The midterm verdict: Was it Trump or the economy?

I strongly agree with reader William D. Friedman regarding the causes for the recent election results and repudiation of the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration “Voters have spoken — now what?,” Letters, Nov. 6]. Particularly important is the first cause he listed: the character of Trump and all those who outwardly or tacitly supported him.

Anyone elected to the presidency or Congress of the United States — or to high office in any other country — should first be an exceptional human being. The person should have the knowledge and demonstrated experience and desire necessary to promote the welfare of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, in all decisions and proposals. Self-enrichment and self-praise should be disqualifiers.

— William J. Bennett, Huntington

Some readers are interpreting the election as a rejection of everything Trump. I say this is preposterous. In the 2010 midterm election, then-President Barack Obama’s Democrats lost 63 House seats and six Senate seats. Was this a rejection of everything Obama? Apparently not, since Obama came back in 2012 to garner 5 million more popular votes than Republican candidate Mitt Romney and 126 more electoral votes.

In 1992, Bill Clinton’s strategist James Carville famously said, “It’s the economy, stupid.” This election was about the cost of living.

The war in Iran? Perhaps it relates to the cost of living, but many agree with stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons by means less feckless than the Obama administration’s nuclear agreement.

Tariffs? Perhaps they raise the cost of living, but many appreciate that tariffs increase revenue and strengthen our industrial base.

Deportation of people who entered our country illegally? Yes, when higher prices attributable to labor shortages are passed on to consumers. Most people seem to agree with deporting people living in our country illegally who have committed crimes.

Universal healthcare? Only so far as medical bills have gotten larger. Many people prefer to keep their private insurers and are outraged about Medicaid fraud.

Carville got it right.

— Richard Epstein, West Babylon

The election was more a repudiation of Donald Trump’s presidency and policies than an endorsement of Democrats and their agenda [“Stunning blue wave of Democratic victories in NYS,” News, Nov. 5]. I think the same was true when Trump was elected in 2016 and 2024: Middle America and conservatives were tired of liberal policies enacted by Democratic presidents and wanted a return to a more conservative stance.

I pray that both parties take note and modify their agendas to work with each other for the good of America.

— Rosanna Walther, Shoreham

It is time for the Republicans to stop blaming Donald Trump for their loss. They lost because they failed to do the job that they were elected to do. If they had put what was good for the American people ahead of doing what Trump told them to do, they might have been returned to office.

Let them look in the mirror to see who failed this country.

— Michael Weinick, Merrick

This is not the time for Democrats to drop the ball. When the 120th Congress convenes in January, while oversight of the Trump administration is of great importance, they must remember that revenge is not responsibility. Governance takes precedence over grievance.

If Democrats strive to continue momentum into the 2028 election cycle, they must hold legislation above litigation.

— Michael Zisner, Bethpage

The editorial board seemed impressed by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s reelection, and it highlighted Long Island’s needs “Hochul can tackle bold agenda,” Editorial, Nov. 8]. The editorial board, though, overlooked some facts that rarely seem to be included in any articles: New York is the third-most indebted state in the country, has the second-highest spending per capita, and has around the fifth-highest electric rates.

The board shouldn’t feel bad, though — the voters missed these points on Election Day, too.

— Andrew Siegel, Farmingdale

The article on the increase of unaffiliated or “blank” voters missed an important point “Voters reject party labels in record numbers on LI,” News, Nov. 6]. In New York State, anyone who decides not to register in a political party loses the right to vote in any primary.

Registering in a party does not imply that a person must vote for that party’s nominee in the general election; it simply allows the person to vote in that party’s primary. In a district that is heavily Democratic or heavily Republican, that party’s candidate will most likely win in November.

Voting in the primary allows the voter to help select the candidate who will run in the general election. Many states have open primaries that allow voters to cast ballots in either party, but not in New York. It is more politically sound to enroll in a party, allowing for a stronger voice in the voting process.

— Michael Steuer, Smithtown

Last Tuesday, we had the opportunity to continue one of our country’s great traditions. Whatever your political affiliation, your voice was heard. Whatever your religious beliefs, or none, it did not matter.

Whatever your language of choice or ethnicity, your vote counted. You told people in Washington, in Albany, in town and village halls what their jobs and priorities should be. And that we will be watching them.

— Pete Pedersen, Greenlawn