Jon Stewart argued that if Democrats regain control of Congress in the midterm elections, Senate leader Chuck Schumer and House leader Hakeem Jeffries will face pressure to deliver tangible results. He said opposing Donald Trump would not be enough: they would need an urgent plan to address the economy and affordability, and he expressed doubt that Schumer would provide that leadership.

Stewart said he hoped Democrats would avoid what he called a corporatist approach and act decisively if given control. Republican strategist Mary Marslender agreed that the leaders could accommodate more left-wing factions, while former Democratic adviser Dan Turrentine said voters’ frustration stems from both parties’ failure to focus on them. He added that Democratic leaders would have to balance moderates’ emphasis on affordability with their base’s demands.