Making Daily Headlines · Page 7
Democrats Gain Power and Inherit the Burden of Having a Plan
· New York time
Democrats gained power across the country in the midterm elections, and party leaders are now considering what direction to take. The result gives them new opportunities to influence government and raises expectations from voters who wanted a different course. Winning an election is a clear collective achievement. Governing after one requires more detailed choices about priorities, especially for a party that contains different views on policy and strategy. Leaders must decide which promises to emphasize and how to use the authority voters have given them. The answer may not be identical in every office or every state. The political transition also changes the standard by which Democrats will be judged. Criticism of opponents can unify a campaign, but public expectations after a victory include visible decisions. The party's challenge is to turn a broad desire for change into actions that its various supporters can recognize. Election night offers the satisfying clarity of a result. The following morning produces a longer list of questions, none of which can be answered by recounting the margin of victory. Democrats have received the keys to more rooms in government. Now comes the less glamorous work of deciding what to do once they open the doors.
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