The Republican Party began this midterm election cycle as the heavy favorite to retain the Senate majority. That was still the case just 10 weeks ago, on the eve of the Iran war. Today, the prospect of the chamber’s control changing hands can’t be dismissed.
That arc would suggest the war is the problem. But it’s not that simple.
Voters were already frustrated with the high cost of living one year into President Donald Trump’s second administration, and dissatisfaction was growing with his leadership on a host of other issues — especially among independent voters, who are so influential in midterm contests. ...