With just days before the midterm elections, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he is worried that a “red wave” will take place as Democrats continue to get “crushed” on their messaging.
When asked whether he feels a “red wave” is coming, Newsom responded that he does feel like the tide is turning in favor of Republicans.
“Of course it does [feel like a red wave]. I’m not paid to say that,” he told CBS reporter Major Garrett. “‘Fate and feel,’ I get it. I can be the cheerleader, but I’m also pragmatic. You feel it?”
Newsom then admitted the idea that Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) might ascend to House majority leader evokes fear in him. “It scares the hell out of me,” he said.
Democrats are expected to lose their majority in the House, as most election forecasters are predicting a more or less definitive victory for Republicans in this year’s House races, where all 435 seats are open for grabs.
Republicans vs Democrats: Different Priorities
Should Republicans retake the House, according to McCarthy, the first bill they introduce would roll back President Joe Biden’s plan to give the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) a $80 billion boost over a course of 10 years. This additional funding would allow the IRS to hire some 87,000 more agents for tax enforcement.“On that very first day that we’re sworn in, you'll see that it all changes because on our very first bill, we’re going to repeal 87,000 IRS agents,” McCarthy said at a Sept. 23 Pennsylvania event as he introduced the “Commitment to America,” a set of policy priorities focusing on economy, public safety, constitutional rights, and holding federal government accountable.
“Our job is to work for you, not go after you,” he told the crowd. “Our job is to make America strong. We believe America is more than a country. America is an idea.”
By contrast, Democrats are betting on abortion as their winning issue, vowing to enshrine abortion access into federal law should they secure a majority in both chambers.
Speaking at an Oct. 18 event, Biden said he was looking to sign the bill early next year to codify Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that had established abortion as a constitutional right until it was overturned in June. This would require Democrats to not only hold onto control of the House, but also expand the slim 51–50 majority they currently have in the Senate.
“Folks, if we do that, here’s the promise I make to you and the American people: The first bill that I will send to the Congress will be to codify Roe v. Wade, and when Congress passes that, I’ll sign it in January,” the president told the audience.
