The Lead with Jake Tapper Hearing In Charlie Kirk Assassination
Jan 17, 2026
Mike Flood, a Republican congressman from Nebraska, dives into pressing economic issues and the current political landscape. He defends recent tax cuts and housing efforts, asserting that brighter days are ahead for the GOP. The conversation also touches on troubling trends, like declining support among independent and younger voters. Flood engages with recent polls indicating a significant perception of Trump's presidency as a failure, revealing a critical outlook for Republicans as they approach the midterms.
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Public Sees Second Term As A Failure
- CNN poll shows 58% of Americans call Trump's second term a failure while 42% call it a success.
- Voters prioritize the economy, yet 61% disapprove of Trump's handling of it, revealing a major messaging gap.
Foreign Policy Overshadows Economic Message
- Trump’s high-profile actions on foreign policy and pardons are overshadowing his economic messaging.
- Kristen Holmes warns when presidents stray from voters' top concerns, message efforts on the economy get drowned out.
Independents' Drop Raises Midterm Risk
- Independents' approval of Trump fell from 43% to 29%, a critical drop for midterms.
- Van Jones says losing independents and some Republicans creates real electoral danger for 2026.
