The upcoming mid-term election was the subject of the History, Art History, Philosophy and Political Science Department’s “Decision 2010” event, held on Thursday, October 14. The discussion was led by professors Andrea Kornbluh, Ionas Rus, and Brad Nestheide, before an audience of students and staff.Professor Kornbluh shared an excerpt of a Daily Beast interview with historian Jill Lepore about her new book on the Tea Party movement, “The Whites of Their Eyes.” Lepore states that not only was the Tea Party created on a fantastic foundation, but that John Adams foresaw the mythification of the American Revolution.
Professor Rus predicted that, based on Real Clear Politics averages of polls, the Republican Party will likely pick up around 220 seats, needing 219 to take the house; the GOP stands to win 47 Senate seats, maybe reaching 50; the Republicans are poised to control 29 gubernatorial posts, very important as their terms will oversee Congressional redistricting, and the state executives will marshal instate resources for the 2012 Presidential campaign.
Professor Nestheide pointed to confusion and disillusionment as the cause in the gap of enthusiasm for Democrats. He scrutinized individual electoral races and prognosticated that, amongst them, Republican Rob Portman will likely defeat Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher in the Ohio Senate race; and, in a rematch from 2008, Steve Chabot will defeat freshman Democrat Steve Driehaus in the 1st Ohio Congressional District.
When the discussion was opened up, the audience talked about the rise of self-funded women candidates, including Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina; how the Citizens United Supreme Court decision has increased the flow of money into campaigns; and the parallels between this mid-term and past wave elections.
A second post-election discussion is planned for after the next Congress is seated in the new year.