There’s a Giant Caveat About Democrats’ Midterms Enthusiasm

A new poll shows voters nationwide prefer Democrats in this year’s midterm elections, by a lot. While that’s good news for the party hoping to take control of the House, it comes with a giant caveat.

Poll after poll have given Democrats a clear edge when voters nationally are asked which party they prefer in the congressional election. The latest Washington Post-ABC News poll found registered voters nationwide say they prefer a Democratic candidate over a Republican candidate 53 percent to 42 percent on a generic ballot. But when the results are narrowed to the 66 most competitive House districts, that lead evaporates with registered voters splitting 46 percent for Democrats and 47 percent for Republicans.