Ben Roback. America’s mid-terms. Not so much a blue wave as a blue ripple.
The Republicans made gains in the Senate, the Democrats won back the House – but that’s not enough to give them the stranglehold on Trump that they wanted.
International
Lord Ashcroft: “I was like, we must pick one of these? But I’m pleasantly surprised.” My pre-election focus groups from California.
Despite his dominance of the national scene, Trump was hardly a consideration for most of our participants when it came to deciding how to vote this week.
Lord Ashcroft: “Why should I change what I think or do so that I can win?” My interview with John Kasich.
The Governor of Ohio won over four million votes in the battle to become the Republican nominee for President two years ago. Will he run again?
Lord Ashcroft: ‘The Democrats feel like the middle ground now, and that’s a bad thing’. My pre-midterm election focus groups from Iowa and Minnesota.
Trump is mostly a factor for his strongest supporters and opponents.
Ben Roback: Trump’s ratings are improving – but the midterm elections could block his legislative agenda
Four key states, three house districts and two top governors’ races to watch as November 8 approaches.
Lord Ashcroft: “We’re no longer Democrat and Republican. We’re socialism against conservatism.” My new pre-midterm election focus groups from America.
Voters seem more divided than ever.
Ben Roback: Shelbrooke scours the world for campaigning advice and new alliances
The Conservative Party’s Vice Chair for International tells me about his priorities in the role.
Ben Roback: If Rosenstein goes, what will it mean for Mueller?
It is hard to see how blowing up the Special Counsel’s investigation now would deliver any kind of political benefit for the president.
Lord Ashcroft: What my poll of six thousand voters tells us Americans think about Trump
I suspect his opponents will make little progress as they continue to talk about conduct while his electoral coalition is more interested in delivery.
Ben Roback: So far, there is little sign of Trump’s promised ‘Deal of the Century’ in the Middle East
Delivering on his campaign promise to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the US embassy accordingly hasn’t helped.
Ben Roback: McCain’s unique role in the Republican Party may now go unfilled
In the age of fake news, sub-tweets and gaslighting, the Arizona senator stood out as a pillar of a bygone political era.
Terry Barnes: So you think May has problems? They’re nothing compared to the knifings and plots that engulf Malcolm Turnbull
With half his ministry on the backbenches, he looks isolated – and in denial.
Ben Roback: Will November’s mid-terms pull the rug out from under Trump?
All things considered, all roads point to a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives come November.
Ben Roback: Trump’s press conference with Putin was the most staggering moment in a staggering presidency
Will this abject performance be what finally breaks his connection with his domestic supporters?
Ben Roback: This is the most unpredictable presidential visit to Britain in memory
The ‘special relationship’ is under strain on several fronts, but the President remains one of the strongest and most important international supporters of Brexit.