Republicans privately say they're doomed in midterms as gas prices soar
GOP lawmakers express despair over economic conditions six weeks before elections despite Trump's late spending push.
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What to know
- Six weeks before midterms, Republican lawmakers privately express despair about losses, citing gas prices near $4.50/gallon and diesel above $6.50 as the primary driver.
- NBC polling shows Democrats leading 50-45 on the generic ballot, with Republicans acknowledging even traditionally safe districts are now vulnerable.
- Trump is deploying tens of millions from his super PAC and Vance is campaigning in reliably Republican Kansas, signaling the GOP recognizes competitive conditions.
- House Republicans cut their final two scheduled weeks to allow members to campaign, though some acknowledge the early exit reflects anticipated losses.
The dispute Whether GOP spending and ground game can overcome the structural economic headwind of high gas and food prices, or if losses are baked in regardless of campaign effort. · positions read across 7 posts and comments
Republican losses are inevitable given economic headwinds; the only question is magnitude.
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“We're gonna get crushed. The only question is by how much.”
Anonymous House Republican · MS NOW ↗
Many races remain competitive and within striking distance if polling holds.
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“Is there still hope? Absolutely. Are many of these races within striking distance? They are, if you believe polling.”
Anonymous House Republican · MS NOW ↗
“On the macro level, yes, they're concerned, of course they should be. But is there still hope? Absolutely. Are many of these races within striking distance? They are, if you believe polling.”
Anonymous House Republican, GOP lawmaker · MS NOW ↗
House Republicans (anonymous) GOP lawmakers
Donald Trump President
JD Vance Vice President
Mike Johnson House Speaker (R-La.)
Thomas Massie Rep. (R-Ky.)
How it unfolded 0 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump
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Vice President Vance campaigns in Kansas, signaling Republican vulnerability in red states — JD Vance traveled to Kansas to campaign for Republicans on the ballot, indicating that even reliably Republican territories have become competitive.
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Trump deploys tens of millions from super PAC to aid struggling GOP candidates — After months of speculation, President Trump began spending heavily from his super PAC to boost Republican candidates in a sign of the increasingly competitive political environment.
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House Republicans end session early, cutting final two weeks — The House departed Washington early, nixing the final two scheduled weeks of session. Speaker Mike Johnson cited the need for members to campaign, though lawmakers offered alternative theories about avoiding difficult votes and acknowledging anticipated losses.
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GOP lawmakers privately express despair over midterm prospects — House Republicans told media that they expect significant losses in November elections, with one calling the cycle "a gasoline and ground beef election" amid soaring fuel and food prices. Another lawmaker stated that Republicans who aren't concerned about the outlook are "stupid."
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NBC News poll shows Democrats with five-point lead on generic ballot — A poll released Sunday showed 50% of respondents preferring a Democratic-controlled Congress versus 45% for Republican control, with 5% undecided.
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House GOP members clash over response to soaring gas prices — Last week, House Republican lawmakers held a heated shouting match in a private meeting over what to do about surging gas prices as one of the party's biggest vulnerabilities, ending without a path forward.
What people are saying 7 voices from 3 sites · verbatim
- Yesterday
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“Republican polling has so deteriorated this month that the only uncertainty remaining ahead of the midterms is the depth of the party’s losses.” Republicans’ Cash Blitz Meets a $5-Gas Election politi.co/4roBdXL via @politico.com
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Republicans Privately Say They’re Doomed in the Midterms — MS Now
- Sep 22
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With any luck they’ll never see the light of day again after this disaster of an administration
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Just a thought...but how about Republicans grow a spine and do what's best for themselves and their country instead of getting behind a person just because he has an R.
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unpopular opinion but I think the younger gen z will make or break this election. we can't win without their help
- Sep 19
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The coming good times? While everything has been a disaster the stock market has been running hot. How does it get better from here? It couldn't possibly run any hotter without imploding. Yes yes stocks aren't an indicator of how good things are. We can see that. But it's a good indicator of wealth accumulation. And the rich have been amassing a…
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GOP needs to be punished for what they supported, promoted and allowed to happen to this country.