Not protests, not threats, and not Taylor Swift could stop the GOP’s momentum in the wake of the Kavanaugh victory.

Much hinged on Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s success or failure in making it to the Supreme Court for Republicans. If they failed, their voters would have seen an ineffectual party incapable of defending even the most qualified and least guilty men from the machinations of the Democratic attack machine.

Luckily, Republicans stood strong, resisted — and even laughed in some cases — the attacks thrust upon them and Kavanaugh, and emerged victorious with Judge Brett Kavanaugh now being referred to as Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Republicans were thrilled and energized. You can see it in various things such as donations to the party, and support for various Republican candidates.

Speaking of candidate support, according to a New York Times poll, Republicans are seeing massive gains.

Despite Taylor Swift’s best efforts, Republican Marsha Blackburn currently leads Phil Bredesen in Tennessee by a whopping 18 points.

Meanwhile, the close race in Texas between Republican Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke is beginning to look not so close, as Cruz is pulling away with a nine-point lead.

Republican Dean Heller in Nevada isn’t doing as well but is still leading Democratic challenger Jackie Rosen.

The Kavanaugh effect has been detrimental to Democrats to the point where they should probably temper their expectations in November. That’s not to say that Republicans should rest easy. Assured victories have been squandered in less time than it takes to sneeze, and if 2016 taught us anything it’s that polls shouldn’t always be trusted.

However, if this momentum keeps through November, the prophesied “blue wave” will look like an inconvenient puddle, and the GOP will be a collective Lindsey Graham.