The red wave failed to materialize. Republican gains will not end Joe Biden’s propensity to rule without Congress, in a dictatorial fashion, using only his pen and his phone. Between now and 2024 little will change. Everything depends on the 2024 presidential and congressional elections.

Across the country, Americans responded to two years of attacks on the public’s faith in the democratic process in the most mundane of ways on Tuesday: They voted. By the millions, they lined up at polling places in churches, schools and community centers to cast their ballots.