Michael Sean Winters: While the dynamics are different in each party, religion is likely to play a role in determining the outcomes in both the Democratic and Republican races in the midterm primary season.
Michael Sean Winters: Tuesday's election results bode ill for the Democrats as they look toward next year's midterms. The loss in Virginia and near-loss in New Jersey should serve as a wake-up call to the party.
Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Getting past church polarization; David Shor compares Democratic activists and the median voter; Trump and his acolytes come for Brad Raffensperger's job.
Michael Sean Winters: A new think tank study is a must-read for everyone interested in politics. "Factory Towns" examines where the Democrats have lost ground since the 2012 election in 10 Midwestern states.
Commentary: Democrats could use the gulf between the interests of Sen. Joe Manchin and his donors and those of working-class West Virginians to rein in his obstruction on the budget reconciliation bill.
Michael Sean Winters: The stakes could scarcely be higher, and the principal responsibility for saving the country from a Trumpian future and the end of liberal democracy lies with Republican leaders.
Distinctly Catholic: Given the unwillingness of Republicans to resist Donald Trump's anti-democratic schemes, President Joe Biden's approval rating may be key to preserving our democracy.
Distinctly Catholic: The West Virginia senator's op-ed against eliminating the filibuster may be sincere, and it may be true to some of the Senate's finest traditions. But it is misplaced and counterproductive.
Distinctly Catholic: Arizona has been the great success story for efforts by Democrats to get Latino voters to the polls and vote for them. On the other hand, Florida has been the big letdown.
