President Donald Trump’s approval rating remained near its lowest-ever level ahead of Tuesday’s US midterm elections, with a growing number of voters viewing their ballots as a chance to register opposition to the Republican leader, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.The poll, completed on Monday, showed Democrats leading Republicans by eight percentage points on the generic congressional ballot, 46% to 38%, even as the gap narrowed from 11 points a week earlier.The findings point to mounting political challenges for Republicans, fuelled in part by soaring fuel prices following Trump’s war on Iran in February. With all 435 seats in the House of Representatives at stake, Democrats are seen as having a stronger chance of reclaiming control of the chamber, while their path in the Senate remains tougher.Trump’s approval rating at 32%Trump, though not on the ballot, remains a central figure in the election. Only 32% of respondents approved of his performance, unchanged from the previous week and just above his record low of 31% recorded two weeks ago.Among independent voters, 50% said their vote was intended to oppose Trump, while just 13% said it was a vote in his favour. Another 33% said the president was not a factor in their decision.
Who will control Congress?
Cost of living emerges as key election issueThe rising cost of living also emerged as a major electoral concern, with 78% saying it would be very important or the most important factor in deciding their vote. On the issue, Democrats led Republicans 43% to 32%.Democrats also appeared more motivated to vote, with 49% of their supporters describing themselves as very enthusiastic about voting, compared with 33% of Republican voters.The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,765 US adults online and had a margin of error of two percentage points.Trump wrapped up his midterm campaign push on Monday with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC.He has no public appearances planned for Election Day, with his schedule showing a series of private meetings, including one with John Joseph Arrigo, the US ambassador to Portugal, the Associated Press reported. His schedule also includes a closed-door “signing time”, during which he typically signs executive orders, proclamations and bills passed by Congress.Trump is also scheduled to host an election night reception in the White House East Room, which is listed as closed to media coverage. However, the schedule could change depending on how Republicans fare as results come in, the AP report said.
