Why the pandemic may not be 'a game changer' for Republicans or Democrats in 2022
Although the pandemic has yet to come to an end, its "political shelf life" — and thus sway with voters — may soon be expiring, Politico writes.
In fact, strategists on both sides of the aisle have begun "advising candidates to shift their focus" ahead of midterms away from the pandemic, while political advertising related to COVID has already "fallen off sharply from earlier this year," Politico writes.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
For Democrats, improving pandemic conditions coupled with public fatigue "takes away a great issue," argued Ben Tribbett, a party strategist. COVID has become a key tenant of Democrats' platform; without the health crisis, they might lose valuable public sentiment.
And that isn't necessarily good news for Republicans either, Politico writes. For "more than a year," GOP candidates and lawmakers have appealed to their base by lambasting vaccine mandates and shirking health restrictions; in fact, governors like South Dakota's Kristi Noem (R) "have built entire profiles on their anti-restriction policies ahead of potential presidential runs in 2024," Politico notes. As both health measures and public opinion relax, "the intensity of Republican opposition" likely will, as well.
Minnesota Republican strategist Greg Peppin said he has been advising GOPers in his state to find new talking points, considering COVID likely won't "be a game changer" in 2022.
"I just don't think you're going to be able to ride COVID to the governor's mansion," he told Politico. "Most people are over it."
-
6 homes with incredible balconiesFeature Featuring a graceful terrace above the trees in Utah and a posh wraparound in New York City
-
Did Alex Pretti’s killing open a GOP rift on guns?Talking Points Second Amendment groups push back on the White House narrative
-
The 8 best hospital dramas of all timethe week recommends From wartime period pieces to of-the-moment procedurals, audiences never tire of watching doctors and nurses do their lifesaving thing
-
Fed holds rates steady, bucking Trump pressureSpeed Read The Federal Reserve voted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged
-
Judge slams ICE violations amid growing backlashSpeed Read ‘ICE is not a law unto itself,’ said a federal judge after the agency violated at least 96 court orders
-
Rep. Ilhan Omar attacked with unknown liquidSpeed Read This ‘small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work’
-
Democrats pledge Noem impeachment if not firedSpeed Read Trump is publicly defending the Homeland Security secretary
-
Is Alex Pretti shooting a turning point for Trump?Today’s Big Question Death of nurse at the hands of Ice officers could be ‘crucial’ moment for America
-
‘Dark woke’: what it means and how it might help DemocratsThe Explainer Some Democrats are embracing crasser rhetoric, respectability be damned
-
Halligan quits US attorney role amid court pressureSpeed Read Halligan’s position had already been considered vacant by at least one judge
-
How realistic is the Democratic plan to retake the Senate this year?TODAY’S BIG QUESTION Schumer is growing bullish on his party’s odds in November — is it typical partisan optimism, or something more?
