Welcome to the beat. I'm Ari Melber and this election week continues so we

can cue the music. We are still awaiting calls on this Friday night just as we

were Tuesday night. Control of Congress still hangs in the balance counting

continuing in states like Arizona where Democrats hold an edge in Nevada. It's

neck and neck. They have more counting left than most states and control the

house is still too early to call. Republicans are projected to nearly win back the

house with no red wave in the cards and counting continues. So we will keep

reporting on this until we get all the final results but the vast majority of

races are decided. Biden and Democrats outperform most recent incumbent

presidents including Obama and Clinton in similar midterms. Candidates tied to

Trump and his brand of MAGA big lie politics repeatedly did worse than more

old school Republicans and Republican Party that's publicly loyal to Trump in

extreme terms as we've all experienced for the last five years is suddenly quite

clearly saying the obvious. Trump dragged that party down and fanned extreme

insurrection adjacent politics that made the GOP really blow it in what was a big

opportunity. Part of the problem I don't think there's any question in my mind

that hurt Republicans all over is Donald Trump. Some were also knuckleheads with

strange beliefs and closets full of problems. Many of these remarkably weak

candidates can courtesy of Donald Trump. There's a very high correlation between

MAGA candidates and big losses. A true leader understands that it's time to step

off the stage. Going into 2024 the Republicans are going to be looking for

candidates who are focused on winning not just making a point or settling a

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