By Braeden Cook, Guest Columnist
What is going to happen if Republicans take control of Congress in the upcoming midterm election? I can guarantee one thing. It is not going to be a great threat to capital D Democracy (whatever that means) as so many in the media these days keep reiterating.
That would require, first, a united authoritarian Republican party, which does not exist, and it would require Republicans also holding the presidency, which they obviously do not. So, how are the Republicans a threat to democracy?
The majority of the accusation is tied up in the substantial portion of the Republican party that make shaky claims (at best) that the 2020 election was stolen outright.
It also relies on an improbable accusation by Democratic party leaders and the legacy media (but I repeat myself) that the terrible event of Jan. 6, 2021, was an overt attempt by Republicans to overthrow the election results. That is simply not the case. The election was certified by Republicans at both the state and federal level, even in states where the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, lost. Many of these same Republicans are still in power and show little if any sign of changing their stance.
The Republican party is simply not an authoritarian political party. When Democrats and the media claim this, they almost always tie it to former President Trump and his ardent supporters. This portion of the Republican party is only about 35% of its members.
At least half of the members across the nation are more libertarian-minded and generally want a more limited government that spends less money and uses less power on the domestic front. The libertarian faction and the other factions, including the more “Trumpy” faction, that are warmer to federal government intervention for different issues only agree on a few things: the handling of the economy, crime and border.
When it comes to social issues such as abortion, LGBT issues (especially with the wide spectrum of topics that includes) and gun rights, there is anything but unity within the Republican party. One exception maybe banning so-called gender transition therapy for minors. This issue in particular has united and grown the Republican party in purple states such as Virginia and is widely popular solid Republican states as well.
All this being said, a Republican Congress would hopefully be able to accomplish several things. First, it would be beneficial to reduce spending to slow down inflation.
Party leaders have said they will repeal the Inflation Reduction Act (which does nothing of the sort) that will pour more than $700 billion into the economy via environmental programs over the next couple of years.
Second, they will attempt deregulation oil and natural gas production in the United States. This would lower gas prices and allow for the United States to fill Europe’s need for energy. It most certainly should be a high on the priority list.
Third, they will probably investigate the FBI and DOJ for multiple controversies that have recently plagued the Biden administration.
These concerns include Biden family corruption cover-ups, questionable FBI raids on pro-life protesters, the FBI raid on Donald Trump’s home and potentially more.
— Braeden Cook is the president of the Northwestern College Republicans Club.