Some in the conservative media like Just the News (and many on the Left) are saying that this “bloodbath” is a warning to Republicans for the midterms and that’s a pretty good assessment. But it’s not for the reason that most of them think. While many media outlets are calling yesterday’s election a referendum on Trump, I see it more as an absence of Trump. When Trump isn’t on the ballot, Republicans (and the “low-propensity voters”) just don’t show up. When Trump isn’t there to supercharge the turnout, the GOP base often behaves like voting is optional homework.

Democrats, on the other hand? Rain, shine, indictments, or candidates that look like they were assembled in a rush at the “last-minute political clearance bin” – they vote. They voted for scandal- scarred Jay Jones in Virginia. They voted for socialist Muslim Mamdani in NYC. They voted because they organize. They register. They phone bank. They annoy relatives. They herd their cousins into Honda Civics like it’s Thanksgiving at Grandma’s.

They do what it takes while Republicans act like good vibes and memes on X are a campaign strategy. Turns out, “posting harder” and more often doesn’t move ballots.

And the real crime? The media outlets like Fox News have been acting like some of the races were actually competitive – when in the end, Republicans lost some of the races by more than 10 points.

Exit polls indicate the economy was top-of-mind for most voters – and many, including Republicans, haven’t been thrilled that Trump has been focused heavily on foreign affairs. The recent government shutdown also factored in, leaving voters less than enthusiastic about the GOP.

Former national security advisor Mike Flynn, was blunt about the election results: “Today’s message to the GOP: GET YOUR SH!t TOGETHER FAST AND START DOING STUFF!!! The American people are fed up with politics and your political bullsh!t. We want action!”