Midterm Voters Focus on Economy, Iran War, AI and Trump’s Power

As the midterm elections approach, voters are weighing several pivotal issues that could determine whether Democrats regain control of Washington. Economic dissatisfaction tops the agenda, with a recent one outlet-NORC survey indicating only 26% of voters approve of Donald Trump’s economic stewardship, a figure slightly below Joe Biden’s lowest rating on the same topic. The ongoing war with Iran has worsened the outlook, as Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up gasoline prices and raised questions about the president’s promise to end perpetual wars, especially since the action lacked congressional approval.

Immigration enforcement, a signature Trump policy, is losing favor after violent incidents involving ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents, leading many to view the crackdown as excessive. Artificial intelligence has emerged as a contentious campaign theme, with up to 70% of Americans opposing the siting of AI datacenters in their communities, even as Trump promotes the technology under the label “super intelligence.” Finally, the Supreme Court’s recent denial of Trump’s attempt to limit mail-in voting has heightened concerns about potential election interference, making the president’s character and use of power a central narrative despite his not being on the ballot.