sondland to Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman have all confirmed a quid pro quo from the White House to Ukraine. They affirmed that military aid and an invitation to the White House could be expected in exchange for an investigation into political rivals. Furthermore, a majority of Americans (48% to 44%, per FiveThirtyEight’s impeachment polls) now support impeaching President Trump. This is shaping up to be a very happy Thanksgiving after all!
Gabriel Zita is a junior studying pscyhology.