The woke Right is to blame for the GOP’s midterm bloodbath

The article argues that Republican losses in the 2026 midterm elections reflect a broader shift in the party’s direction, rather than an isolated setback. It says the GOP moved away from the principles associated with Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, and that this change contributed to Democrats taking control of both chambers of Congress.

The author describes the party’s newer approach as protectionist, isolationist and nativist, and characterises it as illiberal and unconservative. The article cites strategist Karl Rove’s criticism of the party and his stated intention to vote for Democrats, as well as the Bush family’s public support for Democrat James Talarico over Republican Ken Paxton in Texas.