A little over a week from now, Americans will vote to decide who controls the Congress for the two remaining years of the presidency of Donald Trump, who has reshaped US politics by transforming the Republican Party, reworking trade relatioons and challenging long-standing democratic and institutional norms. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of each chamber.
Republicans hold narrow majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate, which CNN says is the narrowest in history.
Iran War: This is another top issue on the minds of US voters since the conflict is directly impacting Americans economically. Immigration: Another of Trump’s signature move in this term is proving to be politically complicated for his Republican Party. The president returned to office promising mass deportations, but controversy over aggressive ICE operations and other enforcement tactics has eroded support. Donald Trump: The US President himself is an issue, including how he uses his office. Yet he has repeatedly urged voters to pretend he’s on the ballot, an effort that could motivate Democrats and independents to rally against his party despite the message being aimed at increasing turnout among Trump’s base.
Ahead of November 3 midterm polls, here is a look at issues defining the elections: Affordability: This is unarguably the top issue for voters in America. The overall inflation rate in the US in August was unchanged from July – at 3.4 per cent – but the cost of living has gone up substantially. A poll by Pew Centre found 29 per cent of voters spontaneously naming an economic concern when asked what they most wanted congressional candidates to discuss – more than three times any other category. Institute of Global Affairs (IGA) released a survey last month suggesting that 60 per cent of potential voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of the war. Further, an overwhelming majority of respondents – 81 per cent – agreed that the conflict has raised the cost of living. Trump’s approval rating has fallen to an all-time low 31 per cent.
