The Democrats tend to not do well in midterm elections in the House, period. Their 3rd best midterm since 1974 was only a gain of 7. 1982's +26 and 2006's +30 really pale in comparison to 1994's +54 and 2010's +63.
They do pale in comparison, but in 2010 Democrats were significantly overextended. Same for 1994, although that was the dawn of a new playing field. The GOP getting those large blowouts doesn't mean all that much. They have an advantage in the House that has increased somewhat over the past 6 years, that's it.
Dems were also overextended in 1986 and 1990, leading to few gains.
Yes, having such a big majority already in those years meant that there were not a lot of Republicans left in winnable seats for Democrats. In 1990, Democrats actually held a substantial number of seats that Bush had not only won in 1988, but got over 60% of the vote in. There even were a few like FL-01 (Earl Hutto), FL-09(Bill Nelson), GA-09(Bill Jenkins), GA-07(Buddy Garden) that Bush got over 70%(!!!!!) In.
Poll
