President Trump’s Focus Shifts Away from Voter Priorities as Midterms Approach
With the November midterm elections drawing closer, President Trump appears to be concentrating on topics that don’t align with the main concerns of voters, despite their significance for the upcoming political landscape.
SCOTT SIMON, HOST: NPR brings us political insights with Ron Elving. Ron, welcome as always.
RON ELVING, BYLINE: Glad to be here, Scott.
SIMON: President Trump hinted at unveiling new insights regarding election security during his Thursday night speech, yet NPR has not identified any groundbreaking revelations. What do you believe was the underlying intent behind the president’s address?
ELVING: The president may have intended to divert attention from other pressing news, like the escalating conflict with Iran following failed negotiations to open the Strait of Hormuz, or the recent ICE shootings. Additionally, the ongoing Epstein files issue is complicating the confirmation of Trump’s former private attorney, Todd Blanche, as attorney general—a matter of concern for Trump’s supporters who expected immediate transparency on the Epstein files. Furthermore, there’s discontent within Trump’s circle over reports of self-dealing and enrichment involving Trump and his associates. However, the crux of the speech was to advocate for the SAVE Act, which aims to tighten voter registration and limit mail-in voting.
SIMON: As the November midterms near, how does the electoral landscape appear to you?
ELVING: The president’s demeanor during his Thursday speech might offer a glimpse into the current electoral climate. With Trump’s approval ratings dipping below 40% in major national polls, it’s indicative of a troubling trend for the incumbent party. Historically, such figures have signaled potential losses in midterm elections. Current polls suggest a possible Republican loss of control in the House, and perhaps the Senate, as the party’s stance diverges from voter interests.
SIMON: How significant will the Iran issue remain by November?
ELVING: The Iran issue is unlikely to vanish and remains unfavorable for the president. The war, already unpopular, risks further backlash if expanded. Economic impacts like increased gas and food prices are expected to persist, keeping Iran as a relevant issue even if hostilities cease.
SIMON: This week’s hearings featured nominees for key positions. What were your impressions of Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton’s testimonies?
ELVING: Blanche faces considerable challenges due to his involvement with the Epstein files, which has sparked bipartisan outrage and might jeopardize his confirmation. Both nominees had to address Trump’s election denial claims, possibly compromising their perceived independence from the president.
SIMON: Are any major legislative initiatives expected from Congress in the coming months?
ELVING: Significant legislative action appears unlikely. While there will be pressure to pass the SAVE Act, Senate support is lacking. The recent speech didn’t provide enough new information to sway opinions. Some admissions from Trump’s camp conceded the absence of evidence for vote tampering in past elections. There’s hope for addressing affordability issues, but that would require Trump to prioritize voter concerns over his personal agenda.
SIMON: NPR’s senior contributor Ron Elving. Always a pleasure, my friend. Thanks for joining us.
ELVING: Thank you, Scott.
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