STAFF EDIT: Election reflections

Last night marked the beginning of a huge shift in power as the Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives, signifying a sharp rebuke by voters against the Democratic Party. Resulting largely from the persistence of tough economic times, voters turned against President Barack Obama and the Democratic-dominated Congress in the face of increasing dissatisfaction and the influence of the Tea Party movement.

The results of the election may indicate a hasty reaction on the part of voters who are angry over the state of the economy and the failures of the Democratic Congress. Instead of giving Democrats more of a chance to fix the economy, impatient citizens voted them out before giving them an opportunity to really see a long-term result. However, the Democrats could have also performed a lot better over the last two years, and their losses in the midterm election could not have come as a huge surprise.

The splitting of Congress, with a Republican controlled House of Representatives and a Democratic controlled Senate, has the potential to go two different ways, and whichever path is chosen will determine much of the political climate for the next four years. Either the Democrats and Republicans can make an effort to compromise, which seems unlikely considering the extreme polarization of the political arena, or each can block all attempts of the other, resulting in gridlock. Although we can hope for compromise, based on past precedents, we can expect partisan quabbles.

The results of the election also will be a determining factor in Obama’s presidential legacy. After basing much of his campaign on promises of bipartisanship, Obama has had little reason so far to put that vow to the test with the comfort of a Democratic majority in both houses. In his first two years as President, reaching across the aisle for Obama has meant trying to win the votes of a few Republicans while relying on the Democratic majorities to push legislation through. With a Republican majority now facing him in the House, Obama will have to truly reach out to members of the opposing party in order to get things done. If he succeeds, he will be remembered for truly fulfilling his campaign promises. If he fails, his legacy will be marred by his inability to inspire the cooperation for which he once advocated so strongly.

Republicans in the House have an equal obligation to compromise. It must be understood that if each side holds steadfastly to their own views and refuses to give even a little bit in either direction, then nothing of value will be accomplished and the country will spend the next two years mired in a state of complete inaction. Considering both parties run on promises of change, refusing to cooperate will benefit no one.

Although we can hold out hope that each side will be willing to make concessions, this seems unlikely. With candidates on both sides clinging to extremes, it is likely that the splitting of Congress will lead to nothing but polarized politics as usual.