As an election that is reshaping the political landscape in the United States and setting a new course for the future of both Republicans and Democrats, Petros Vamvakas, professor of Political Science and International Relations at Emmanuel College in Boston, describes the results of the midterm elections.
Speaking on the Alpha News program, Mr. Vamvakas described as a surprise not so much the Democrats’ victory in both chambers of Congress as the extent of the Republicans’ defeat, noting that this result reshapes the political landscape in the United States.
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As he explained, the current political climate is particularly significant, as Donald Trump is in the second half of his second presidential term and cannot be re-elected. At the same time, the new composition of Congress, which takes office on January 3, is expected to significantly limit his room to maneuver.
Domestic Policy Challenges, Greater Leeway in Foreign Policy
When asked whether the Republicans’ defeat automatically overturns the U.S. President’s policies, the professor assessed that the greatest difficulties will be felt in the realm of domestic policy.
With the Democrats gaining control of the legislative branches, Trump will face obstacles in passing the budget, as well as in appointing officials who require Senate confirmation.
In contrast, in foreign policy, the U.S. President retains greater leeway for initiative, as he is not subject to the same degree of congressional oversight. Mr. Vamvakas noted that the coming weeks and months will be particularly significant, given the multiple open fronts, from Ukraine to the Red Sea and the broader Middle East region.
He does not expect Trump to show any flexibility
Referring to how Donald Trump might react to his weakened electoral position, the professor did not believe he would choose the path of dialogue and compromise.
He noted that the U.S. president has repeatedly cultivated the image of an undisputed winner, even when election results were not favorable to him or to the candidates he supported.
As he noted, a prime example was his election campaign, during which he held approximately 25 rallies in 30 days, personally taking charge of the electoral battle. Nevertheless, following the defeat, he attempted to distance himself from the result, arguing that he himself was not on the ballot.
Mr. Vamvakas assessed that, rather than seeking compromises, Trump may take steps aimed at demonstrating his power, making the coming period even more unpredictable.
The debate over Republican succession begins
The professor also placed particular emphasis on the internal party developments that the outcome is expected to trigger, noting that the path is now open for new contenders in both the Republican and Democratic parties.
As for the Republicans, he noted that Trump did not come from the traditional party establishment, but was a businessman who gradually managed to dominate the party and shape its political identity.
In this context, he referred to Vice President J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio, noting that in recent years they had developed a political presence with an eye toward future leadership. However, the electoral defeat now limits the viability of this prospect and creates room for other candidates.
According to him, for the first time in about a decade, the Republican Party has the opportunity to redefine its own political and ideological course, free from Trump’s absolute dominance.
The Challenge for the Democrats
At the same time, the election result is not only an opportunity for the Democrats but also a challenge for the days ahead.
As Mr. Vamvakas noted, the party must capitalize on its victory and formulate a political platform that will resonate more broadly with society, beyond the confrontation with Donald Trump.
He recalled, in fact, that the previous election was marked by the Democrats’ difficulties with Joe Biden’s candidacy and the selection of Kamala Harris at a later stage, a development that, in his assessment, left room for Trump to return to power.
The key question now, according to the professor, is whether the Democrats will manage to turn their current electoral success into a stable political momentum, thereby avoiding the possibility that their victory will prove to be merely a temporary blip.
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