What are popularly known as the mid-term elections are over in the United States.
On November 5, the American people gave a mandate to the Republicans to control both chambers of the House and the Senate with a clear majority.
Senator Daschle, the Democratic leader in the Senate, was philosophical about the loss saying that the war on terror, the possible war in Iraq, the president’s popularity and his ability to campaign for candidates nationwide made all the difference for the Republican victory.
However, the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Dick Gephardt, decided to move on and relinquished his leadership position.
The defeat in the congressional elections spurred some Democrats to brace for the 2004 presidential elections. One of whom is Massachusetts Senator John Kerry who thinks that there needs to be a change in politics in the United States, especially – in his words – on a whole series of global responsibilities.
On the other hand, Republicans are hoping that with their win in the election, passage of legislation important to the White House will be easier. Nevertheless, the leader of Senate Democrats said that his party will challenge the President when necessary.