'Dumpster fire': Democrats reportedly watching with 'glee' as Republicans self-destruct

Democrats felt they hit rock bottom after the election — but are now looking on with satisfaction as Republicans tear themselves apart before even achieving unified control of government, Politico reported. Barely emerging from licking their wounds, the party "watched with barely contained glee as President-elect Donald Trump and his billionaire adviser Musk nearly caused a government shutdown last week," reported Holly Otterbein, Brakkton Booker and Ally Mutnick. And then they couldn’t believe their luck when Trump fumed about House Speaker Mike Johnson, opening up the possibility of a messy leadership fight next year that could stall his agenda." All of this led to Democrats adopting a new line of messaging designed to needle Trump about playing second fiddle to Musk — and it was all compounded by the release of the ethics report against former Rep. Matt Gaetz, confirming the man Trump previously sought to be his attorney general was credibly accused of sexual contact with minors and illicit drug use. “From threatening to withhold military pay over Christmas to voting to defund childhood cancer research, the agenda put forward by House Republicans will assure Democratic victory in 2026.” While all of this gives Democrats hope for 2026, the report noted, it's only the beginning, as Democrats will need a compelling message of their own for voters beyond the disarray of the GOP.