America’s mid-term elections have thrown up the perfect mixed result, neither endorsing Donald Trump’s agenda nor rejecting it, while giving the Democrats a chance to check the President’s capricious approach to politics. The Republican hold on the Senate rose to a comfortable 53-47 majority. The House of Representatives symbolises the Democratic wave that can help rein in some of Mr Trump’s excesses while checking the Republicans’ legislative intentions in the two years left of Mr Trump’s first term. It’s still a standoff of sorts but the wider results may point to a tough re-election campaign for Mr Trump even if his white rural base stays intact even as the big cities turn even more against him. The Democratic campaign was not about Mr Trump or even about his lies, but they now have the power to subpoena, and a dilemma over a possible impeachment motion.
The US Indians’ “Samosa Caucus” hasn’t gained in numbers, perhaps indicating the xenophobia whipped up in Trumpian America may have helped fuel white nationalism, besides spawning unwanted inspired terror in letter bombs. There should be little change in India’s basic ties with the United States as an ally regardless of the perception of whether Mr Trump is weaker or stronger after losing the House, but keeping the Senate’s power to confirm judges and Cabinet members, etc. Of course, as it’s no longer a one-party rule in the US Congress, the ability to stand up to Mr Trump’s excesses is now greater for India. With re-election to loom large soon, Mr Trump may also be preoccupied to keep tweaking the trade war, that will serve no one’s interest, least of all India’s or China’s.
