Why we should look beyond midterm polls

Plus, Obama issues rare rebuke of Trump over Rep. Ilhan Omar investigation |

VIEW IN BROWSER Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 Today, we look at what’s weighing the GOP down this midterm election, Barack Obama’s condemnation of the Rep. Ilhan Omar investigation, Trump’s attempt to undermine California voters and more.    Carson Elm-Picard / MS NOW; Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images Republicans are staring down a repeat of 2018 — with added complications By Hayes Brown A sense of deja vu is likely washing over Republican lawmakers. Many of the struggles GOP candidates are facing in 2026 eerily mirror their plight in 2018. The conditions this time around, however, are much more dire, emphasizing how few lessons Republicans learned from their last midterm defeat.   In particular, lawmakers have been having a tough time selling the megabill that Trump dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill. The White House briefed House Republicans last year on rebranding the package as the “working families tax cut.” But a new poll from Politico confirmed that while respondents prefer the new name, taxes are near the bottom of voters’ list of top issues. Which brings us to the biggest differences weighing down the GOP this time around, presaging what could be an even more brutal potential loss.   This is a preview of Hayes Brown’s latest column. Read the full column here. Respond directly to Hayes Brown’s latest column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  Respond directly to Hayes Brown's latest column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  Must Reads   Carson Elm-Picard / MS NOW Don’t just watch the polls. Follow the money. Democrats have been here before. The polls look good if the numbers are to be believed, red states and districts are now in the party’s sights. But many Democrats are scarred by President Donald Trump beating his polls in 2016, 2020 and 2024, argues James Downie. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said there’s ‘no point’ debating her Democratic rival. Here’s what she really means. They’re spending millions on ads, but won’t stand on a stage where they could be challenged, argues Symone D. Sanders Townsend.  Obama issues rare rebuke of Trump over Rep. Ilhan Omar investigation The former president issued a rare public statement Sunday criticizing the Trump administration’s persecution of its political enemies. Read more from Erum Salam.  Sarah Silbiger / Reuters= She said she wasn’t the Lorax, but she’s starting to act like him After the Trump administration chopped down hundreds of trees, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes demanded answers. She still doesn’t have them. Read more from Fallon Gallagher.   Top Videos   MS NOW 'We are at a very unique tipping point': AOC on how Democrats can unite Americans Watch now   CONNECT WITH JACOB SOBOROFF ‘This is disgusting’: Nebraska’s independent Senate candidate rips dark money in politics Watch now   THE WEEKEND As midterms approach, Trump’s focus seems to be on a different election Watch now   THE ASSIGNMENT WITH ANTONIA HYLTON Settler violence in the West Bank: Who is being targeted? Watch now   More from MS NOW   Tomorrow, with only weeks to go until the midterms, “The Moment” hits the road as Katy Tur anchors live from Austin, Texas. Watch “The Moment with Katy Tur” tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET on MS NOW. This week on “The Best People,” Nicolle Wallace is joined by former NBA player and title-winning coach Doc Rivers, who believes America is overdue for a true reckoning. They reflect on attacks on the press, a lackluster education system, threats to voting rights ahead of the midterms, and how he thinks the country can survive this moment. Listen now and subscribe to MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content. 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE