Democrats Face Challenges in Primary Season 2018: The TAKE with Rick Klein
Headline: Democrats Face Familiar Challenges in Primary Season 2018
Primary season 2018 has Democrats thinking big, but the challenges they face feel all too familiar from 2016. Despite President Donald Trump’s low approval ratings and the chaos in the White House, Democrats are struggling to navigate through a crowded field of candidates and establishment-led efforts to thin them out.
In Texas, where the first 2018 primaries are being held today, Democratic enthusiasm is high, with record-setting early voting. However, the party is facing internal divisions reminiscent of the Hillary-vs.-Bernie feuds of two years ago. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is even trying to disqualify a progressive favorite in the Houston suburbs, sparking a rally of support from progressive organizations.
On the Republican side, candidates are grappling with how to align themselves with President Trump, whose policy decisions are causing rifts within the party. House Speaker Paul Ryan spoke out against the president’s proposed tariffs, highlighting the challenges traditional Republicans face in supporting Trump’s agenda.
As the midterm elections approach, both parties are gearing up for a tough battle for control of Congress. Democrats need to hold onto key seats while also targeting vulnerable GOP-held districts. The outcome of the Texas primaries will provide important insights into the political landscape leading up to November.
Overall, the 2018 primary season is shaping up to be a contentious and unpredictable one for both Democrats and Republicans, with the specter of 2016 looming large over the proceedings.
