CNN data analyst Harry Enten has recently put a considerable damper on Democratic optimism, indicating that Republicans seem poised to capitalize on their increased trust across numerous vital issues as we approach the 2026 midterm elections.
In critical areas such as immigration and crime, the Republican Party holds a robust lead over their Democratic counterparts, outpacing them by hefty margins.
This predicament can largely be traced back to the Democrats’ recent track record. Since the conclusion of the 2024 election cycle, they have primarily engaged in a cycle of indignation and protests, neglecting to put forward substantive ideas or solutions for American voters.
Transcript via Real Clear Politics:
ENTEN: So what are we observing? While Donald Trump’s popularity appears to be waning and Democrats might feel secure, this does not guarantee them a successful midterm performance. In fact, it promises nothing. Right now, the Democrats are akin to the New Orleans Saints—a pre-season favorite that still fails to deliver on game day.
Let’s dissect the numbers: Who do Americans trust more with the economy? The Republicans, by a margin of seven points. On immigration, they lead by 13. And when it comes to crime—which has become a significant talking point for Trump and the GOP—they hold a staggering 22-point advantage.
The bottom line is that while the Dems have the ball on their side of the field, they seem unable to run with it. Currently, it’s the Republicans sprinting ahead on the primary concerns: economy, immigration, and crime.
KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Could you provide a contextual comparison? How does this relate to when the Republicans last held the House?
ENTEN: Absolutely. If we look back to 2022, we can glean a lot. The GOP’s trust regarding the economy stood at a 12-point advantage back then. Though it has dipped slightly, they still maintain a 7-point edge today. On immigration, the Republicans were only leading by three points in 2022, yet now they boast a 13-point lead. Democrats, what exactly are you doing? And on crime, the Republicans have surged from a 13-point lead to a robust 22-point advantage. At this rate, the Democrats seem to be stuck in neutral while their opponents continue to gain ground across the board.
Check out the video below:
NEW: CNN’s Harry Enten outlines the GOP’s *advantages* for the midterms
“Who leads on the economy? Republicans by 7! Immigration? Republicans by 13! How about crime? A big issue for Donald Trump and the Republicans. Look at that: lead by 22 points!”
“What are you doing, Democrats!?… pic.twitter.com/iSRxpatIFS
— Jason Cohen (@JasonJournoDC) September 22, 2025
The midterm elections may still be on the distant horizon, but this data undoubtedly presents a silver lining for Republicans.
Mike LaChance has been reporting on higher education and politics for Legal Insurrection since 2012. His extensive portfolio includes contributions to the Gateway Pundit, Daily Caller, Breitbart, and several other prestigious publications.
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