Wedge Issues in the Midterms

Wedge Issues in the Midterms

Ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, candidates from both parties sometimes seem to be running in parallel universes.

Polling shows Americans are deeply concerned by economic woes like soaring gas prices, as well as the ongoing surge of unlawful migration at the southern border and rising crime rates in cities across the country.

And Republicans in the House of Representatives are leaning in, recently launching their “Commitment to America” policy agenda, hammering Democrats on a range of issues, including inflation, crime, and border security, as well as the recent declines in school performance thought to be caused by pandemic-related policies.

Meanwhile, Democrats have continuously attacked Republicans for their stances on abortion following the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, arguing that GOP candidates calling for nationwide abortion bans are out of step on the issue with most Americans. Democrats have also sought to cast Republicans as climate change deniers and barriers to preventing gun violence.

It's no surprise one pollster recently said: “America is more polarized than at any point in the last 40-plus years. Partisans have retreated to their own corners, with limited engagement between partisans, and very little to no overlap of agreement on any major issue.”

AMERICA — NEEDS YOUR HELP.