CNN’s top data cruncher Harry Enten delivered a sobering message for Democrats on Tuesday, warning that Republicans remain firmly competitive ahead of the November midterms despite President Trump’s sagging poll numbers and voter frustration over the rising cost of living.
Appearing on “CNN News Central,” Enten pointed to fresh polling showing that a large majority of Americans blame Trump for the higher cost of living — but said Democrats have failed to translate that dissatisfaction into a commanding political advantage.
“I think this poll serves as a big-time reality check for Democrats, and that is it ain’t over yet, especially with the redistricting when we look ahead to the 2026 race for Congress,” Enten opined. His comments were reported by the news site Mediaite.
“You would have thought that the Democrats’ lead would expand on the generic congressional ballot. It didn’t happen.”
Host John Berman referenced a CNN survey showing that 77% of Americans hold Trump responsible for increased living expenses, then pressed Enten on whether Dems were seeing any meaningful political benefit from the president’s struggles.
Drawing from aggregate congressional ballot polling, Enten noted that Democrats’ advantage has significantly narrowed since last year.
He said Democrats were ahead by roughly six points in March of last year but now hold only a three-point edge — a margin small enough to fall within statistical uncertainty.
“It is within the margin of error,” Enten said.
“So, despite all of the talk about Donald Trump’s unpopularity, the fact is, Republicans very much remain in the game when it comes to the congressional midterms.”
The warning comes as Democrats have attempted to capitalize on backlash surrounding Trump’s handling of the economy and foreign policy, including criticism tied to military action against Iran.
But Enten argued that Trump’s weak approval numbers have not automatically boosted Democrats in the eyes of voters.
Berman later asked why Democrats were not “benefitting” politically even as Trump’s approval ratings deteriorated amid inflation concerns and tensions overseas.
Enten responded by pointing to another problem for Democrats: voters don’t appear especially enthusiastic about them, either.
According to Enten, Trump’s approval rating currently sits 36 points underwater on average polling metrics — yet Democrats are posting similarly poor numbers.
“There’s no way there’s nowhere Republicans could possibly hold onto the House?” Enten said before citing polling showing voters split evenly on which party they trust more to handle the economy.
“But look at this, which party is trusted more in the economy? It’s a tie among registered voters.”
“Just because Donald Trump is unpopular doesn’t make Democrats popular,” added the data dude.
“And when you match Democrats against Republicans, all of a sudden it is a dead heat.”
