Reflecting the anger of the people: Kazuhiro Maejima, Professor at Sophia University - U.S. midterm elections, expert talk
Professors from Sophia University and Doshisha University Graduate School talk about the reorganization of American politics and future prospects.
Quick Look
- The Democratic Party made great strides in the U.S. midterm elections, reflecting the public's anger toward the Trump administration.
- As dissatisfaction with tariffs and military operations against Iran surfaced, Democrats gained seats even in heavily Republican states.
- It takes 60 votes to block a filibuster in the Senate, but Democrats are not able to do so alone, and impeachment requires approval from two-thirds of the Senate.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The ruling party has lost seats in past midterm elections, but this time it has lost significantly more seats than in the past, with Democrats gaining gains even in states where Republicans were strong. In the midterm elections during the first Trump administration, Democrats held a majority in the House of Representatives, but Trump continued to carry out his own policies.
Kazuhiro Maejima, professor at Sophia University (US politics): This mid-term election reflected the anger of the people towards the Trump administration, especially among supporters of the Democratic Party. Disputes over tariffs with other countries and dissatisfaction with military operations against Iran have surfaced.
Seiko Mimaki, professor at Doshisha University Graduate School, continues to reorganize US politics - US midterm elections and expert talk
The ruling party has lost seats in past midterm elections. However, this time the number has decreased significantly compared to previous years, and Democrats have made significant gains even in states where Republicans are strong. Republicans likely did not heed President Trump's call to vote.
However, this does not mean that the Democratic Party will be able to pass the bill as they wish. It takes 60 votes to block a filibuster in the Senate, but Democrats do not have that many seats on their own. The House of Representatives could impeach the president, but the president cannot be removed from office unless two-thirds of the Senate approves.
Among Republican supporters, Trump's approval rating is over 80%. Impeachment could deepen divisions with supporters who are trying to protect him.
In the midterm elections during the first Trump administration, Democrats held a majority in the House of Representatives, but Trump continued to carry out his own policies. This isn't the first time the company has turned into a lame duck. However, it is also true that the mood will be such that it will be difficult to do as you please. It will be interesting to see how much he loses momentum.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Mr. Trump is in a lame duck state, making it difficult for him to do as he pleases.
Likely · Within months
Impeachment charges risk deepening divisions within the Republican base
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Will Democrats actually initiate an impeachment case in the House?
- To what extent can Trump implement policies in a lame duck state?
- How will Trump's support rate among Republican voters change in the future?
