Our “Political Insiders” aren’t certain who will be in charge in Washington following November’s election.
We offered up eight possible scenarios for post-election Washington:
- Hillary Clinton wins, Republicans control the House and Senate
- Hillary Clinton wins, Republicans control the House, Democrats control the Senate
- Hillary Clinton wins, Democrats control the House, Republicans control the Senate
- Hillary Clinton wins, Democrats control the House and Senate
- Donald Trump wins, Republicans control the House and Senate
- Donald Trump wins, Republicans control the House, Democrats control the Senate
- Donald Trump wins, Democrats control the House, Republicans control the Senate
- Donald Trump wins, Democrats control the House and Senate
About a third of the Republicans on our panel said Trump would win, and the GOP will control both houses of Congress. A little more than 1/4 of Republicans said Clinton would prevail, and Democrats would control the Senate while the GOP retained the House.
A significant majority of our Democrats expect Hillary Clinton to win in November with Democrats winning back control of the Senate and Republicans staying in charge of the House.
Curiously, none of our groups thought Donald Trump would win the presidency with Democrats in control of Congress.
Selected anonymous comments:
“Clinton wins, closer than expected. Senate swings back to the Dems by 2 or 3, Republicans hold House but lose 10 to 12 seats.”
“Perhaps Americans are smarter, wiser and better informed on the issues than I give them credit for, and they will vote for a highly intelligent, deeply experienced, problem solver rather than a narcissistic, seriously dangerous buffoon. But, oh what I would give to have four more years of the finest president of my lifetime. His brilliance and grace, eloquence and judgment, intellect and restraint will not soon come again.”
“Regardless of who wins the White House, we all lose.”
“Makes little difference who controls what anymore. There isn’t a dimes worth of difference between either major party, and both parties have nominated a despicable puke. A pox on all of them.”
“The middle has shifted away from the Dems. Hillary Clinton allowed herself to be abused and turned into a national joke for nothing. Her time was in 2008, but she was slapped to the back of the line and made to carry Obama’s lunch pail for the last 8 years. She will not be able to overcome her negatives.”
“None of the above. Neither Trump or Hillary get 270 Electors. Some 3rd choice wins though the US House. Republicans control both Houses, and so Pence gets VP.”
“Let us pray that voters are smart enough to reject the racism, sexism, and overall bully behavior of Donald Trump.”
“Trump will win. The Democrat party has abandoned the white working class. Hillary is just too unlikeable and has too much baggage.”
“4 more years of stalemate. Could be worse, imagine what Hillary would do with a Dem controlled Congress, YIKES!”
“I wouldn’t rule out Trump, crazy as he is.”
