WHERE I STAND with Richard French
Oct 16, 2026 · 3 min · 2 segments
Poll after poll tells us the same thing, Republicans are in trouble with time running out. But more than any number, a look at where our President is choosing to campaign and what he’s messaging in…
Just a few months ago, Republicans concerned with losing the House were nonetheless optimistic about keeping their majority in the Senate.
In fact, the GOP thought wins in places like North Carolina and Georgia were realistic pickups and planned huge spends.
Between self-inflicted harms in primaries where Trump got the flawed nominees he wanted and a worsening economy coupled with a disastrous war of choice, that optimism, well, it has turned into full-out panic.
Who would have thought that in the last three weeks before November Trump would be in places like ruby red Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee, Nebraska, Montana, Alaska, and Ohio? Not only do polls show statewide races there shockingly close or even Democratic leaning, but a couple of additional concerning trends for Republicans have got the GOP sweating.
Early voting is showing strong turnout, and exit polling confirms those voters are angry about the status quo.
Also, especially in the midterms, enthusiasm is critical to ensure people actually show up to cast their ballot.
By a healthy margin, Democratic voters are motivated to vote, while a notable number of registered Republicans have communicated they might sit this election out.
The always critical independent voter is also leaning hard Democrat, where new data shows a 24-point margin in the electorate in five battleground Senate races.
Fixated on culture war tropes and insisting on telling an audience that despite their economic realities, inflation isn't that big a deal, Trump is asking every crowd to act like he's on the ballot in two and a half weeks.
His approval numbers have reached historically low levels, and he seems determined to promise more of the same if Republicans can keep their majorities.
Just a few months ago, Republicans concerned with losing the House were nonetheless optimistic about keeping their majority in the Senate.
In fact, the GOP thought wins in places like North Carolina and Georgia were realistic pickups and planned huge spends.
Between self-inflicted harms in primaries where Trump got the flawed nominees he wanted and a worsening economy coupled with a disastrous war of choice, that optimism, well, it has turned into full-out panic.
Who would have thought that in the last three weeks before November Trump would be in places like ruby red Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee, Nebraska, Montana, Alaska, and Ohio? Not only do polls show statewide races there shockingly close or even Democratic leaning, but a couple of additional concerning trends for Republicans have got the GOP sweating.
Early voting is showing strong turnout, and exit polling confirms those voters are angry about the status quo.
Also, especially in the midterms, enthusiasm is critical to ensure people actually show up to cast their ballot.
By a healthy margin, Democratic voters are motivated to vote, while a notable number of registered Republicans have communicated they might sit this election out.
The always critical independent voter is also leaning hard Democrat, where new data shows a 24-point margin in the electorate in five battleground Senate races.
Fixated on culture war tropes and insisting on telling an audience that despite their economic realities, inflation isn't that big a deal, Trump is asking every crowd to act like he's on the ballot in two and a half weeks.
His approval numbers have reached historically low levels, and he seems determined to promise more of the same if Republicans can keep their majorities.
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