Politics
Politics

Can the ‘blue wave’ narrative hurt the left?

A woman votes at the Buckhead Library in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, Oct. 26, 2017. Monday was the first day of early voting in Atlanta, where citizens cast their ballots for the upcoming mayoral election as well as other local elections. On the first day, turnout was sparse at several locations. (CASEY SYKES / CASEY.SYKES@AJC.COM)
A woman votes at the Buckhead Library in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, Oct. 26, 2017. Monday was the first day of early voting in Atlanta, where citizens cast their ballots for the upcoming mayoral election as well as other local elections. On the first day, turnout was sparse at several locations. (CASEY SYKES / CASEY.SYKES@AJC.COM)
By Bria Felicien
March 8, 2018

After the first primary of 2018, the left wonders: Can the “blue wave” narrative do more harm than good?

A roundup of articles and editorials on the topic:

1. About that blue wave...

From The New York Times: "Not only can the blue wave narrative distract us from what is happening on the ground, it can also help drive Republican enthusiasm and undermine Democratic turnout — not quite the double whammy Democratic strategists are looking for."

2. Blue wave? Texas Republicans outvoted Democrats in the 2018 primaries - again.

From The Texas Tribune: "Vote counts Tuesday night once again showed how Texas is a red state. Despite an apparent early rush to the polls for Democrats, Republicans ended up casting more ballots in the 2018 primaries."

3. Are we seeing signs for a Democratic wave in Texas?

From The Guardian: "Some people find this strange, but you have to take comfort where you can find it in Donald Trump's America."

ExploreThe left is haunted by Louis Farrakhan, the right says

About the Author

Bria Felicien is a published author and staff writer at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She produces podcasts for the AJC.

Follow Bria Felicien on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, (R-Ga.) speaks in the stat Senate chambers during legislative day 26 in the state Capitol, Monday, March, 3, 2025, in Atlanta. Voters from the 14th Congressional District interviewed by the AJC say they are sticking with the firebrand politician despite her recent breaks from Republican positions. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s voters are sticking with her through her political evolution

Congresswoman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s supporters are sticking with her even as she splits from Republican Party leadership

20m ago

Republicans see shutdown fight as a test for Ossoff’s 2026 playbook

Ossoff is widely viewed as the most vulnerable Democratic senator up for re-election next year, the lone Democrat running in a state President Donald Trump carried in 2024.

Pro-Trump former state Rep. Vernon Jones runs for Georgia secretary of state

Vernon Jones, a former Georgia state representative who left the Democratic Party, is running for secretary of state as a Republican.

The Latest

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, (R-Ga.) speaks in the stat Senate chambers during legislative day 26 in the state Capitol, Monday, March, 3, 2025, in Atlanta. Voters from the 14th Congressional District interviewed by the AJC say they are sticking with the firebrand politician despite her recent breaks from Republican positions. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s voters are sticking with her through her political evolution

20m ago

Republicans see shutdown fight as a test for Ossoff’s 2026 playbook

Pro-Trump former state Rep. Vernon Jones runs for Georgia secretary of state

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC / Source: John Glenn for AJC, File)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

Council president race highlights politics of policing in Atlanta

The race pits an established council member who warns against public safety changes against a progressive who wants a new approach.

Why some Atlantans are saying ‘Hello’ again, or for first time, to landlines

Whether it’s a parent restricting a child’s access to social media or a young adult avoiding doom scrolling, a new generation of landlines is trending.

I-85’s landmark piano in the sky to come down ahead of music shop’s move

This is the sign’s swan song. Cooper Piano in Brookhaven has sold its building on Northeast Expressway and will move its showroom to a smaller space in Chamblee.