Ahead of US midterms, voters are frustrated with Trump, want change: Poll
Widespread voter disillusionment and pocketbook anxieties set a volatile stage for the GOP weeks before election night.
Key points
- A new AP-NORC poll of over 1,100 US adults found 80 percent of Americans want substantial change or complete upheaval in how the country is run ahead of the November 3 midterms.
- About eight in 10 registered voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the cost of living, and roughly three-quarters disapprove of his economic performance.
- Only about one-third of registered voters hold a favourable view of Trump, with more voters favouring Democratic control of Congress.
A new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released on Thursday found widespread voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump as the November 3 congressional midterm elections approach. The survey of over 1,100 US adults showed 80 percent of Americans believe the country needs substantial change or "complete and total upheaval" in how it is run.
The findings suggest a broad appetite for legislative realignment that could threaten Republican control of both houses of Congress.
Economic concerns drive voters
Everyday economics is the dominant issue for the electorate, with 85 percent of respondents naming the economy as one of the most significant factors in their vote. About eight in 10 registered voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the cost of living, and about three-quarters disapprove of his performance on the economy.
Only about one-third of registered voters overall have a very or somewhat favourable view of Trump, and a similar share approve of his job performance. More voters want Democrats to win control of Congress and hold a more negative view of Republicans.
complete and total upheaval
— poll respondents
Other priorities and civic engagement
Immigration and crime rates are top concerns for 45 percent of voters, prioritised disproportionately by Republicans, while Democratic voters more often name healthcare as their top priority. Healthcare is a top issue for 69 percent of voters, and 64 percent cite the war on Iran.
Artificial intelligence ranks as a substantial issue for 35 percent of voters, while transgender issues sit at 12 percent. Despite their frustrations, about two-thirds of registered voters say voting is extremely important, including 75 percent of Democrats and roughly 60 percent of Republicans.
