The 2026 mid-term election is only two days away. It may radically change America as we know it – as we have known it for 250 years.
In the October 2026 issue of Hillsdale College’s Imprimis publication, Kimberley A. Strassel, wrote an alarming article entitled “The Rise of Democratic Socialism.”
In her article, Strassel noted:
· “[Vermont Senator Bernie Sander’s] growing army of democratic socialists are working to capture the Democrat Party from within, replace its agenda with their own, and purge it of dissenters.”
· In their 2026 manifesto, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), call for the abolishment of the Electoral College, the Senate, and the Supreme Court. Per Strassel, this would mean, “No more checks and balances. No more federalism. No more republic.”
· The DSA movement is comprised “almost entirely of young, white, privileged Americans.”
· This country suffers from “an education system that has left generations of Americans poorly equipped to recognize socialism, and by a liberal media and left-winged political establishment that are determined to play down today’s threat.”
The socialist wing of the Democrat party has taken advantage of the “primary” system (i.e., low turn outs, motivated radical voters) to get their candidates on the ballot. They are now hoping that an anti-incumbent mood, an ongoing hatred of anything Trump (which all Democrats seem to share), inflation associated with energy shortages, and frustrations concerning the Israel/Gaza, Iran/USA, and Ukraine/Russia wars will allow them to take control of both of the United States legislative branches. Recent surveys suggest that they may be successful. Then watch out!
Note: In my two previous posts on this blog, I have written about the “progressive” goal to eliminate, or otherwise neuter, the United States Supreme Court. It has become one of their prime targets.
The Good News
The next two days will be miserable, but the seemingly never-ending series of repetitious and aggravating political commercials will end soon. One of the drawbacks of living in Omaha is that the city borders Iowa. So, not only do we get overwhelmed by “Nebraska” politicians – we also get overwhelmed by “Iowa” politicians.
It seemed to me that this year’s crop of commercials was more negative and noxious than normal. If there is any question why politicians are held in such low esteem right now, it is because advertising works. Both sides are demeaning their opponents via their advertising – and it is working; we hate them all. We, as a body, are buying what they are selling. We are all losing. Civility and respect are both casualties.
Clichés
At a church book sale this past weekend I stumbled upon The Dictionary of Clichés by James Rogers (1985). Rogers, in his book, lists and comments on (e.g., usage, source) 1666 clichés form “A-OK” to “Your Guess is as Good as Mine.” Apparently, there are no clichés that begin with the letter Z (or X).
In a brief one-page introduction to the book, Rogers wrote, “The cliché has a bad name as an overworked and therefore banal expression. Spoken or written by someone who is not thinking much about what he is saying or writing. It usually upholds that reputation. Among people who do pay attention to their phrasing, however, clichés can serve as the lubricant of language: summing up a point or a situation, easing a transition in thought, adding a seasoning of humor to a discourse.”
Political Clichés (in General)
A few of the clichés in Roger’s book have come directly or indirectly from politics, such as “Dark Horse,” “Fish or Cut Bait,” “Hell-Bent for Election, “Lame Duck,” “Smoke-Filled Room,” “Hat in the Ring,” and “Weasel Words.” We have Theodore Roosevelt to thank, in part, for the last two clichés. When he unsuccessfully ran for president in 1912, he proclaimed, “My hat’s in the ring. The fight is on and I’m stripped to the buff.” In 1916, Theodore used the phrase “weasel words” when criticizing President Wilson.
Political Clichés (applicable to this election)
Anyway, as I was reading through Roger’s 1666 clichés, several jumped out in relation to this year’s election and the political advertising that I have witnessed. I have listed them below with a bit of commentary. I have grouped some of the clichés, as they share a common theme. The quoted definitions are from The Dictionary of Clichés.
Honest as the Day is Long: – This cliché was actually used in a TV commercial for Democrat Rob Sand in his campaign to become the next governor of Iowa. The words were mouthed by a “Republican” who had decided to vote for Sand (over his Republican challenger Zack Lahn) because, among other reasons, Rob is “honest as the day is long.” Quite a few commercials this season seem to have Republicans voting for Democrats (or vice versa). The message being, if I can do that – so can you.
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Independent as a Hog on Ice: One of the big races in Nebraska this year is the senate race between Dan Osborn (a self-described “life-long independent”) and Pete Ricketts (the Republican incumbent). While many Nebraskans find in very difficult to vote for the “party of AOC,” some find it easier to vote for a “life-long Independent” who sometimes derides both parties (but who will caucus with the senate Democrats). Since the Democrat candidate for the senate has conveniently dropped out of the race and “outside” Democrats are actively funding Osborn’s campaign; there is some question as to how “independent” Dan Osborn is – maybe as independent as a hog on ice.
As to the cliché, it means (per Rogers), “self-assured, cocky,” which seems to fit Osborn. “The late Charles E. Funk, who titled one of his books A Hog on Ice, could not believe the four-footed animal would be very independent on ice; quite the contrary.” Rogers also noted that the “hog” in the phrase may be a hogg (a Scottish term for the heavy stone used in the game of curling) – which (by the way) depends on others to aim and direct it. Per Funk, the expression is unfamiliar west of the Mississippi.
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Funny Money: “… also currency being manipulated politically. American Speech recorded in 1938 that Associated Industries of Nebraska had taken out advertisements against sales-tax tokens of the kind then in use in several other states. ‘Funny money buys nothing but increased burdens of government.’”
As to the cliché, it is a bit of a stretch in this blog, but I liked the “Nebraska” connection. There is always talk about campaign finance money during elections. The Democratic candidate for the Nebraska’s second congressional district has earned the nickname “Dark Money Denise,” as previously noted in my blog post on July 5, 2026. Dark money is a form of funny money.
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Half-baked Idea: “A poorly though-out notion; a thought or plan that doesn’t deserve to be taken seriously.”
Pie in the Sky: “Something unrealistic or unattainable: promised pleasures that will never come.”
Pig in a Poke, Buy a: “To buy something (or accept an idea) without having seen it or being sure of what it is.”
Pull the Wool over His Eyes: “Deceive him. Quite likely the literal origin of this phrase was in the wool wigs commonly worn by men well into the 19th century; if you pulled one of them over the wearer’s eyes, he would be unable to see what was going on.”
Hell is Paved With Good Intentions: “It isn’t enough to promise good deeds; you must do them.”
Listed above are five clichés that remind me of socialism. Socialism often sounds good, indeed often very Christian, but (as advocated) we are never sure what it is and (as applied) it seldom seems to work as intended.
In her article, Kimberley Strassel noted that, “Socialism has come in many forms through history and has seemingly infinite definitions. But simply put, it’s a system based on collective or government ownership of goods and services, as opposed to private ownership or markets. It is animated by class warfare … and that only the forced seizure and redistribution of capital will produce a more egalitarian and just society. Its other defining feature? It always fails, usually horrifically.”
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American Way, The: “Conforming with traditions in the United States.”
Balance of Power: “The influence to swing an issue in a certain direction or keep it stable.”
Listed above are two clichés that describe what we are voting on in this election. Are we going to stay with “The American Way” that has served us well for 250 years – or are we going the way of socialism? Are we going to stay with the “Balance of Power” described in the constitution, with three branches of government (including a senate and judiciary system) – or are we going the way of socialism?
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Play a Trump Card: “Make a move that should gain you victory or an advantage.”
Own Worst Enemy, He’s His: “He brings most of his troubles on himself.”
Lesser of Two Evils: “The best option when both are difficult or painful.”
Listed above are three clichés that describe the elephant in the room. Donald J. Trump, via his egotism, mannerisms, and bravado brings on most of his troubles himself. And this year, Trump’s troubles are Republican troubles. In the past, Trump could play his “trump” card and help get a Republican congressman elected. This year, often, it is the Democrats playing the “trump” card against Republican candidates. Elections often come down to the “lesser of two evils” (e.g., Trump versus Biden, Trump versus Harris). I suggest that paying more for a gallon of gas is a lesser evil than voting for a candidate/party advocating socialism.
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Road to Perdition: “On the way to ruin; following a course that will lead from one disaster to another.”
Sword of Damocles: “Impending danger. The original sword, according to legend, was suspended by a thread over the chair where Damocles sat … as a way of showing him that life (including the life of kings) also entails perils and responsibilities.”
Vote With Your Feet: “Leave a place or a situation you don’t like; show disapproval by leaving.”
Listed above are three clichés that sum up this election, as I pessimistically view it. I suggest that this year you vote with your feet by walking into you polling location and voting for “The American Way” instead of socialism. The “Sword of Damocles” is figuratively suspended by a thread over our country.
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Q. E. D: “That’s how it is; thus it is demonstrated. The letters stand for quod erat demonstrandum, meaning, ‘that which was to be demonstrated.’”