Midterm elections are often a referendum on the sitting President, even though he is not on the ballot. In 2014 voter turnout was at its lowest ebb in 70 years while in 2018 it rebounded to its highest number in over 100 years! This year voters must wrestle with Executive actions relating to inflation, the economy, immigration, wars in Ukraine and Iran, rampant corruption, and a multiplicity of unpopular projects in DC. Although the Democrats hold a small lead in generic polling and might win the House, Republicans hold a huge cash surplus and will benefit from a recent Supreme Court decision on campaign financing.

Turnout will be key. Despite the President’s relatively low approval ratings most Republicans support the MAGA agenda while Democrats are struggling to find leadership and develop an appropriate message to appeal to voters across the spectrum.

Although much may change before we begin, we’ll stay as up-to-date as possible. Mixing lecture and discussion the class will examine as many races as we can. Having two classes after election day will permit us to ask whether it’s Really Over When It’s Over?

This course will combine lecture with class discussions.