Politics1 min read

How to think about the midterms — and the political moment the country is in

By · Via NPR · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The administration faces mounting backlash over economic pain, Medicaid cuts, and aggressive immigration crackdowns, with 38% of voters in an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reporting their finances have worsened. Since World War II, presidents with sub-50% approval ratings have lost an average of 35 House seats during midterm elections. Democrats have sustained momentum through strong off-year election performances, but mid-decade redistricting handed Republicans roughly eight cushioned seats. Ultimately, a diminished pool of competitive districts and unfavorable party image ratings present obstacles to a sweeping Democratic wave.

Key points

  • Economic frustration over tariffs and conflict with Iran is actively propelling Democrati…: Economic frustration over tariffs and conflict with Iran is actively propelling Democratic momentum in upcoming races.
  • Democrats are favored to reclaim the House of Representatives while remaining within stri…: Democrats are favored to reclaim the House of Representatives while remaining within striking distance of the Senate.
  • Structural challenges like redistricting and overall party unfavorability could restrict…: Structural challenges like redistricting and overall party unfavorability could restrict the ultimate scale of Democratic gains.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

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President Trump was elected in 2024, in large measure, with a mandate to bring down prices. But that hasn't happened. Instead, Trump is facing record-low approval ratings, record-high intensity of opposition, and voters are blaming him for prices that have continued to rise since he took office this second time around.

Most presidents get more blame and credit than they deserve for the economy. But the war with Iran and Trump's tariffs were choices that have directly led to increased prices on goods and energy.

The economy is increasingly bifurcated with the wealthy doing well, in large part, because of increasing stock portfolios dominated by AI companies, while regular Americans are turning against AI data centers, struggling because of inflation that is outpacing wages, a middling labor market and interest rates that are creeping higher. Those rates are making it harder to buy a home or a car, making millions of people feel like they're treading water.

The latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll showed a plurality — 44%…

Politics