Republicans bolstered as Democrats falter in divided Congress

Nancy Pelosi talks to reporters about Election Day results (Picture:  Scott Applewhite/Pool/AP

The US election has scrambled seats in the House and the Senate but ultimately has left Congress much like it began, deeply split as voters resisted big changes despite the heated presidential race.

It is an outcome that dampens Democratic demands for a bold new agenda, emboldens Republicans, and almost ensures partisan gridlock regardless of who wins the presidency. Or perhaps, as some say, it provides a rare opening for modest across-the-aisle cooperation.