Midterms: Blue wave, independent water
The midterms weren’t a blue wave. They were a blue wave powered by independent water. Over 60% of independents broke against the GOP in Ohio, Texas, South Carolina, and Mississippi, flipping House seats nobody had on the radar and handing Democrats a 254-166 minimum. And Donald Trump’s response? No regrets, no moderation, and Stephen Miller as chief of staff.
This was not a Democratic triumph. It was an independent revolt. Across Ohio, Colorado, North Carolina, and Arizona, Democrats flipped…
The Brief
→ Four things from today’s episodeFour more House flips. Joanna Mendoza (AZ-6), Jessica Killen (CO-5), Richard Ojeda II (NC), and Christina Knickerbocker (OH-10) — Dems to 254-166 minimum
Paul’s frame of the night. “a blue wave powered by independent water” — 60%+ of independents breaking against the GOP in Ohio, Texas, South Carolina, and Mississippi
Trump at the ballroom the day after. “If I were on the ballot, we would have won” — and why that detachment is the story
Stephen Miller named chief of staff. Sarah Matthews, who worked with him in Trump 1.0, on why this blows up the Latino coalition that won 2024
Recent Episodes
Chuck Todd. The Dems are Just the Surfers on the Wave
Independents are the water in the Blue wave
Dems Blue Wave: Powered by the Indy Tsunami
Election Day Breakdown
Ty Pinkins on Obama, Clinton, Schumer — and the Democrats who sacrifice Black voters every cycle
Obama snatches the mic
Can Obama save the Dems in the final stretch?
Election predictions, leadership & lessons from Running for President w/ Senator Bob Kerrey
By the Beat
→ 6 verticals we’re coveringGet TMI: The Morning Independent in your inbox.
Four things you need to know, every weekday morning. Pulled from the show, written by humans, free forever.