BLUE WAVE, BLUE WARNING November 6, 2026
Last Tuesday, the president of the United States was hoisted by his own petard. Hopefully, the newly Democratic-controlled Congress will avoid that fate.
A petard is a bomb. Shakespeare, in Hamlet, used the phrase. It refers to a bomb-maker blown off the ground by his own explosive.
In January, the Blue wave of Democrats will hold a sizable majority in the House and a significant majority in the Senate. They may be tempted to impeach Donald Trump. Three words of advice (to be clarified):
Take a breath.
Then meet the immediate needs of the American people.
Despite all that money from Elon Musk and other billionaires promoting Republican candidates (several awful, but Trump-mandated), voters sent a clear message. The administration let them down. Millions of former Trump supporters voted as if the president was on the ballot, which he requested. They threw in their lot with the Democrats.
It will be tempting to go after Trump. And justified. But Americans want Congressional Democrats to come up with coherent plans to ease their pain. Like helping bring hostilities with Iran to a close—imperfect as any agreement will be. Which will get the Strait of Hormuz fully open and end—for now—the Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping.
The result: lower costs of gasoline and heating oil for families, and diesel for the nation’s truckers and farmers. Along with reduced or eliminated tariffs, this will provide measurable relief for everyone who puts food on the table and buys such items as shoes, clothing, maybe a new mattress.
The Blue majority must also propose commonsense legislation to lower the costs of housing, healthcare and education, which negatively impact almost every household’s budget.
At the same time, Congress must seek to restore sanity to the Defense Department’s administration of our armed forces. Bolster our relations with the many allies Trump has offended. Support Ukraine’s defense against Russia. And take a reasonable, balanced approach to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. This means recognizing Israel’s right to exist and excoriating those who want to destroy Israel while condemning the serious abuses of the Netanyahu government and Israel’s far-right.
Given that Trump recently talked about becoming “President Veto,” this will not be easy. First step: Reach across the aisle—not a synonym for capitulate. This can boost Democratic momentum and put increased pressure on America’s would-be king.
Will such pressure change Trump’s behavior? Not necessarily. He lives in another world. But therein lies the potential for Congress to expose the dirty laundry of Trump and his cronies. House and Senate Democratic majorities will have the power to open investigations, hold hearings and issue subpoenas. Given the vast corruption and incompetence of the Trump administration, this is necessary. But—
House and Senate committee members must demonstrate restraint. The American people don’t want to hear more bloviating. They’ve gotten enough from Trump. My advice to Dems: Pursue the facts. Follow up where warranted. And close the files where the facts lead to inconclusive findings—or no evidence of illegality.
In 2023, Trump told the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), “I am your retribution.” Following Tuesday’s election, Andy Beshear, Democratic governor of Kentucky and a possible presidential candidate, said, “There is a difference between accountability and retribution.”
Wise words. May Congressional Democrats heed his warning.
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What surprised me — apart from the sheer magnitude of the Democrats’ margin of victory — was that the administration’s corruption became almost as significant an issue in the election as the cost of living. That means that the Democrats need to address it at the same time that they are passing legislation to address economic issues. They can’t look vindictive, but they do need to be relentless.
On the policy side, scale back the worst excesses of the OBBB*, kill the tariffs and pass a War Powers resolution. Start a conversation about expanding access to healthcare (maybe Medicare for All, maybe something else). The Republicans can resist or not, and Trump can veto or not, but our side has to show that it knows what is important and is willing to do something.
*Restore Obamacare subsidies, undo the Medicare cuts, put money back into SNAP, and reimpose the marginal tax rates that were reduced.
Yes, David. Congressional Democrats have a big job ahead of them. They can walk and chew bubblegum at the same time, meaning that they can pass legislation and look into corruption in the White House and elsewhere in Washington. We are in for some interesting times.