Daily Signal

Socialism is gaining ground on the American left, but what do voters actually think about it?   Emily Seidel, president and CEO of Americans for Prosperity and senior adviser to AFP Action, joins the Daily Signal’s Rob Bluey on this episode of “Midterm Report” to reveal what AFP has learned from conversations with roughly 10,000 Americans in competitive Senate states.   Seidel says 56% of those surveyed have an unfavorable opinion of socialism, while 59% see the Democratic Party as controlled by its extreme left wing. Yet Democrats have gained an advantage on an issue Republicans once dominated: the economy.   Seidel explains that apparent contradiction, why the cost of living remains voters’ overriding concern, and how the choice between what she describes as government control and economic freedom could shape the midterms. She also explains why AFP believes its grassroots outreach is dramatically increasing enthusiasm among Republican-base voters.   FAQ   What do voters think about socialism? Seidel says 56% of the roughly 10,000 people AFP spoke with have an unfavorable opinion of socialism.   How do voters view the Democratic Party? According to Seidel, 59% of those AFP spoke with see the Democratic Party as essentially controlled by its extreme left wing.   What issue is most important to voters? Seidel calls this a “cost of living election,” pointing specifically to concerns about housing, gasoline, and groceries.   Why does Seidel believe Republicans have an opening? She argues that candidates can contrast policies intended to address affordability with democratic socialist proposals, including rent control and government-run grocery stores and health care.   What is Americans for Prosperity hearing from voters on the ground? Seidel says AFP is having face-to-face conversations with tens of thousands of Americans each week and based its socialism findings on conversations with about 10,000 people in competitive Senate states.   LINKS Americans for Prosperity https://americansforprosperity.org/   AFP Action https://afpaction.com/  NEW FILM by Nick Freitas and The Heritage Foundation: “The Immigration Crisis That Will Destroy the West” https://youtu.be/pX0rwaEs5jA?si=51OyIZrR3Z8k3vG7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does Romania remain one of America’s most steadfast friends in Europe, and what does it believe President Donald Trump has gotten right about NATO?   Romanian national security adviser Marius-Gabriel Lazurca joins the Daily Signal in Washington, D.C., to discuss the U.S.-Romania relationship, NATO, Russia’s war against Ukraine, energy security, and the enduring bond between Romanians and Americans.   Lazurca argues that Trump was right to push European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense. He explains why Romania is prepared to do more, including strengthening its defense capabilities and deepening economic and energy cooperation with the United States.   He also shares the remarkable history behind Romania’s affinity for America. During the communist era, Lazurca says, anti-communist resistance fighters held onto the hope that “the Americans were coming” and that the United States would one day help Romania regain its freedom.   The conversation also covers Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the threat facing Moldova, Romania’s role on NATO’s eastern flank, and why Lazurca says his country is “open for business” and eager to expand its partnership with the United States.   FAQ   What does Romania think President Trump got right about NATO? Lazurca says Trump was right to insist that European countries take greater responsibility for their own security. He argues that a stronger European pillar within NATO can reinforce the transatlantic alliance.   Why is Romania so pro-American? Lazurca traces those attitudes in part to Romania’s experience under communism. He recounts how anti-communist resistance fighters maintained hope that America would ultimately help Romania regain its freedom.   How does Romania view Russia and the war in Ukraine? Romania shares a border with Ukraine and views Russia’s aggression as a serious security concern. Lazurca says Romania supports efforts to end the war but stresses the importance of a just and lasting peace.   What role does Romania play in NATO? Lazurca describes Romania as committed to taking greater responsibility for European security, strengthening its defenses and supporting the transatlantic alliance from NATO’s eastern flank.   Why does energy matter to the U.S.-Romania relationship? Romania wants deeper U.S. cooperation in strategic sectors, including energy. Lazurca highlights the Neptune Deep Black Sea gas project as important to helping Romania and Europe diversify away from Russian gas.   DONATE   👉 We cannot continue to make videos like this one without the support of our viewers. Please consider donating to the Daily Signal today! https://secured.dailysignal.com/   🔔 Subscribe to Daily Signal for more interviews, analysis, and reporting on the issues shaping America's future.   #Romania #Trump #NATO #Europe #Russia #Ukraine #NationalSecurity #ForeignPolicy #DailySignal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the midterm elections approaching, the war in Iran could be entering a decisive phase. Victor Davis Hanson examines the possibility of renewed U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran’s remaining military capabilities and the mounting economic pressure on the regime. As President Donald Trump weighs his next move, the coming weeks could determine whether Iran’s military threat is eliminated or the conflict continues for years to come. Alliance Defending Freedom - Alliance Defending Freedom is in the front lines of the fight for freedom. Visit http://JoinADF.com/HANSON or text HANSON to 83848 to help ADF in their fight, and for a limited time your donation will be matched by a special grant, doubling the impact. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸The Counterrevolution: The Fall and Rise of Donald Trump and the MAGA MovementThe Daily Signal, the proud producers of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words,” has a special limited time offer:  With a monthly donation $14, you’ll become BOTH a Signal Elite Supporter AND receive a copy of “The Counterrevolution: The Fall and Rise of Donald Trump and the MAGA Movement”Click here to order: https://secured.dailysignal.com/support-daily-signal-today/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=signalelite&utm_content=261029-vdh-book-youtube10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republicans entered the midterm cycle hoping voters would reward them for changes in Washington. But pollster Scott Rasmussen sees a major warning sign: Americans remain remarkably pessimistic about their own finances. “The reason we're in the political environment we're in today is because people are just as pessimistic about their personal finances today as they were on the eve of election 2024,” Rasmussen tells Rob Bluey on this episode of the Daily Signal’s “Midterm Report.” That pessimism could have major consequences for control of Congress. Rasmussen explains why voters judge the economy less by national statistics and more by what happens to their own budgets. When prices rise, Americans living paycheck to paycheck are forced to make trade-offs among gas, groceries, housing, transportation, and other expenses. He also breaks down the races for the House and Senate, the enthusiasm gap within the Republican coalition, questions about the accuracy and interpretation of political polling, and his research into what he calls America’s “elite 1%.” Could Republicans still beat expectations? How much should voters trust close polls? And what will ultimately determine who controls Congress? Watch the full interview for Rasmussen’s assessment of where the country stands heading into Election Day. FAQ What is driving voters’ economic pessimism? Scott Rasmussen argues that personal finances are more important politically than abstract economic indicators. Voters notice what they can afford and how much money remains after paying their regular expenses. Who does Rasmussen think will control the House? His analysis has the House leaning strongly toward Democrats, although he says Republicans still have a narrow path. Could Republicans retain control of the Senate? The Senate is much more competitive. Rasmussen says a 50-50 outcome is possible. Is Trump's base still motivated? Yes. Rasmussen says Trump's core supporters remain highly motivated. His concern is with more traditional Republican voters who are less enthusiastic. Why does Rasmussen say polls are misunderstood? He distinguishes between a polling error and a race that is simply too close to call. A one-point lead does not necessarily mean the pollster is predicting that candidate will ultimately win. Who are the “elite 1%”? It's Rasmussen’s term for a specific group of affluent, highly educated, urban Americans he has studied whose attitudes toward voters and government differ substantially from the broader electorate. LINKS Napolitan News Service https://napolitannews.org/ Out of Touch: The Elite One Percent and the Battle for America's Soul https://link.amazon/B05L6GNqF NEW FILM by Nick Freitas and The Heritage Foundation: “The Immigration Crisis That Will Destroy the West” https://youtu.be/pX0rwaEs5jA?si=51OyIZrR3Z8k3vG7 DONATE 👉 We cannot continue to make videos like this one without the support of our viewers. Please consider donating to the Daily Signal today! https://secured.dailysignal.com/ 🔔 Subscribe to Daily Signal for more interviews, analysis, and reporting on the issues shaping America's future. #Midterms #ScottRasmussen #Economy #Polling #Affordability #Congress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A proposed summit with Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and the United States is a calculated geopolitical maneuver by President Donald Trump to drive a wedge between Russia and China, end the war in Ukraine, and prevent Beijing from exploiting America's military commitments to invade Taiwan. Victor Davis Hanson contends that European leaders have forfeited their influence over American diplomacy by refusing to reciprocate U.S. military assistance, clinging to unrealistic expectations for Ukraine, and attacking Trump's efforts to secure a negotiated peace. Alliance Defending Freedom - Alliance Defending Freedom is in the front lines of the fight for freedom. Visit http://JoinADF.com/HANSON or text HANSON to 83848 to help ADF in their fight, and for a limited time your donation will be matched by a special grant, doubling the impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices