A new POLITICO survey suggests ending the Iran war or lowering gasoline prices may do little to improve Republican prospects as voters remain skeptical of last-minute economic and foreign policy breakthroughs.
WASHINGTON (AP) | President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans face a narrowing path to changing voters' minds ahead of November's midterm elections, with a new POLITICO poll finding that even major achievements on the economy and the war with Iran may not significantly improve the party's electoral prospects.
The survey, conducted by independent polling firm PF Global, suggests that voter attitudes toward Trump and the Republican Party have hardened as the campaign enters its final weeks. Most respondents said they would not become more likely to support Republican candidates even if the administration ended the Iran war, sharply reduced gasoline prices or delivered substantial job growth.
The findings raise questions about whether the White House can translate potential policy victories into electoral gains before November, particularly among undecided voters who could determine control of Congress.
According to the survey, just 29% of Americans said a $1-per-gallon decline in gasoline prices would make them more likely to vote Republican. Another 28% said ending the war with Iran would increase their likelihood of supporting GOP candidates.
The results were especially troubling for Republicans among Democratic and undecided voters, who showed little movement across several hypothetical scenarios involving economic improvements and foreign policy accomplishments.
