Polling averages suggest Democrats are well-positioned to reclaim the House and possibly the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections, with early voting already underway in many states. But Donna Brazile, a veteran Democratic strategist and former interim chair of the Democratic National Committee, cautions against overconfidence. "Opinion polls aren't infallible," she writes, pointing to Donald Trump's 2016 upset over Hillary Clinton as a stark reminder that surveys and prognosticators can miss the mark.
Brazile argues that Democrats cannot assume a "blue wave" will automatically wash away Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress or reverse the GOP's dominance in state legislatures. Instead, she calls for an "all-out get-out-the-vote effort" stretching from now through Election Day, followed by a robust post-election defense of any Democratic victories that Republicans might challenge. "Democrats need to mount an all-out get-out-the-vote effort from now through Election Day to flip the House and Senate," she emphasizes.
Beyond energizing the Democratic base, Brazile stresses the importance of reaching out to independents and disaffected Republicans. She points to Trump's "repudiation of traditional Republican positions," along with his "extremism, incompetence, dishonesty, corruption, and failure to deliver" on many 2024 campaign promises, as openings for Democrats to broaden their coalition. "We must reach out to independents and Republicans who are disgusted by Trump," she writes.
Brazile also highlights the practical hurdles voters face, urging Democrats to educate themselves about state-specific registration, voter ID, and ballot access rules. She encourages early voting by mail or in person, noting that unforeseen circumstances—bad weather, illness, or long lines—can derail Election Day plans. "Campaigns and civic organizations should assist voters who need help in returning ballots by mail or in drop boxes," she advises, where legally permissible.
The former DNC chair acknowledges that Republicans have long built formidable ground operations, relying on precinct-level volunteers and extensive organizing. "Democrats must match that intensity," she insists. She points to pro-democracy groups like the No Kings movement, which is working to boost turnout nationwide, and quotes its slogan: "Power belongs to the people, but only if we use it." Brazile urges Democrats to collaborate with such civic organizations, especially to reach young voters and infrequent voters.
Brazile warns that Democrats must be prepared for Trump and his allies to challenge election results, spread disinformation, and sow division if Republicans lose. She cites the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol as a "sobering reminder" of the stakes. "Democrats must be ready to respond to Republican attempts to undermine confidence in legitimate election results," she writes, while ensuring that challenges are addressed through lawful procedures. She also stresses vigilance on election administration and redistricting changes that could affect competitiveness.
Rejecting Trump's claims that any election he loses is rigged, Brazile asserts, "I have never tried to rig an election, and I don't know any Democrat who has." She recalls that even outstanding candidates can lose, referencing Kamala Harris's 2024 defeat. "I know Harris would have made a great president, but like her, I accepted the judgment of American voters," she says.
Ultimately, Brazile appeals to all Americans to believe in democracy and free elections, invoking Winston Churchill's famous observation that democracy is the worst form of government except for all others. Her advice comes as turnout gaps could decide control of Congress, and as pollsters warn of uncertainty in the current environment. With forecasts shifting toward Democrats, Brazile's cautionary tone serves as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed until the votes are counted.
