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Jake Tapper Tells DNC Chair Dems’ Midterm Success Hinges More On Backlash To Trump And Less Over Trusting Democrats

Jake Tapper Tells DNC Chair Dems' Midterm Success Hinges More On Backlash To Trump And Less Over Trusting Democrats (Screenshot/CNN)

CNN host Jake Tapper told Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin on Tuesday that Democrats’ midterm success hinged more on voter backlash against President Donald Trump than on public trust in Democrats themselves.

Trump is now underwater on the economy, with recent polls showing about half of Americans believe economic conditions have worsened over the past year, a shift economists link to policy uncertainty and inflation concerns. Tapper poured cold water on Democratic optimism on “The Lead,” saying that polling shows voter dissatisfaction with Trump is doing more of the political heavy lifting than genuine confidence in Democrats.

“If you guys have a good November, it’s more because of what people don’t like about Trump, not necessarily that they trust the Democrats, at least not right now, according to polls I’ve seen,” Tapper told Martin.

Martin pushed back by saying Trump is underwater on every major issue and accused Trump and congressional Republicans of failing to deliver on their promises. He did not address the point that Democrats may benefit more from backlash against Trump than from voters trusting their party.

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“If you look at that poll that you’re referencing, the reality is Donald Trump is underwater on every single issue, including the two that he won on, which was on immigration and the economy. People don’t trust Donald Trump to lead on that,” Martin told Tapper. “And while they may trust Republicans, the reality right now is that the Republicans in Congress and Donald Trump are not delivering in any way, shape, or form on the issues that they promised they were going to do.”

Analysts say Democrats have managed stronger performances in some elections not because of broad enthusiasm for their party but because voters are highly dissatisfied with Trump and Republicans in power. Polls show Americans disapprove of Trump, even as views of both major parties remain dim.

Martin ramped up his criticism and said Trump focuses on “crazy” pursuits rather than governing.

“He’s [Trump] focused on crazy things like invading Greenland. He’s focused on everything but helping the American people, all while he and his rich buddies have gotten richer. He has made hundreds of millions of dollars in his first year in office. You know what? The American people deserve to make more money.”

Trump consistently pressed for U.S. control of Greenland, arguing the territory’s strategic location and critical mineral reserves justify the push. He announced Saturday that several European countries will face a 10% tariff beginning Feb. 1, rising to 25% on June 1, and said the higher rate will remain in effect until the United States completes what he described as a full acquisition of Greenland.

(Featured Image Media Credit: Screenshot/CNN)