CAMPAIGN '74: Democrats: Now the Morning After

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Nonetheless, there was disagreement over whether the outcome had any enduring significance. Many shared the view of Columbia University Political Scientist Hans Morgenthau that "it is the result of the policies pursued by the present Administration and the one that preceded it." On the other hand, Theodore H. White, author of The Making of the President series, argued: "The pattern of the '60s, which was interrupted by the Nixon White House, seems to have reasserted itself with vigor. The Democratic Party may have resumed its movement. It will take four or five years to see whether it's real or only apparent." It was evident, however, that the Democrats can keep up that momentum only if they make effective use in the next two years of their new strength in Congress and in state capitals. Accordingly, most Americans justly asked of the victorious Democrats: "What next?"

The widespread defeats of Republican conservatives will make the 94th Congress decidedly more liberal than its predecessor. In the Senate, Democratic Victors Wendell H. Ford of Kentucky, Gary W. Hart of Colorado and Richard Stone of Florida are all to the left of the men they will replace. More important, the moderately conservative House will now become almost as liberal as the Senate—on both sides of the aisle. Only one member of the Wednesday Group, an ad hoc organization of moderate and liberal House Republicans, was defeated. In contrast, 30 of the 70 members of the conservative House Republican Steering Committee lost.

Given the youthful, more activist nature of the new Congress, many Democrats believe that for the first time in decades, the Legislative Branch will try to take the initiative on the problems that face the U.S. Says Strauss: "I don't think that there has ever been a time when the members have been more sensitive to the fact that the people want some action." Last week House Speaker Carl Albert and Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield promised to come up with their own programs on the economy if Ford does not move quickly to propose new legislation.

Many doubt that the Democratic leadership can deliver on those promises. The 93rd Congress also had a large Democratic majority, but it failed to grapple effectively with inflation and recession. Tax reform, health insurance, the trade bill and many other measures have yet to get out of committee. Moreover, Democratic leaders historically have found it difficult to control unduly large majorities in Congress.

Yet the odds seem to favor a more disciplined Democratic majority next year. For one thing, Ford and the Republicans will be quick to accuse Democrats of inaction, much as President Harry Truman campaigned in 1948 against the "do-nothing" Republican 80th Congress. For another, Democrats recognize the need to make a record that will increase their chances of winning the White House in 1976. The party's legislative program will be high on the agenda of the Democrats' miniconvention in Kansas City, Mo., next month.