Pols, pundits weigh in on Herald Radio
Congressional candidates and pundits weighed in last night on Boston Herald Radio on the midterms. Here are the highlights:
Democratic consultant Joyce Ferriabough Bolling said that voters are fixated on Donald Trump. “He’s the 500-pound gorilla,” she said. If Democrats take control of the House, Ferriabough-Bolling would like to “see new blood. I don’t think we can continue to play the same old song and expect people to dance.”
GOP pundit Matt Robins, however, said that he would take “Nancy (Pelosi) any time of the day. She’s our secret weapon. She doesn’t know where she is any day of the week. She’s the best gift that keeps on giving.” If Democrats do win back the House, “Trump will absolutely relish an impeachment fight. He’ll love it ... Give him a perfect framing for 2020.”
David Kochel, an Iowa GOP strategist, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren “has plenty of potential. I believe the base that would be most animated and active in the Democratic caucus would give Warren a pretty good look.” Kochel added: “If someone can consolidate it like Obama did in 2008,” Warren would be “in a pretty good position” because “her message resonates a lot.”
Kochel said that many of the election races “come home to local issues. There’s no doubt (Trump) has inspired turnout on both sides.”
GOP consultant Becky Beach warned that Republicans who “don’t get with the program” will be “out in two years.” On Trump: “It’s his message: Get our country back together. People resonate with him.”
Lori Trahan, candidate for the 3rd District, said that her priorities will be focused on health care. Her constituents “want change. A different agenda.” She added: “People come out to vote ... and want change in leadership. I hope to be a part of that change.”
Trahan said that during her campaign she heard from constituents about Congress “not coming together to solve our immigration issues ... no solutions for opioids that is taking a lot of our young. Clearly, what I hear is they want their Congress to work.
“I’m not looking at this as revenge” because these races are “opportunities to bring the country together.” Trahan said she’s not “making this decision” to reinstall Pelosi as majority leader until her victory. “What’s important to me is that the Democratic Party transition to the future.”
Jim McGovern of the 2nd District said if Democrats control the House, “people want a change in tone. They’re sick and tired of the president’s race to the bottom.” McGovern said he would “change the tone and respect the minority” if the Democrats take over.
On Pelosi, McGovern said, “She’s an incredible speaker and she’s got a lot of stuff done ... She’s an effective leader.”