From our correspondent in the United States,
America votes in 11 days. Chamber, Senate, Governors, Secretaries of State… Hundreds of elections will reshuffle the cards during the November 8 midterms. And indirectly influence the future of Joe Biden and Donald Trump in view of the 2024 presidential election. “MAGA” wave or Democratic surprise, find the point of 20 minutes on the ballot.
News of the week: Tough debate in Pennsylvania for Democrat John Fetterman, stroke victim
Is John Fetterman fit to serve as a senator? Five months after a stroke which was almost fatal to him, the democratic colossus had to reassure him about his convalescence and his cognitive abilities. It missed. Facing Republican Mehmet Oz, TV star doctor, he spent a complicated evening during their only debate, despite questions transcribed in real time. Word used in place of another, answers sometimes confused or incomplete… Fetterman assured that he had the green light from his doctor and that his condition would improve, but he refused to commit to publishing a newsletter. detailed health.
Opposite, Dr. Oz attempted a shift to the center but failed on abortion, saying that the decision should be between “a woman, her doctors and local elected officials”. The lead of the Democrat in the polls has melted, and an InsiderAdvantage study even gives the Republican a three-point lead. A defeat in Pennsylvania could cost the Democrats the Senate.
Phrase of the week: “We’re losing ground in Georgia,” Chuck Schumer tells Biden, mic on
Nothing like a “hot mic” (a microphone left on) to find out what a politician is thinking. On the tarmac at the airport in Syracuse, New York, Senate Democratic boss Chuck Schumer briefed Joe Biden on their party’s chances in the midterms. He assured her that Fetterman’s poor performance in Pennsylvania “didn’t hurt us too much.” On the other hand, “we are losing ground in Georgia,” he warned, noting that Republican Herschel Walker was now leading the race.
Figure of the week: 13% (Halloween candy inflation)
trick or treat ? Monday is Halloween, and buying candy for the neighborhood children has never cost so much: according to official figures, prices have risen 13% in one year. What Republicans are now dubbing “Bidenflation” weighs more than ever on the ballot. The economy remains by far the number one concern of Americans, who trust Republicans more than Democrats to reverse the trend.
Controversy of the week: Legal remedies have already begun
You liked 2020, you’ll love 2022. Just under two weeks before the election, more than 100 legal challenges have already been filed, mainly by Republicans. Which primarily seek to limit mail-in and early voting. While many candidates have refused to commit to accepting the verdict of the polls, the uncertainty over the composition of Congress could last for several weeks.
The momentum: Republican wave in sight?
In the spring, a Republican tsunami seemed likely. Then Democrats started dreaming of a surprise this summer after the Supreme Court ruling on abortion. But down the stretch, the economy dominates, and Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer could wake up hungover. Arch-favorites in the House, Republicans now have One chance out of two to take over the Senate, and the “momentum” is in their favour. Georgia and Nevada are now leaning to the right, nothing is certain in Pennsylvania for Fetterman, and the Democratic incumbents are not really quiet in Arizona and even in New Hampshire. Pessimistic last August, Mitch McConnell could smile again in November. Or in January, if a second round was needed in Georgia, like in 2020.