For what seems like the first time in forever, a “generic Republican” is polling above a “generic Democrat” when it comes to the 2018 midterms. With a 1-point advantage, the GOP now had a lead after Democrats maintained a lead ranging between 2 and 10 points on the generic ballot.
On the issues, congressional Republicans also have a 9-point advantage on handling the economy, a 6-point lead on dealing with immigration, and a 19-point lead on handling national security. The only policy issue where Democrats led was on health care, where their lead has dwindled down to only 4 points.
Despite the media perception that calls for gun control are becoming increasingly popular, that’s not evident in the polls. In fact, there’s no evidence that public opinion on guns has shifted whatsoever from the Stoneman Douglas school shooting.
Trump’s approval has been trending upward too, and that is providing a benefit for congressional Republicans. According to the Washington Examiner,
Trump is entering the crucial 2018 midterms on a polling high, his approval rating matching former President Obama’s, and now even millennial voters are signaling support, according to a new national survey.
A new Zogby Analytics survey provided to Secrets found that Trump’s approvals finally near his disapproval numbers. The poll said that Trump enjoys a 48 percent approval rating and a 50 percent disapproval rating.
From the analysis: “Currently, President Trump is still riding high on the passage of his tax cuts; a decent economy, and some presidential gestures made with regard to the gun debate. He will look to strengthen his support among his base, and repair numbers among key demographics such as union voters, women, older voters and Independents in order to help his party win during the 2018 midterm elections.”
Over three million workers got tax-cut related bonuses from their employers thanks to Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and they’re likely to remember that when they enter the polls. They’re also likely to remember what Democrats called those $1,000 bonuses: “crumbs.”
Make sure you share this story with your liberal friends to rub it in their face – Republicans have great midterm chances in 2018!
