The Republican Party lost a Senate majority in 1986, marking the first time in more than three decades that the party of an incumbent president had lost a chamber of Congress. In the three-and-a-half decades since, presidents have seen their parties lose control of one or both houses in five midterm elections, and every president since Bill Clinton has experienced such a loss. Political experts already take it as a conclusion that President Biden’s Democrats will face the same fate this fall.
Can a President do anything? Mr. Biden and his team would be wise to study the experiences of their predecessors. History provides a playbook on what to do – and what the opposing side should do – to prepare for the midterm reckoning.
opinion | How Biden can prepare for midterm elections
The Republican Party lost a Senate majority in 1986, marking the first time in more than three decades that the party of an incumbent president had lost a chamber of Congress. In the three-and-a-half decades since, presidents have seen their parties lose control of one or both houses in five midterm elections, and every president since Bill Clinton has experienced such a loss. Political experts already take it as a conclusion that President Biden’s Democrats will face the same fate this fall.
Can a President do anything? Mr. Biden and his team would be wise to study the experiences of their predecessors. History provides a playbook on what to do – and what the opposing side should do – to prepare for the midterm reckoning.