Ultimately, the 2026 midterms were always going to be an uphill battle for Republicans.
Page F6From§Eachthe matinee edition — 31 August 2026
Trump’s tariffs and Iran war drive midterm discontent as Republicans pay the bill
Trump’s tariffs and the Iran strikes are driving voter discontent ahead of midterm elections, and The Hill notes that Republicans will be the ones who pay for it (7,33). Ruth’s column lays out the ledger: the party’s spending on tariffs and military action is matched by a deficit in voter approval, and the numbers are precise—discontent is up, and the bill is due. She observes that bold action on trade and security may play well in the headline, but the receipts show up in the ballot count. Chip’s defense is a muddle of strength and polling, ultimately conceding that polling might matter after all. Ruth closes by noting that the price of policy is paid in votes, and the voters are keeping the books this cycle.
“The tariffs and Iran strikes don’t just play on TV—they show up in midterm polls, and the bill lands in the Republican column. When you run up the tab, you pay for it at the ballot box.”
“The party is taking bold action on trade and security, and voters appreciate decisive leadership. If there’s some discontent, it’s only temporary. Did I say temporary? I meant strategic. The important thing is strength, not polling. Or maybe polling.”
The receipts
A recent YouGov/Economist poll showed President Donald Trump’s approval ratings were, in all but three states, at a net negative. The numbers didn’t seem to surprise Washington Examiner editorial director Hugo Gurdon during his appearance…
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front.