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CONGRESS IS BACK after the Memorial Day break, and it’s apparent that members have gotten an earful back home. Here are some themes:
Inflation: For ordinary voters not mesmerized by the Trump trial, the big issue throughout the country and in Congress is inflation — still rising, just at a more moderate pace. It’s the major reason Democrats are very worried about the election.
The Trump Trial: Most Americans oppose jailing Trump, and most members of Congress agree. But this will dominate the political climate for months or years; the other three big federal trials against Trump probably won’t begin until 2025 — and appeals could last much longer.
Joe Biden’s enthusiasm problem: Democrats in Congress reflect their constituents — they think Biden is too old for a second term, and they worry that young people, Hispanics and African Americans will not turn out in sufficient numbers to re-elect him.
Republicans are remarkably unified: Whether it’s on Capitol Hill or in Middle America, there’s tremendous enthusiasm within the GOP for Trump; his fundraising is soaring. But why is the party lashing out against moderates like Maryland’s GOP Senate candidate, Larry Hogan?
A trifecta: Republicans should capture the Senate, might hold on to the House and may take the presidency, as the GOP’s leaders, eager for the Vice Presidential nomination, genuflect to him. No dissent allowed.
Happy Birthday: Trump turns 78 later this month. Leaders in both parties wonder if he can handle a 90 minute brawl on June 27. Both Trump and Biden could stumble on policy; they face unusual scrutiny in the high-stakes first debate.
The deficit, still surging: No one on Capitol Hill has any desire to curb the exploding budget deficit; the dysfunction will return next year over spending levels and still another debt ceiling crisis.
Congress and constituents are losing enthusiasm for Benjamin Netanyahu, as the embattled Israeli Prime Minister faces a growing internal revolt.
More aid for Ukraine? We doubt it, that well has run dry on Capitol Hill.
Who’s more protectionist? Biden and Trump want higher tariffs, but on Capitol Hill there’s unease over harsh retaliation that could send U.S.-China relations to new lows.
The Democrats’ great hope: With a choppy economy and no real plan on immigration, the Democrats will play their strongest cards — abortion rights and Obamacare, both of which poll very well for Democrats.
The Robert F. Kennedy phenomenon: Voters are intrigued by him; he could win 10% of the vote in November, scrambling the Electoral College math and potentially hurting Trump. But the whispering on Capitol Hill focuses on Kennedy’s past; stay tuned.
Climate change, why worry? With scorching heat waves and powerful hurricanes likely this summer, Congress seemingly has forgotten about climate change. It’s no hoax; voters are way ahead of Congress on this issue.
Related: The Next Major Election Milestone Expected on June 27
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