Democrats Sound a Bit Too Giddy About the Midterms
Democrats are expressing growing confidence ahead of the 2026 midterms, citing President Trump's low approval ratings and Republican struggles. Recent polls and special election results have fueled optimism about gaining control of the House and possibly the Senate. However, past overconfidence has led to disappointing results, and structural and judicial challenges remain significant.
- ▪President Trump's approval ratings have dropped into the 30s, boosting Democratic midterm prospects.
- ▪Democrats are polling competitively in traditionally Republican states like Ohio, Alaska, and Texas.
- ▪A New York Times polling average shows 58 percent of Americans disapprove of the president's performance.
- ▪Chuck Schumer suggested as many as eight Senate seats could be in play for Democrats.
- ▪Supreme Court decisions on gerrymandering could threaten Democratic seats in majority-Black districts.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
PoliticsDemocrats Sound a Bit Too Giddy About the MidtermsThey should know better.By Mark LeibovichJordan Vonderhaar / Bloomberg / GettyMay 5, 2026, 7 AM ET ShareSave The Democratic wilderness is starting to look awfully sunny. Gone, for the most part, are the blame-casting, hand-wringing, and paralysis-by-analysis that gripped the party after Donald Trump’s reelection. Same with the constant grousing about how the party is fractured, leaderless, locked out of power in Washington, and unloved across the country.Actually, that might all still be true. But you don’t hear about it as much. Democrats are too busy being giddy with anticipation for the midterms.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Atlantic
