Christine Drews Sieger
Nearly half of likely voters believe Donald Trump is hurting Republican candidates ahead of the midterms.
With fewer than four weeks remaining before crucial midterm elections, voters across the country are expressing serious doubts about Donald Trump’s influence on his party.
According to a YouGov poll, cited by the Daily Mail, the proportion of voters who view Trump as a liability for Republicans (49 percent) is more than double the share who see his influence as positive (20 percent).
The concern is particularly strong among independent voters, with 54 percent saying Trump is hurting Republican candidates’ chances.
Among Republicans, however, only 18 percent held that view, compared with 77 percent of Democrats.
Skepticism is particularly pronounced among independent voters, where a 54 percent majority indicates that the former president weakens the party’s prospects.
Criticism is not limited to the opposition, where 77 percent of Democrats view him as a disadvantage; nearly 18 percent of his fellow Republicans agree with that assessment.
Furthermore, voters hold Trump largely accountable for potential losses in November, with 40 percent pointing directly to him compared to just 10 percent who put the blame on congressional leaders.
Focus on Congress
Trump maintains that voter dissatisfaction is directed at party members in Congress rather than himself.
“The question is, will they vote?” Trump said during an August interview, according to the Daily Mail.
“Because a lot of them are very angry at Republicans, to be honest with you. … They’re angry at Republicans, but they’re not angry at me.”
Leading up to the midterms, Trump has concentrated his rally stops in traditionally safe conservative strongholds, recently visiting Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Nebraska, and Ohio to support local candidates.
Campaigning in conservative strongholds
“When I’m on the ballot, we get everybody,” Trump told a crowd in Alabama last week.
“So, just close your eyes and pretend I’m on the ballot,” he said, according to the Daily Mail.
Economic issues such as inflation, high gas prices, and rising mortgage rates continue to weigh on Republican prospects.
On personal finances, 35 percent of likely voters express greater trust in Democrats to improve their financial situation, compared to 29 percent who favor the Republican Party.
