But, to repeat, that is if nothing untoward happens. The Trump administration has been loud and clear about its intent to try to steal the election. Elie Mystal wrote about the DOJ lawsuit in Alaska, which could prevent Democrats from taking control of the Senate (though, with Mary Peltola’s campaign revealed to have been engaging in dirty tricks of its own, maybe the party won’t need Trump’s help to tank things).

The left received a big dose of inspiration last weekend from Brazil, where President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva successfully fought off the far right and won a historic fourth term in office. It was a major blow to Donald Trump’s imperial ambitions in Latin America, which Lee Schlenker argues Democrats have the power to stop if they win the majority next week. Benjamin Fogel outlines the lessons the left can learn from this landmark victory. And if you want to feel inspired, read excerpts from Lula’s remarks to his supporters in the aftermath of the win.

-Tisya Mavuram

Engagement Editor, The Nation