Since 2016, energized progressives have sought to break the cycle that has seen power swing between establishment politicians in the Democratic and Republican parties for decades. After disappointing results in New Jersey and Virginia in 2017, the 2018 midterms offered another test of the progressive movement’s chief strategy for coming to power: taking over the Democratic Party. The results are a serious wake up call.

In a special episode of "In Full Color," IVN Author Wes Messamore and I discuss the history made in the 2018 midterm elections, and what it means for independent-minded voters going forward:

Washington, D.C.- You don’t often see this sort of disclaimer:

San Diego, Calif.- In the opaque world of politics, it's often times difficult to get a clear, consistent message.

In San Diego, this relatively under-the-radar election reform has fundamentally changed San Diego's political accountability, and in turn, representation.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. - Independent candidate Steve Poizner brought in the most votes of any independent in a statewide race in California history, but it may not have been enough to compete with the blue wave that swept the state Tuesday.

Poizner, running for California Insurance Commissioner -- a closely watched race by politicos not just in California, but nationwide -- is currently trailing Democrat Ricardo Lara by 1.6 points with 97% of precincts reporting.

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI - Clean Missouri celebrated a landslide victory Tuesday night. Their comprehensive good government proposal -- Amendment 1 -- was approved by 62% of state voters.

Amendment 1 isn't just about money in politics or special interest influence or gerrymandering, but the negative impact all of those things have on the political process. The amendment:

Democrats and pollsters expecting Josh Harder (D) to surf into Washington on a blue wave in California's 10th Congressional District Tuesday were met with the reality that all politics is local.

Blood is thicker than water, the old saying goes, and in California's Central Valley, water is the community's lifeblood. So said incumbent Rep. Jeff Denham (R) in the days leading up to the election.

San Diego, Calif.- It appears City of San Diego voters made history last night.

Never before have two city council incumbents lost on an election night.

In fact, the last time an incumbent lost was 1992.

San Diego Councilwomen Lorie Zapf and Myrtle Cole are both trailing in election returns.

Election Results

The establishment Democrats prevailed in California's most visible 2018 statewide elections for governor and the U.S. Senate:

The race between hedge fund manager John Cox (R) and Lt. Gov Gavin Newsom (D) to fill vacating governor Jerry Brown's office in the state capitol; and incumbent Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein's challenge from the left, by Democratic State Sen. Kevin de León.

San Diego, Calif.- At long last we appear to have a Mission Valley solution.

Now, let the negotiations begin.

After a bruising campaign that lasted nearly two years, it appears voters have decided to move forward with the SDSU West plan Measure G, for Mission Valley.

With 72% of precincts reporting SDSU West is at 54.86%.

The opposing measure, SoccerCity, only received 29% of the vote.