Election Analysis & Political Landscape - The shutdown played a big part in the election results, especially in Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington [2] - Focusing on a message of affordability, which still touches Donald Trump but doesn't directly invoke him every single time, is a roadmap for Democrats [5] - Approximately 47% of voters said they weren't voting directly as a referendum on Donald Trump [6] - Voters' top issues were the economy, employment, and basic kitchen table issues, which Donald Trump put his stamp directly on [7] - The idea of female electability is being disrupted, expanding the paradigm of what Virginia is [9][10] - Donald Trump's approval rating is at 37%, with 63% disapproval, and 68% of people say the state of the country is bad, while 72% say the state of the economy is bad [30] Republican Party & Trump's Influence - Conservative institutions do not have the same kind of influence as they once had because the populists are the majority partner in the Republican coalition [16][17] - Republican members of Congress are going to look to Trump because his relationship with Republican voters remains so strong [19][20][21] - Some criticism of the Pentagon is emerging from Republican Senators [26] Candidate Qualities & Democratic Strategy - The quality of candidates matters, and Democrats have some great ones [12] - Speaking to people's concerns is a really big deal [28]