Every election generates its inevitable hyperbole, but the overheated rhetoric — fueled in part by social media — has worsened considerably in recent years. Yet as Nevadans rise on Wednesday, they’ll find that Armageddon has again failed to materialize and the republic remains intact. Better yet, they’ll no longer be subjected — for 20 months, at least — to the avalanche of tedious political advertisements that dominated the airwaves in recent weeks.
The day-to-day concerns of working Americans are no doubt more mundane than many political activists imagine. Democrats were certainly caught flat-footed in this regard, barely acknowledging the destruction that inflation and high gasoline prices have inflicted on family budgets. Voters noticed the disconnect no matter how loudly progressive partisans screamed about abortion or democracy.
They’re still counting ballots in Nevada and elsewhere. A big “red wave” did not materialize, but GOP control of the House seems assured. The temptation for the new majority to fall victim to their grievances in pursuit of retribution will be very real. They should resist — as the election results make clear.
