Progressives Say New Midterm Poll Must Be ‘Wake Up Call’ to Democrats

With new polling showing that Republicans have gained a significant advantage in the upcoming midterm elections, progressives on Monday said Democrats must spend the next three weeks laser-focused on the U.S. economy and their plans to end price-gouging and rein in corporate power to help working people.

The New York Times/Siena College poll showed that 49% of likely voters now plan to support Republican candidates, while 45% favor Democrats. In September, the same poll showed Democrats with a one-point lead.

Independent voters particularly have swung toward Republican candidates, with 51% now saying they would support a Republican. In September, Democrats had a three-point lead with independents.

In July, 36% of likely voters said economic concerns were primarily guiding them to support or oppose candidates, compared with 44% now. Respondents with a focus on the economy were more than twice as likely to support Republicans than Democrats.

While Democrats have unveiled proposals to stand up to wealthy corporations in recent months, Republicans have pushed plans to raise taxes on low-income households and weaken government programs relied on by millions of senior citizens including Medicare and Social Security.

Warren Gunnels, an adviser to Sanders, pointed to a recent report by the pro-worker media organization More Perfect Union which showed that a promise to provide direct cash benefits similar to the expanded child tax credit—which Republicans flatly opposed continuing this year despite the fact that it cut childhood poverty by 30% and helped millions of families to afford necessities—was found to be “the most popular campaign message” a candidate could have.

Sanders has pushed Democrats in recent days to communicate clearly with voters about the danger Republicans pose to working Americans’ finances and how the Democratic Party has worked to help the middle and lower class.

“This poll should be a wake-up call for our party,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).

As Democratic leaders, candidates, and strategists review the data, Khanna said, they must consider progressive lawmakers’ recent push “for a sharper and stronger economic message.”