Political strategist and pollster Frank Luntz says that the “only way” that Republicans maintain their congressional majority in the midterms is if they cater to two types of voters: the pro-Trump wing of the party, as well as independents and swing voters.
“The problem for the GOP is that they have to win both of these groups if they are to keep the majority,” Luntz told Powerhouse Politics podcast hosts Jonathan Karl and Rick Klein. “Frankly, at this point in August, I don’t think it’s likely.”
Luntz’s comments came mere hours after President Donald Trump credited himself for Republican Troy Balderson’s “great victory” in the OH-12 special election. With less than 1 percent separating Balderson from his Democratic opponent, Danny O’Connor, the race is still too close to call.
According to the political consultant, because there are these “two different constituencies with … two different attitudes towards Donald Trump,” the president’s campaigning efforts aren’t always helpful for GOP candidates.
In states like Montana, North Dakota and West Virginia, Luntz believes Trump can “make a difference.”
“Those are the places I would send him to,” he said.
But in other places like Philadelphia…
