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DAVID MARCUS: Heritage Foundation holds midterm postmortem and roast of John Thune
The Heritage Foundation held a forum after major Republican losses in the midterm elections, asking why the party had been defeated and how it could recover. Attendees focused much of their criticism on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, arguing that cautious leadership and failure to advance conservative priorities had frustrated voters.
Speakers pointed to the stalled SAVE America Act and Thune’s refusal to force a vote around the Senate filibuster threshold as examples of the party’s shortcomings. They also urged Republicans to take younger voters seriously and recognise that elections can turn on public mood. Attendees said the losses had widened the field of possible 2028 presidential contenders, adding names including Scott Bessent, Kelly Ayotte, Glenn Youngkin and Pete Hegseth to the familiar list.
In short
- Heritage’s forum examined how Republicans can recover from midterm losses.
- Attendees sharply criticised John Thune and Senate leadership.
- The defeat has broadened speculation about 2028 contenders.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Critics argue that Republican losses show the party needs to deliver more clearly on the priorities that mobilise its voters. They see Thune’s cautious approach to the SAVE America Act and the filibuster as a failure of leadership, and say that listening to younger voters and responding to public mood are essential to rebuilding support.
The case against
Defenders of Thune’s caution could argue that forcing votes without enough support risks symbolic defeats, deepens divisions and distracts from achievable legislation. They may also see the election losses as reflecting broader shifts in public mood rather than one leader’s choices, and favour a measured response over drawing firm conclusions about the party’s future.
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