The big question in this year's midterms was: What issues will resonate with voters?
Is it a warning to Democrats that the future of democracy hangs in the balance, a warning against the Supreme Court ending federal abortion rights, or Republicans focusing on inflation, energy costs, crime, and the porous Southern border?
The answer is all of the above, depending on the candidate, state and race.
In this context, Gary Abernathy wrote in his Washington Post article that the mixed messages sent by voters in this election reflect the state of a nation still deeply divided, and wary of both major parties.
Most Americans have missed the rhetoric of "radical Republicans: Make America Great Again" on a mission to destroy democracy, as President Joe Biden describes them.
After reviewing some manifestations of extreme division and caution from both parties, the writer concluded that the country is exhausted and needs a break from this political drama, from the endless election cycles, and from the accusatory rhetoric unconnected with reality emanating from both sides.
He added that Republicans should stop accusing Democrats of rigging past elections, and Democrats should stop accusing Republicans of rigging future elections.
And while party leaders on both sides clearly have work to do, millions of grassroots Americans should tune in to it all for a while and remind themselves that there is more important in life than a battle over politics.