What's Really on Voters' Minds?

In the upcoming 2026 midterms, the spotlight is on affordability, not just the economy. Pollster John Zogby made this clear in a recent discussion.

Affordability: The Top Issue

• Affordability is the top issue for voters, leaving others like crime and healthcare far behind.
• The president is tackling this issue head-on.

Media's Role in Shaping Public Opinion

• The media's portrayal of reality can shape public opinion more than the actual facts.
• Zogby pointed out that the media's focus on topics like Venezuela and Greenland isn't resonating well with the public.
• These issues are seen as distractions from the main concern: affordability.

Public Perception and Political Strategy

• Even actions in Minnesota and ICE operations, despite the border being a hot topic, aren't popular.
• Zogby warned that if the president strays from the affordability message, it could be a tough road ahead.

Media Bias and Public Perception

• John McLaughlin, another pollster, raised concerns about biased media coverage and skewed polls.
• He noted that left-leaning media consumers have a different view of the president's performance compared to those who consume right-leaning media.
• This divide highlights how media consumption shapes perceptions.

The Power of Information

• McLaughlin also found that when people are informed about economic growth, tax cuts, and wage inflation, their views on the economy improve significantly.
• This shows the power of information in shaping public opinion.