Democrats lost in Virginia, but their win in New Jersey is more worrisome

Now the bad news: The results in Jersey were arguably worse for Democrats than the results in Virginia, where Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe for governor. Why? Well, because between 2020 and this year there was a big drop-off in Democratic voters, even though Murphy had enacted a buffet of progressive policies that many believed would increase Democratic turnout.

Democrats need to understand that in off-year elections, policy alone is unlikely to win the day. They also need voters to be angry. For example, in the 2010 midterm elections, held during the second year of President Barack Obama s first term, exit polls determined that 73 percent of people who cast a ballot were angry/dissatisfied, compared to 25 percent who said they were satisfied or enthusiastic. The result? Democrats got crushed, losing 63 House seats and six Senate seats.

via www.msnbc.com

The other day I disparaged New Jersey in class. I said of Delaware that it “wasn’t California; it wasn’t even New Jersey.” For this outburst, I sincerely apologize and will try to grow in my appreciation of New Jersey. I meant no disrespect to New Jerseyites themselves, who must labor under the government of New Jersey. Same for Delaware and Delawarians.