Democrats Need November Landslide to Reverse 60-Year Low in US Democracy

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 1

V-Dem’s 2026 report says US democracy fell to its worst level in 60 years, and the article argues only a decisive Democratic midterm win can begin checking Trump’s power.
225 executive orders in 2025 versus 49 laws passed by Congress illustrate that shift, alongside claims of voting restrictions, gerrymandering and efforts that could challenge close House results on 3 November.
Trump’s own liabilities could fuel such a backlash: the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion, another $67.1 billion has been requested, and both war opposition and his disapproval are nearing 60%.
Democrats still risk squandering that opening because they lack a unifying national leader and face candidate-selection problems in key Senate races, even as recent polling and an affordability message have improved their midterm position.
A House flip is framed as the minimum safeguard for using Congress’s funding, investigative and impeachment powers, while a broader landslide could also weaken Trump politically before he contests the result.