Seth Meyers celebrated the Democrats' midterm blue tsunami on Wednesday's Late Night, expressing surprise at unexpected victories in traditionally red states like Texas, South Carolina, and Iowa. The host joked that polls had underestimated Democrats for a change, declaring, "Say goodbye to the shy Trump voter in Michigan and say hello to the shy woke voter in Texas."
Meyers had prepared for a disappointing night but was thrilled by the actual results, comparing the wait for Democratic success to Matt Damon's character trying to grow a potato on Mars in The Martian. "But last night, it was potatoes for everybody!" he cheered, highlighting the party's narrow retaking of the House and surprising wins across the country.
Meyers Mocks Hannity's Defense of Trump
Not everyone was pleased with the results, and Meyers played a clip of Fox News host Sean Hannity defending Trump amid what Meyers called a mass repudiation. Hannity claimed, "I think the hatred for this man is unprecedented," prompting Meyers to sarcastically agree. "Why do you nasty, radical socialists hate this man so much?" Meyers asked, listing Trump's alleged offenses: lying, cheating, stealing, and calling people jihadists, traitors, scum, vermin, and enemies of the people.
Meyers' monologue underscored the broader cultural and political divide, using humor to critique the GOP's losses and the loyal defenses that followed. The host's remarks resonated with viewers who saw the midterms as a rebuke of Trump's influence.
Key Takeaways from the Midterm Results
- Democrats achieved unexpected victories in red states, fueling talk of a blue tsunami.
- Polling again underestimated Democratic turnout, flipping the narrative from 2016 and 2020.
- Seth Meyers used humor to highlight the shift from the "shy Trump voter" to the "shy woke voter."
- Sean Hannity's defense of Trump drew mockery from late-night hosts.
- The results signal a potential realignment in traditionally Republican strongholds.
Comparing Midterm Outcomes: Then and Now
The midterm elections saw Democrats outperform expectations in several key states, contrasting sharply with previous cycles where Republicans surged. Below is a comparison of notable outcomes.
| State | 2022 Midterm Result | Previous Cycle (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Surprise Democratic gains | Republican hold |
| South Carolina | Unexpected blue wave | Republican hold |
| Iowa | Democratic flip | Republican hold |
| Michigan | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |
These results have energized Democrats and raised questions about the GOP's strategy moving forward, especially with Trump's continued influence.
What This Means for the Future
The midterm outcomes suggest a shifting political landscape, with Democrats making inroads in areas previously considered safe for Republicans. Meyers' monologue captured the mood of relief and surprise among Democrats, while also highlighting the persistent polarization.
As the 2024 election approaches, both parties will analyze these results to adjust their strategies. The blue tsunami may be a sign of things to come, or a one-off rebuke of Trumpism.
For more on how late-night hosts have covered Trump's political fortunes, see our coverage of Seth Meyers roasting Trump's presidency as the economy tumbles. The host has repeatedly used his platform to critique the administration's handling of key issues.
Meyers also recently mocked Trump's incoherent statements on Iran, a segment that highlighted the president's foreign policy challenges. You can read about that Seth Meyers mocking Trump's incoherent Iran statements.
The midterms also brought attention to Trump's unpopularity, with approval ratings dipping in key demographics. This was a theme in Seth Meyers slamming Trump's unpopularity and approval rating, where the host dissected the numbers.
Additionally, Meyers has not shied away from addressing Trump's controversies, including being heckled over Epstein ties. That moment was covered in Seth Meyers on Trump heckled over Epstein ties, showcasing the president's difficulty escaping negative headlines. The background to this story is set out in Seth Meyers Jokes Trump Didn't Write 'Incalculable' Wildfire. A related thread runs through Seth Meyers Slams Trump Presidency as Economy Tumbles.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Meyers' commentary remains a barometer of liberal sentiment. His celebration of the blue tsunami reflects the hopes of many Democrats heading into the next election cycle. Earlier coverage in Seth Meyers on Trump Heckled Over Epstein: Can't Escape shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Seth Meyers Slams Trump 2.0: Humiliation and Failed Promises.
FAQ
What did Seth Meyers say about the midterms?
Seth Meyers celebrated the Democrats' unexpected victories, calling it a "blue tsunami" and joking about the "shy woke voter" in Texas. He expressed relief that polls had underestimated Democrats for a change.
Who is the "shy woke voter"?
The "shy woke voter" is a term coined by Meyers to describe Democratic voters in red states like Texas who may have been overlooked by pollsters but turned out to vote. It contrasts with the "shy Trump voter" narrative from previous elections.
How did Meyers respond to Sean Hannity?
Meyers sarcastically agreed with Hannity's claim that hatred for Trump is unprecedented, then listed reasons why people might dislike Trump, such as lying, cheating, and using inflammatory language.