What's Really on Voters' Minds?

In the upcoming 2026 midterms, the spotlight is on affordability, not just the economy. Pollster John Zogby made this clear in a recent discussion. He said affordability is the top issue for voters, leaving others like crime and healthcare far behind. The president is tackling this issue head-on. But there's a twist. The media's portrayal of reality can shape public opinion more than the actual facts. Zogby pointed out that the media's focus on topics like Venezuela and Greenland isn't resonating well with the public. These issues are seen as distractions from the main concern: affordability.Even actions in Minnesota and ICE operations, despite the border being a hot topic, aren't popular. Zogby warned that if the president strays from the affordability message, it could be a tough road ahead. John McLaughlin, another pollster, raised concerns about biased media coverage and skewed polls. He noted that left-leaning media consumers have a different view of the president's performance compared to those who consume right-leaning media. This divide highlights how media consumption shapes perceptions. McLaughlin also found that when people are informed about economic growth, tax cuts, and wage inflation, their views on the economy improve significantly. This shows the power of information in shaping public opinion.