Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) thinks there is reason to doubt the predicted “blue wave” in next month’s midterm elections, saying control of Congress will be decided by a few tight races.
“I know a lot of people talk about this blue wave and all that stuff, but I don’t believe it,” Sanders told Hill.TV’s “Rising” co-host Krystal Ball during an interview that aired on Monday.
Sanders said he believes that the outcome from Nov. 6 will be a “very, very close” situation and predicts that only a “handful of votes” will determine whether Democrats are able to regain control of the House or Senate.
“We have an entity able to stand up to [President] Trump or we don’t,” the former presidential candidate said.
Sanders, who is rumored to be eyeing a 2020 presidential bid, made the comments while on the campaign trail stumping for Iowa Democrat J.D. Scholten. The first-time candidate and former professional baseball player is currently running against GOP Rep. Steve King in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Sioux City.
Even though Scholten has outraised King in campaign contributions, the Republican incumbent leads in polling. According to an Emerson College survey in September, King had a 10-point edge.
But Sanders told Hill.TV he’s doing everything he can to help promising Democratic candidates like Scholten, saying “we desperately need his voice” in Congress.
With only 15 days to go until Election Day, Democrats are considered to have a solid shot to retake the House, if not the Senate, where they face a more difficult map. Midterm elections have historically swung against the party in control of the White House.
Democrats need to pick up 23 seats to flip the Republican-controlled House.
Voter enthusiasm is high on both sides, and Trump’s approval rating, though still under water, is enjoying a well-timed uptick.
— Tess Bonn
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