# 2018 is looking more and more interesting. **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 8, 2017, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821 "2017-09-08T16:54:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/1 "2017-09-08T16:54:17Z")
> **[Two things happened this week that should really worry Republicans | CNN...](https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/08/politics/charlie-dent-paul-ryan/index.html)** > > Amid the wall-to-wall coverage of Hurricane Irma and President Donald Trump's stunning debt ceiling deal with Democrats, you almost certainly never heard these two names: Charlie Dent and Dave Reichert. I hadn’t heard about Charlie Dent and Dave Reichert retiring until I came across that article. But damn that is interesting that 2 more Repubs have said they’re giving up because they just can’t work with the idiots running the GOP. It seems like all the purity test/ partisan anger is getting to the point where everybody but the guy in the mirror is RINO. This is going to be a hell of a spectacle the next few years. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/2 "2017-09-08T17:42:05Z")
I like how they said that they were in the “governing wing” of the GOP, and that they could not do their jobs anymore. Reading between the lines, they’re basically saying that the GOP is unable to govern anymore, as they are filled with politicians who don’t know how to do that - they only know obstructionism. ---
**Author:** ![squidfood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a87d85/32.png) [@squidfood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squidfood)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/3 "2017-09-08T17:50:17Z")
Yeah, I saw that. Insomuch as it strengthens the (D) chances, it’s higher risk because an ® result would be a less moderate ®, and not just less moderate but likely from the Trump wing. As (D) as I am in principle, I respect many moderate Republicans and hate the fact that the swings of the last 20 years have shoved out moderates on both sides. Well, hopefully the result will be the return of some moderate Dems in the swing districts, even if they don’t take the House. ---
**Author:** ![nate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nate/32/13085_2.png) [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/4 "2017-09-08T18:08:16Z")
Serious question, what dems have been primaried by a less moderate? ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/5 "2017-09-08T18:15:59Z")
Damn - don’t want to get my hopes up, but that could be very interesting - especially if we saw an increasing trend. As folk said, on one hand, it is better to have moderate Repubs than teabaggers. So we’ll really need to see what happens to the extreme right candidates in solid red or competitive districts. Makes you wonder that they see quitting as preferable to trying to stick it out and improve things from within. Must really stink to be a somewhat reasonable, well-intentioned Repub in Congress these days. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/6 "2017-09-08T18:20:22Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > Damn - don’t want to get my hopes up, but that could be very interesting - especially if we saw an increasing trend. > > As folk said, on one hand, it is better to have moderate Repubs than teabaggers. So we’ll really need to see what happens to the extreme right candidates in solid red or competitive districts. In Reichert’s WA district, a teabagger would have problems. I think the Dems might be able to take it, although [Dino Rossi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dino_Rossi) is rumored to be considering throwing his hat into the ring. ---
**Author:** ![Sinaptics](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/278dde/32.png) [@Sinaptics](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sinaptics)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/7 "2017-09-08T18:21:50Z")
> [@nate](#): > > Serious question, what dems have been primaried by a less moderate? Only one I can think of was Alan Grayson who lost to Patrick Murphy in the primaries. ---
**Author:** ![squidfood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a87d85/32.png) [@squidfood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squidfood)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/8 "2017-09-08T19:36:12Z")
> [@nate](#): > > Serious question, what dems have been primaried by a less moderate? I was thinking of the Blue Dog dems that got swung out by republicans 2010 and later. It will be interesting to see if the the dem moderates get through primaries going forward though, that’s the major struggle on their side right now. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/9 "2017-09-08T21:35:37Z")
> [@nate](#): > > Serious question, what dems have been primaried by a less moderate? Not quite what you’re asking, but Hillary won the primary against Sanders 17 million to 13 million. ---
**Author:** ![gatorslap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gatorslap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gatorslap)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/10 "2017-09-08T22:25:17Z")
> [@nate](#): > > Serious question, what dems have been primaried by a less moderate? Arlen Specter and Joe Lieberman? Didn’t end well in either case, though. ---
**Author:** ![Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/do_not_taunt/32/2968_2.png) [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2017, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/11 "2017-09-09T02:07:33Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > Not quite what you’re asking, but Hillary won the primary against Sanders 17 million to 13 million. Generally, ‘being primaried’ implies you already hold the office, are seeking re-election, and lose in the primary. See Eric Cantor. It can also be used just in reference to the primary challenge, but still in the context where you already hold the office. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/12 "2017-09-12T02:18:06Z")
Bum…Bum…Bum, another one bites the dust. > **[Rep. Dave Trott is retiring from U.S. House](https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2017/09/11/dave-trott-retirement-congress/105497044/)** > > Sophomore U.S. Rep. Dave Trott of Birmingham won’t seek re-election in 2018 ---
**Author:** ![Lance\_Turbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lance_turbo/32/6156_2.png) [@Lance\_Turbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lance_Turbo)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/13 "2017-09-12T03:00:38Z")
[Bob Corker is thinking about retiring…](http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/11/politics/bob-corker-future/index.html) “As far as what am I going to do in the future, I’m still contemplating the future. It’s a tremendous privilege to do what I do, and to weigh in on the big issues. … But I have not decided what I’m going to do in the future.” ---
**Author:** ![gatorslap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gatorslap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gatorslap)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/14 "2017-09-12T04:08:12Z")
I doubt the Democrats have much chance in Tennessee even if Corker retires. Their chances there would be slightly higher than a state like Idaho or something, but still, Tennessee is awfully red these days. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/15 "2017-09-12T04:48:32Z")
> [@gatorslap](#): > > I doubt the Democrats have much chance in Tennessee even if Corker retires. Their chances there would be slightly higher than a state like Idaho or something, but still, Tennessee is awfully red these days. Al Gore’s greatest legacy, as far as I’m concerned, was to turn TN solidly R. He was, I believe, the last Democrat to win a Senate election in Tennessee. It has also not voted for a Democrat for President since he lost the 2000 race. Mr. Gore, I salute you (with all the vigor that John Kerry ever managed to muster). ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/16 "2017-09-12T05:16:53Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > Al Gore’s greatest legacy, as far as I’m concerned, was to turn TN solidly R. He was, I believe, the last Democrat to win a Senate election in Tennessee. It has also not voted for a Democrat for President since he lost the 2000 race. Mr. Gore, I salute you (with all the vigor that John Kerry ever managed to muster). Also saluting: TN residents, given their 41st/50 ranking for poverty, 40th/50 ranking for inequality, 40th/50 ranking for income, 39th/50 ranking by high school graduation rates, and 36/50 rating for unemployment. Few more years of Republican senators and the floor’s the limit for Tennessee! (Except for Mississippi) ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/17 "2017-09-13T18:53:59Z")
Yesterday, the Democrats won a state legislative seat in Oklahoma, 60-40, which went to Trump by 21 points last year: > **[OOOOk-lahoma, where the Democratic pickups come sweeping down the plain](https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/9/12/1698074/-OOOOk-lahoma-where-the-Democratic-pickups-come-sweeping-down-the-plain)** > > Tuesday, Sept. 12, turned out to be a lousy night for Republicans.  > > Democrats just flipped one more seat from red to blue—the second pickup of the night and the sixth Democratic pickup this cycle. (Republicans have yet to pick up a... It’s not the only state seat Democrats have turned in the last few months. The Democrats have flipped six so far nationwide since the 2016 election, while Republicans have not flipped a single one. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/18 "2017-09-13T19:34:34Z")
> [@Evil\_Economist](#): > > Also saluting: TN residents, given their 41st/50 ranking for poverty, 40th/50 ranking for inequality, 40th/50 ranking for income, 39th/50 ranking by high school graduation rates, and 36/50 rating for unemployment. Few more years of Republican senators and the floor’s the limit for Tennessee! (Except for Mississippi) Also [7th highest percentage of citizens on SS disability!](http://247wallst.com/special-report/2013/05/20/states-with-the-most-americans-on-disability/2/) Yep, the gubmint’s the problem (except for when they’re cutting me a check!) ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/19 "2017-09-13T19:48:41Z")
Supposedly, Bannon is intending to attack all of the Republican legislators who fought against him, and try to promote people who are more crazy in those regions. I think he’s failing to appreciate that negative campaigns are going to dirty everyone involved, so the Republican - whoever it might be - that makes it through the primaries (or whatever system is used to select congressmen) is going to come into the main fight pre-bloodied. With Trump trying to make deals with Democrats, I think he’s failing to appreciate that for all they might buddy up to him for the next year and a half, the instant the House turns Democratic is the instant every investigation gets turned up to eleven. They’re only going to love the chance to turn on him in 2018, the more deeply he becomes trusting of them. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821/20 "2017-09-13T20:43:08Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Yesterday, the Democrats won a state legislative seat in Oklahoma, 60-40, which went to Trump by 21 points last year: > > [OOOOk-lahoma, where the Democratic pickups come sweeping down the plain](https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/9/12/1698074/-OOOOk-lahoma-where-the-Democratic-pickups-come-sweeping-down-the-plain) > > It’s not the only state seat Democrats have turned in the last few months. The Democrats have flipped six so far nationwide since the 2016 election, while Republicans have not flipped a single one. When you have to drill all the way down into state legislature seats to find your glimmer of hope, I don’t know what more needs to be said on the matter. [This article from Politico today](http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/13/teflon-trump-democrats-messaging-242607) seems relevant: > [@](#): > > Data from a range of focus groups and internal polls in swing states paint a difficult picture for the Democratic Party heading into the 2018 midterms and 2020 presidential election. It suggests that Democrats are naive if they believe Trump’s historically low approval numbers mean a landslide is coming. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-is-looking-more-and-more-interesting/795821.md?page=2)