A blow to 'nasty' politics

The US Democrats have taken control of both the House and the Senate, in what's been labelled a "blue tsunami" and a "Republican shellacking".

It was an election race watched closely across the globe, and with some possible lessons for Australian politicians.

Fran Kelly joins PK and Melissa Clarke live from New York to discuss how it all unfolded — and whether US President Donald Trump is a "lame duck" or a "raging bull with a limp".

Then PK and Mel turn their focus to domestic politics, and the tensions in Labor as inflation and interest rates continue to bite.

But rather than trying to claw their way out, Mel thinks the Albanese Government is "strapping in".

Her view is Labor are using MYEFO to buy themselves some time to ride this through politically, with the hope things are better ahead of the 2028 election.

Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke are joined by Fran Kelly on The Party Room.

Got a burning question?

Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au