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Here’s What Democrats Plan to Do With Their Power if They Win Back Congress

Democrats have campaigned on lowering living costs and holding the Trump administration accountable. This is a look at their to-do list if they win the majority.

© Nick Hagen for The New York Times

Should they win in November, top House Democrats are planning a shock-and-awe legislative sprint to demonstrate within hours of taking power that they are passing bills to deliver on their promises.
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What Hundreds of Focus Groups With Trump Voters Revealed

Sarah Longwell has conducted hundreds of focus groups with Trump voters, and many of them are feeling betrayed.

© The Ezra Klein Show

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Big Names Flock to Ruby-Red Florida to Sway Voters in Unexpectedly Close Contests

President Trump will rally on Friday in a Republican state where Democrats have their eye on several House races.

© Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Republicans are favored to win in statewide races in Florida this year, but polls suggest that the contests are closer than expected.
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How the Decline of Western NY Defined Kathy Hochul’s Politics

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s vision for New York has been largely shaped by her upbringing in a failing western New York town and her family’s move up from a trailer park to affluence.

© Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

Gov. Kathy Hochul has won over the real estate community in New York City, but her politics and worldview remain products of her life in western New York.
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Chris Pappas Could Make History in New Hampshire’s Senate Race

Chris Pappas, the Democratic nominee in New Hampshire, would make history if he won. On the campaign trail, he doesn’t dwell on it.

© John Tully for The New York Times

Representative Chris Pappas addresses a primary night crowd in September. At his side is his husband, Vann Bentley.
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Just How Much Are Young Voters Backing Democrats Now? See the Shift.

In the new Times/Siena poll, 70 percent of young voters identified as Democrats or leaned that way — a jump from just two years ago.

© The New York Times

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El-Sayed, Israel-critical Michigan Senate candidate, hires Jewish liaison

Veteran political consultant Lenore Goldman part of new push to swing undecided Jewish voters amid tight race with Republican rival; outreach activists focusing on rights concerns
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MAGA Bingo and Questions of Loyalty: 5 Michigan Senate Debate Takeaways

Abdul El-Sayed accused Mike Rogers of being overly devoted to President Trump. Mr. Rogers accused Dr. El-Sayed of not enough loyalty to the country. It was still more cordial than their last debate.

© Pool photo by Robin Buckson

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, left, and former Representative Mike Rogers are facing off in Michigan in one of this year’s most competitive Senate races.
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Franklin Graham Lays Out the Differences Between Parties Ahead of Midterms: 'Look Prayerfully at what Both Parties Stand For'

Rev. Franklin Graham is urging Americans to "look prayerfully at what both parties stand for," laying out a few key differences between the Republican Party and Democrat Party in a viral social media post less than two weeks before Election Day.

The post Franklin Graham Lays Out the Differences Between Parties Ahead of Midterms: ‘Look Prayerfully at what Both Parties Stand For’ appeared first on Breitbart.

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Elissa Slotkin and Kara Swisher Want Democrats To Go After MAGA if They Win

Robby Soave and Amber Duke discuss Elissa Slotkin | Illustration: Adani Samat

In this segment of Free Media, Reason Senior Editor Robby Soave and Daily Caller Editor in Chief Amber Duke discuss worrisome remarks from Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and journalist Kara Swisher, suggesting retribution for those in the Trump Administration if and when Democrats regain control of Congress.

If you enjoy Free Media, come watch Robby debate at our upcoming Reason Versus in D.C. Tickets are available here. 

The post Elissa Slotkin and Kara Swisher Want Democrats To Go After MAGA if They Win appeared first on Reason Magazine.

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Report: Minnesota Dem Senate Nominee Peggy Flanagan Falsely Claimed Phi Beta Kappa Membership, Misrepresented College Credentials

Minnesota Democratic U.S. Senate nominee and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan previously claimed she graduated Phi Beta Kappa despite never belonging to the prestigious honor society, while her official state biography suggests she completed two college majors when she actually earned one major and a minor, according to an exclusive report published Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal.

The post Report: Minnesota Dem Senate Nominee Peggy Flanagan Falsely Claimed Phi Beta Kappa Membership, Misrepresented College Credentials appeared first on Breitbart.

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Rep. Scott Perry Ad Highlights Police Complaint Alleging Democrat Janelle Stelson Exposed Herself to a Child

Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) has released a campaign advertisement highlighting allegations that Democrat congressional challenger Janelle Stelson was naked outside her home in view of a neighbor's grandchild, referencing a written statement from a neighbor who claims to have photographed the incident.

The post Rep. Scott Perry Ad Highlights Police Complaint Alleging Democrat Janelle Stelson Exposed Herself to a Child appeared first on Breitbart.

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Romania Ends Six-Month Political Deadlock as New Government Takes Office

Romania has formed a new government after six months of political deadlock, with parliament approving a minority administration led by independent diplomat Luca Niculescu on Tuesday, 20 October. The vote brings an end to repeated failed attempts to establish an executive, although the new prime minister faces considerable uncertainty over his government’s parliamentary support.

Niculescu secured 280 votes in favour and 58 against, comfortably exceeding the 233 required for confirmation. His ministers were sworn in before President Nicuşor Dan at the Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest later that evening, formally ending the prolonged government formation process.

The new administration comprises 18 ministers, including two delegated ministers. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) controls the majority of portfolios, while independent specialists hold several important positions, including finance and foreign affairs.

A government built on temporary parliamentary support

The appointment represents a political success for President Dan, who nominated Niculescu on 5 October following three unsuccessful attempts to assemble a functioning government.

EU Today reported earlier this month on Niculescu’s nomination, which followed the collapse of previous negotiations and growing pressure on Romania’s political institutions.

The new cabinet is heavily dependent on agreements between parties that have frequently disagreed over economic policy and public spending. Although the parliamentary vote demonstrated sufficient support for its installation, the arrangement does not provide the government with a permanent majority.

The National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) supported the investiture while remaining outside the administration.

The arrangement gives Niculescu an opportunity to govern, but each major legislative proposal will require continued cooperation between parties with competing priorities.

The Social Democrats, who hold 11 of the ministerial positions, will exercise substantial influence over domestic policy, particularly decisions involving public-sector spending, welfare and taxation.

Budget deficit presents immediate challenge

Romania’s public finances represent the government’s most urgent problem.

The previous administration, led by Ilie Bolojan, collapsed in May following unpopular austerity measures. Political opposition to fiscal consolidation has complicated efforts to stabilise the budget and meet Romania’s commitments under the European Union’s fiscal framework.

Niculescu has indicated that addressing the deficit will be an immediate priority. Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare, appointed as an independent, faces the task of establishing a credible budget programme without provoking another parliamentary crisis.

The choices are politically difficult. Spending reductions risk resistance from public-sector employees and households already affected by higher living costs, while substantial tax increases could place further pressure on businesses and consumption.

Failure to establish a credible fiscal programme would prolong uncertainty over Romania’s borrowing requirements and its ability to comply with European budgetary obligations.

Brussels has a direct interest in the outcome. Romania remains subject to EU fiscal oversight, and the European Commission will assess whether the new administration’s financial plans are consistent with the country’s obligations.

The government’s credibility will depend on whether its parliamentary supporters are prepared to approve the measures that fiscal consolidation requires.

European funds and political credibility

The change of government also comes at a sensitive moment in Romania’s relationship with European institutions.

Romania has faced scrutiny over reforms linked to the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, particularly legislation concerning public integrity and institutional accountability.

EU Today previously examined the European Commission’s assessment of Romania’s integrity legislation and its implications for recovery funding.

Although the EU recovery programme reached its principal implementation deadline in August, outstanding assessments and financial decisions continue to carry consequences for national budgets.

A functioning government is therefore important not only for domestic legislation but also for negotiations with Brussels over fiscal commitments, investment and the wider EU budget.

Romania must also address longer-term weaknesses in public administration, infrastructure financing and the implementation of European legislation.

Political stability remains uncertain

Niculescu takes office against the background of Romania’s unusually turbulent political history since the annulment of the 2024 presidential election amid allegations of Russian interference.

The subsequent institutional disputes damaged confidence in the political system and contributed to the fragmentation of parliamentary support.

Opposition parties, including the nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), are positioned to challenge the government’s legitimacy and economic measures as the administration begins work.

Romania’s strategic importance extends beyond its domestic political difficulties. As an EU and NATO member bordering Ukraine and Moldova, it plays a substantial role in Black Sea security, military logistics and regional infrastructure.

Prolonged instability in Bucharest has therefore affected a country whose decisions carry consequences for European security and cross-border economic cooperation.

For the new prime minister, the immediate objective is to translate Tuesday’s parliamentary majority into support for legislation. His first serious test will come when the cabinet presents the fiscal measures that its supporters have so far struggled to agree upon.

The parliamentary vote has ended Romania’s government formation crisis. It has not resolved the disagreements that produced it.

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