Status: 11/10/2022 2:51 p.m
Nothing is finally clear after the “midterms” – the decision on the Senate could not be made until December. First allies are advising ex-President Trump to wait with the possible announcement of a presidential candidacy.
After the important general elections in the USA, there is still no clarity about the future balance of power in the US Congress. According to the current forecasts and results, neither the Republicans nor the Democrats will win a majority of the seats in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Due to extremely close races, it could still be several days or weeks before there is final clarity. The Republicans are given better chances of winning the majority in the House of Representatives. Overall, however, the Democrats performed better than many polls had predicted and a winner has not yet been declared.
The balance of power after the midterm elections in the USA is still open
Torben Börgers, ARD Washington, daily news at 9:00 a.m., November 10, 2022
Three Senate seats left
The race for a majority in the Senate is open. So far, the Republicans have secured 49 seats and the Democrats 48 seats. In the three states of Georgia, Arizona and Nevada, however, it is not yet clear who will get the post.
Which party will control the US Congress Chamber could only be decided in a few weeks. Because in Georgia, after a head-to-head race between the Democratic and Republican candidates, a runoff election will be necessary on December 6th. If the counts in Arizona and Nevada do not bring clarity, this duel will be decisive.
Both camps currently have 50 seats in the Senate. In the event of a tie, Vice President Kamala Harris can cast the deciding vote in favor of the Democrats.
Biden offers cooperation
In his first speech after election night, US President Joe Biden spoke of a “good day for democracy” and “good day for America”. He again offered to cooperate with the Republicans. The voters had demonstrated in the general election that they “don’t want to go through a political battle every day,” he said. Although he has different views than the majority of Republicans, they are “decent, honorable people”.
At the same time, Biden set clear limits on his willingness to compromise. He will veto any law that aims to ban abortion nationwide or undermine health care, he said. He also expressed the hope that after the election we would continue to support Ukraine together.
Is Trump waiting with a “very big message”?
The Republican election could also be trend-setting within the party. After Donald Trump’s 2020 election defeat by Biden, the party continued to be dominated by the ex-president who was voted out and his associates. Republican politicians who oppose him have mostly been ostracized by the party. But now there are increasing numbers of critical voices blaming Trump for the fact that several candidates he supported lost their races.
Trump himself officially spoke of a “super” election night for his Republicans. According to a report by the news channel CNN, however, he is said to have reacted angrily and “yelled at” employees. Trump also had to watch as his inner-party rival Ron DeSantis triumphed in the governor’s election in the state of Florida: the right-wing hardliner was re-elected with around 60 percent of the vote and emerged stronger from election night. He could challenge Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
In view of the uncertain outcome of the midterm elections, first allies are already advising the ex-president to wait with the expected announcement of such a candidacy. Trump had promised a “very big announcement” for November 15. But everything must now focus on the runoff election on December 6 in Georgia, said longtime Trump adviser Jason Miller to Newsmax. He recommends waiting until then. Former Trump White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany made a similar statement.
Biden wants to make a decision in early 2023
Biden himself said he intends to run again in the 2024 presidential election. Ultimately, however, it is a family decision. “I think everyone wants me to run, but we’ll discuss it.” He assumes that after talks with his wife Jill, he will make a commitment early next year. He feels no hurry and will not make a decision dependent on what his predecessor is doing.
Hanging party and reactions from President Biden
Claudia Sarre, ARD Washington, 11/10/2022 5:36 a.m