Opinion

MARK HALPERIN: Republicans are bracing for a wipeout. Here's who they'll blame if it happens

Republicans and Democrats are preparing blame narratives weeks before Election Day, with some already briefing reporters

By Mark Halperin Fox News

Published October 15, 2026 4:55am EDT

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Midterm election heats up as parties battle for votes

Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright and principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs Cassie Smedile discuss midterm strategies as President Donald Trump swings through red states on his campaign kick. Both Republicans and Democrats push for support as midterms round the corner.

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The political strategists I have known in my career are among the smartest, most interesting, most knowledgeable and most impressive people I have ever met.

They are also capable of more white-hot animus for other people than anyone I have ever met.

And I am not talking about Democrats hating Republicans, or vice versa. That is frequently a manageable relationship. Sometimes they even share a corporate client.

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The disgust to which I refer is intraparty. That is when the hatred becomes unmatched by all other human relationships.

More than Glinda felt pure, unadulterated loathing for Elphaba at the beginning of "Wicked." More than a tenant despises her cruel and unusual landlord. More than the Red Sox detest the Yankees.

These folks are experts at circular firing squads and shooting off bazookas inside the tent.

Most political strategists detest two things: losing campaigns and losing money. The pair is connected. An election defeat can cost you your next client. Being blamed for an election defeat can cost you several.

There is, therefore, a substantial professional incentive to establish that the catastrophe was foreseeable, preventable and definitely somebody else’s doing.

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With a few weeks to go before Election Day, Democratic strategists are feeling good or great, while Republicans range from uneasy and determined to absolutely horrible. The latter have begun rehearsing........

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