‘Geo-Economics,’ Trump and the 2018 Midterms

… With Trump’s job approval rating holding well below the 50% mark, the Republican majority is facing such a strong combination of political, personal and historical headwinds that many political observers think a “blue wave” will sweep Democrats into power in the U.S. Congress for 2019-2020. Trump is not on any ballot, but the midterm elections may well be an indirect referendum on his executive performance and a potential check on the direction he is taking the nation.

At the same time, Trump’s party has the substantial benefit of a roaring economy. The Trump administration has made economics its early hallmark, with high levels of job creation and greater economic confidence. With only a little more than one month to go before the midterms on Nov. 6, the positive economic ratings could somewhat moderate a “wave election” for the opposition party, but only if the voting electorate credits Trump’s first-term policies. CONT.

V. Lance Tarrance, Gallup