Making Big Ones Out of Tiny Ones

The Hill published an article under the headline Texas Democrats Smell Blood in the Water for 2018.  That seemed strange to me since Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott are running for senate and governor in that year.  I couldn't see either of them losing in Texas, so I read the article.  Here, in substance, is what it says:  Of the 32 congressional districts in Texas, there are two represented by GOP House members that voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016.  In both of those districts, Democrat candidates are seeking to become the party's nominee for the 2018 races.  In addition, the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee has included these districts on a list of places they plan to contest.  That's it; nothing more, nothing less.  In other words, there's no blood in the water to smell unless the Democrats have lost their senses.  There are a number of districts across America where Hillary won over Trump but the Republican congressional candidate also won.  There are also a number of districts where Trump won, but the Democrat won the race for Congress.  That's hardly "blood in the water".  In fact, it's something that is apparent in every mid-term election.

It's way too early to know if the Democrats will make any gains in the House in 2018.  If history is any guide, they will pick up some seats but not enough to take control.  Normally, the president's party loses seats in the House during the first mid-term.  If the Dems pick up five to ten seats, it would be no surprise and no indication of how President Trump is perceived.  In fact, were the GOP to hold all of its seats or even pick up any, it would be a major win for the President.