Scott Pinsker writes for PJMedia.com about interesting new polling data.
With the 2026 midterms approaching, the GOP must nationalize the election, forcing voters into a binary choice: Donald Trump’s side — or the Democrats’ side.
Because that’s a contest the Republican Party will win.
ABC News released an eye-popping new poll on Feb. 22, partnering with the Washington Post and Ipsos. If you’re Team MAGA, there was plenty of bad news: Nearly two-thirds (65%) disapprove of Trump’s inflation policy; 64% disapprove of his tariffs; 62% say he’s using the presidency to enrich himself; 58% disapprove of how he’s handling immigration; 57% disapprove of his handling of the economy; and 56% say he lacks the “mental sharpness” to be president.
And oh, by the way:
[A]n even larger share of Americans — 7 in 10 — say Trump is not honest and trustworthy, tying a high-point set in January 2024. Biden never got close to that level during his presidency, peaking at 55% saying he was not honest in January 2024. Today, majorities of Democrats (96%), independents (80%) and non-MAGA Republicans (74%) say Trump is not honest and trustworthy, while more than 8 in 10 MAGA Republicans say Trump is honest and trustworthy.
It’s catastrophic news. The Republican Party is “dead man walking” in the 2026 midterms: Abandon all hope, ye who enter here!
Or maybe not.
Because, when you read the poll closely, a curious undercurrent emerges:
The American people keep saying the economy is getting better and better — and on EVERY major issue, voters trust Donald Trump more than the Democrats.
I’m not going to pretend that the poll was all sunshine and rainbows for the GOP: When 64% of voters say President Trump is out of touch with the concerns of the average American, that’s not a good thing.
But on the other hand, 64% of Americans also say the Democratic Party is out of touch, too!
And remember, perfect isn’t on the ballot. This is a binary choice: Republicans versus Democrats.
