Could the Clerk of the House lead a midterm coup? Garrett Epps looks to 1863 and 1865 for warnings about our current crisis.

Law and Justice

Can the House Clerk Lead a Midterm Coup?

by Garrett Epps September 16, 2026September 16, 2026

It’s happened before. History underscores how rickety our elections and democracy are.

As the midterm elections enter their post-Labor Day general election phase, all signs still point to Democrats taking the House, which requires a net gain of three seats. But we can’t know whether they will ride a Blue Wave that would give them a sizable House majority along with control of the Senate.

Politics

Will It Be a Blue Wave?

by Bill Scher September 9, 2026September 10, 2026

Democrats have their biggest May midterm lead in 20 years. But gerrymandering means even a Blue Wave may barely deliver the House.

Politics

Democrats Have the Biggest Midterm Election Lead in May, by any Party, in 20 Years

by Bill Scher May 19, 2026May 19, 2026

Third Term? Attorney Alan Dershowitz, background center left in blue shirt, listens to remarks by President Donald Trump during his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York, in May 2024.

Books

Alan Dershowitz: Trump Can Serve a Third Term

by Garrett Epps April 2, 2026May 5, 2026

Politics

On Capitol Hill, a Day of Celebration and Gnawing Memories

by Margaret Carlson January 8, 2025January 8, 2025

Politics

The Decline and Possible Resurrection of Radical Gerrymandering

by Robert J. Shapiro January 4, 2023January 5, 2023

Politics

Biden Can Raise the Debt Ceiling Without Congress

by Garrett Epps November 22, 2022November 21, 2022

Political Animal

Senators Did Not Hear Witnesses Against Trump. House Investigations Should.

by David Atkins February 13, 2021January 9, 2022

Law and Justice, Political Animal

No, You Can’t Carry a Gun on the Floor of the House

by Garrett Epps January 22, 2021January 9, 2022

Politics

No, Thomas Jefferson Didn’t Rig the 1800 Vote Count

by Holly Brewer January 5, 2021January 11, 2022

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House of Representatives

Can the House Clerk Lead a Midterm Coup?

Will It Be a Blue Wave?

Democrats Have the Biggest Midterm Election Lead in May, by any Party, in 20 Years

Alan Dershowitz: Trump Can Serve a Third Term

On Capitol Hill, a Day of Celebration and Gnawing Memories

The Decline and Possible Resurrection of Radical Gerrymandering

Biden Can Raise the Debt Ceiling Without Congress

Senators Did Not Hear Witnesses Against Trump. House Investigations Should.

No, You Can’t Carry a Gun on the Floor of the House

No, Thomas Jefferson Didn’t Rig the 1800 Vote Count

Europe Struggles to Respond to Russian Attacks

The Tower Stones of 9/11

25 Years After 9/11, What Have We Learned?

The Lost Journalistic World of 9/11

“Deceive, Disrupt, Deny.” The Looming Threat to This Fall’s Elections

Will It Be a Blue Wave?

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