Ross Douthat in NYT: ‘Again and again, the folly of his domestic opponents has been crucial to Trump’s rebounds and escapes. Before the Iran war began, that was roughly what I expected to happen yet again in 2026: a collision between an unpopular president and an unpopular opposition party yielding a split decision, a Democratic House and a Republican Senate, rather than an anti-Trumpian landslide.
I still think the trajectory of the Democratic Party is carrying Democrats away from the political center, which all things being equal should put a limit on how many close elections they can win. But all things aren’t equal when the president’s approval ratings are sinking into the 30s. In that environment, you can win even with further-left candidates.’

Douthat doesn’t like it, but no need to be afraid. Socialism isn’t coming to the USA, not even after Trump.

Maybe more affordable health insurance. Maybe.

(a sf 2199)