As for the presidential, the blue wave was not seen in Congress. Democrats, on track to retain their majority in the House of Representatives, see the Senate pulling away. Carried by optimistic polls and campaigns at great expense, Joe Biden’s camp nevertheless thought it could snatch the upper house from the Republicans.
Democrats even won the red strongholds of Colorado and Arizona, where former astronaut and staunch gun opponent Mark Kelly was elected. Not enough to make a difference in the Senate, where thirty-five of the 100 seats were renewed? Tuesday 3 November. Especially since the blue camp failed to overthrow several Republican senators yet threatened, like Susan Collins in Maine.
Thursday evening November 5, the two parties had forty-eight seats each. Democrats only need two more seats in case of victory at the White House. Once elected, Vice-President Kamala Harris could indeed decide the equality between the two camps in favor of the Democrats.
Towards a “cohabitation”
But the looming scenario is quite different. Republicans lead the race for three of the last four seats still contested (Alaska, North Carolina and Georgia). As for the fourth, also in Georgia, we will have to wait for the outcome of a second round in January.
While waiting for the final results, fear is mounting among the Democrats: the presidential victory would not be total without the control of the Senate. With opposing chambers, each proposal will have to be negotiated.
Above all, the upper house does not just pass laws. Its approval is needed for the budget, the appointment of the presidential cabinet, heads of federal agencies, federal judges and Supreme Court judges.
It is also essential for ratifying trade agreements and international treaties. And this, while Joe Biden? Reaffirmed his commitment to reinstate the United States in L’paris agreement, in case of victory.
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