What a blue wave could actually do

Democrats are “nauseously optimistic” about retaking Congress. But even then, their power will have limits. And President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are approaching record lows, giving Democrats a rare opportunity: the chance to retake control of both chambers of Congress by cutting through some traditionally Republican states . Democrats are really jazzed — almost queasily so — by the hope that they could retake Congress. Polls have consistently favored their candidates in the House, and they need to pick up four new seats to take control of the Senate. Most legislation requires 60 Senate votes to overcome a filibuster. Contrary to my recollections of Schoolhouse Rock! , however, Congress’s powers don’t begin and end with the passing of bills. And if Dems win the Senate, they’d gain control over the confirmation process for senior administration officials and federal judges. That Senate majority, meanwhile, would let Democrats block Trump’s nominees for judgeships and administration posts — a tantalizing prospect, since lower courts are growing alarmingly partisan and two of the conservatives on the Supreme Court are approaching 80 years old. On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters that he would not expect a Democratic victory to persuade Trump to “change his ways.” “But we’re going to fight Trump tooth and nail…no matter what he does,” Schumer said. ➨ Take a moment to yourself.