Democrats Win in the House but Lose Anyway

Those on the right have claimed that the recent election was a split decision. They advise that the election of the President and the small gains in the Senate by the left are countered by the Republicans still holding power in the House.

On first blush it would seem to be a legitimate article. However the argument does not hold up. In the house elections the Democrats easily outpaced the Republicans in votes received. However they still lost a majority of the races. I was surprised to see that this is a rare event. Only five times since 1900 have the biannual elections not had the results in majority mirror a majority of the votes received.

Before the Democrats cry foul they should understand that while the cause of this is in some ways the result of large totals received in the cities for their candidates the true meaning of this factor is that gerrymandering works. Works if the goal is making sure that those in power stay in power. This is a problem that needs to be solved. Democrats are not without guilt both sides have engaged in this practice.

It well might be an issue that is beyond the scope of the average voter. One needs to see the moving pieces to understand. It is, however, a huge problem. Term limits anyone?