The LOOP
The Thursday Loop - November 5, 2026
CONSERVATIVES ANALYZE FACTORS IN GOP’S MIDTERM LOSSES
In the wake of the “blue wave” that brought the Democratic Party control of both chambers of Congress, conservatives have been sharing their assessments of the outcome, positing issues such as abortion, the cost of living, and the Iran war as reasons for their losses. In a lengthy Nov. 4 analysis, Vice President JD Vance ultimately said, “The reason we lost is the war.”
ANALYSIS: MEET THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS GOING TO WASHINGTON
Voters in Colorado, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania elected five new members of the Democratic Socialists of America to represent them in Congress. The Marxist-influenced representatives-elect will bring their plans for abolishing ICE, opening the nation’s borders, and implementing expansive state-controlled economic measures with them to Washington, D.C.
JOHNSON TO EXIT HOUSE GOP LEADERSHIP; THUNE SEEKS ANOTHER TERM
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., will not seek to lead House Republicans in the next Congress after the party lost control of both chambers in the midterms. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has announced a bid for minority leader, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., is expected to run. Senate GOP leader John Thune of South Dakota, meanwhile, plans to seek another term despite criticism of his record from conservatives.
AD: ALIGN YOUR CATHOLIC VALUES WITH YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS
Want a mutual fund that respects your pro-life, pro-family beliefs? All eight Ave Maria Funds share your Catholic values. They don’t invest in companies that support abortion, pornography or embryonic stem cell research, or make corporate contributions to Planned Parenthood. Learn more about Ave Maria, the nation’s largest Catholic mutual fund family. LEARN MORE
MICHIGAN ELECTS EL-SAYED TO SENATE, BENSON AS GOVERNOR IN DEMOCRATIC SWEEP
Michiganders on Nov. 3 chose Democrat Abdul El-Sayed to succeed Democratic Sen. Gary Peters and Jocelyn Benson as the state’s next governor. El-Sayed celebrated the win with an Arabic phrase for “God be praised” and pledged to fight against the politics of cynicism. Benson said she will tackle affordability and fight Washington corruption.
POPE LEO URGES ECONOMIC, POLITICAL LIFE CENTERED ON COMMON GOOD
During his Nov. 4 General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Second Vatican Council’s teachings on economic and political life, emphasizing human dignity, workers’ rights, and the role of the Church’s social teaching in promoting peace.
FAR-LEFT DEMS CELEBRATE MIDTERM RESULTS: ‘DEI IS BACK,’ ‘LAWYER UP’
Progressive leaders hailed Democrats’ Nov. 3 midterm victories as an opportunity to advance their agenda and confront the Trump administration. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged House progressives to wield power “as aggressively as possible,” while Rep. Ro Khanna declared that DEI “is back.” Rep. Robert Garcia, the House Oversight Committee’s top Democrat, issued a blunt warning: “LAWYER UP.”
ARLINGTON BISHOP URGES RENEWED RESOLVE AFTER VIRGINIA ABORTION AMENDMENT OUTCOME
After Virginia passed radical pro-abortion and anti-marriage amendments Nov. 3, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, who had spearheaded efforts to defeat the ballot questions, emphasized that the truth of the sanctity of life has not changed. “Despite this defeat,” he said, “faithful Catholics may be consoled by the certainty that each one of us gave God our best efforts, and that he will not allow those efforts to be in vain.”
AMISH FAMILIES ASK SUPREME COURT TO WEIGH SCHOOL VACCINE CASE
Three Amish schools were fined after New York ended religious exemptions from school vaccination requirements. Now the schools and Amish families are asking the Supreme Court to hear their case, with a religious liberty group backing their petition.
MEET YOUR PERSON IN PERSON
Despite the explosion of online dating, apps aren’t the only way to find a spouse — even a Catholic dating app founder says so! Zeale Lifestyle’s Ava Cilento spoke with a Catholic dating app creator to offer helpful insight into how you can still find your person in person, as long as you rely on God’s timing and trust in the process.
CATHOLIC 101
Another married couple may join the ranks of the Catholic Church's canonized saints. Tomás and Paquita Alvira were married parents of nine, and Tomás was a personal friend of St. Josemaría Escrivá.
SAINT OF THE DAY
After years of waiting, Sts. Elizabeth and Zechariah were blessed with a son who would prepare the way for Christ. Their story offers a beautiful reminder that God's plans can unfold in unexpected ways.
DAILY PSALM
"Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord." (Psalm 105)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
NEW EPISODE
Watch opinions collide as five Los Angeles residents of different political stripes gather over dinner to discuss Gov. Gavin Newsom, ICE, election integrity, and other subjects people usually avoid bringing up over dinner. Parts 1 & 2 of Food Fight are out now only on Zeale. WATCH ON ZEALE
