The Story


There's a lot happening out there. We get it. That's why you have us. Just check out our Skimms on the big stuff below.

Not Getting a President This Year, Don't Care.


Good for you. But you still need to vote. Midterm elections are when we choose governors, congressmen, and senators. Governors are like the CEOs of states. And congressmen and senators literally lay down the law—they decide which bills pass and which don't. So yes, important. Vote.

But Why Is This Year So Important?


This year's all about that Senate. Dems have controlled the Senate since '06, and the GOP is ready to cut in. If that happens, the GOP would control both houses of Congress. Aka it could push through its agenda, which Obama and the Dems have mostly blocked nationally for the last six years. Revenge is sweet.

What are the Issues?


This year's election is about nothing and everything. There is no defining issue driving the nation to the polls, but a laundry list of things on voters' minds.

Like What?


Economy...as in the numbers have gone from worse to less-worse, but the economy still isn't great. And it's the issue where neither party is safe.

Immigration...as in it's always an issue where there could be a better fix. But after a flood of unaccompanied immigrant children crossed the US border this year, it came to a boiling point. President Obama took a cool down lap and tabled the issue for now. But it's still a big talking point—especially for Hispanic voters.

Social Issues...as in women and gay marriage. Women's issues (think: equal pay, birth control) might be the X (chromosome) factor Dems need to hold onto the Senate.

Foreign Policy...as in President Obama recently looked up 'obvious' in the dictionary and admitted that the US "underestimated" ISIS. Now, the GOP's leading the 'told you so' chorus, and tying his policies to their Democratic opponents.

President Obama...as in HealthCare.gov's IT department is more popular than him right now. And the GOP is doing it's best to make that bad image rub off on every Dem across the country.

What States Should I Really Be Watching?


Everyone should vote. But if you live in these states, DEFINITELY make sure you vote:

Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
New Hampshire
North Carolina
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

What Are the Dems Saying?


Don't. Panic. We're hanging onto the Senate for dear life. Mad that things haven't been getting done? Blame it on the GOP taking the House in '10. Imagine if they get the Senate too? The horror.

What's the GOP Saying?


Alright, alright, alright. This is about '16, and we're ready to move back to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

theSkimm


The midterms are a dress rehearsal for soon-to-be presidential candidates. They're all over the country campaigning for members of their party. Christie? Bush (the Jeb one)? Clinton? Gang's all here.
Published 10/14/2014

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