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Trump approval sinks to new lows as GOP midterm outlook worsens

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Coverage spectrum

Covered by 22 outlets across the spectrum.

56 articles in total, 12 of them opinion. The spectrum counts each outlet once and leaves opinion out. How we measure bias

With roughly five weeks until the November 2026 midterms, multiple polls show President Trump’s approval rating at or near the lowest point of his second term, and generic congressional ballot polling shows Democrats with a significant lead. Nonpartisan forecasters, including the Cook Political Report, say Republicans are increasingly likely to lose their House majority, and some analysts argue the shift is not a temporary “sugar-high” for Democrats but reflects a genuinely difficult environment for the GOP. Republicans are reportedly pouring campaign money into previously safe seats, and some candidates have shifted their positions on issues such as the Iran war. According to Politico, some Republican campaigns in competitive districts, including parts of Nebraska, have discouraged Trump from visiting, citing concerns that his presence could hurt their chances.

Headline and summary written by Mantle’s AI from the coverage below, under published rules. How this works

What happened

Key points

Each point shows who reports it, from Far Left to Far Right.

  1. Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a new low point in multiple recent polls.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  2. Polling averages show Democrats with their largest lead yet in the generic congressional ballot.

    Reported byLeftCenter

  3. The Cook Political Report and other forecasters say Republicans are increasingly likely to lose the House majority.

    Reported byCenterRight

  4. Some election analysts argue the Democratic polling advantage is not an artificial 'sugar-high' but reflects real conditions.

    Reported byCenter

  5. The GOP is directing campaign funds into previously safe seats amid the unfavorable environment.

    Reported byCenter

Show 2 more pointsShow fewer points

  1. Some Republican campaigns, including in parts of Nebraska, have discouraged Trump from campaigning with them, per Politico.

    Reported byLeft

  2. Trump has downplayed public breaks from fellow Republicans as the midterms approach.

    Reported byRight

What is contested

Where accounts differ

Points the coverage does not agree on, and who says what.

  • Whether the current Democratic polling advantage represents a lasting shift or a temporary 'sugar-high.'

    Some pollsters and forecasters, as reported by The Hill, argue multiple metrics point to a genuinely favorable midterm environment for Democrats, while some Democrats reportedly worry the numbers could be inflated and not hold through Election Day.

  • Whether Trump’s presence helps or hurts Republican candidates in competitive races.

    The Daily Beast reports Republicans are discouraging Trump from campaigning in some battleground districts, citing fears of political damage, while right-leaning coverage emphasizes Trump’s own dismissive response to GOP criticism without describing a broader pattern of avoidance.

How each side tells it

Compare views

  • the left

    13 outlets · 2 opinion

    Left-leaning outlets frame the story around Trump’s steep approval collapse and Republicans openly distancing themselves from him, using dramatic language like 'danger sign' and 'deep depths of hell.'

    Battleground Republicans’ Loaded modifier“Embarrassing Snub”Characterizes the Republicans’ decision as humiliating rather than describing it neutrally as a request or decision not to campaign together.More neutral: DistancingDisagree with this highlight? to Trump Sensational language“Exposed”Implies a hidden scandal rather than simply reported information.More neutral: ReportedDisagree with this highlight?
    The Daily BeastFar LeftAll left-leaning headlines

  • the center

    5 outlets

    Center outlets take a more analytical tone, weighing forecasters’ predictions and debating whether the Democratic advantage is durable or inflated.

    US midterms race on a knife's edge
    SemaforCenterAll center headlines

  • the right

    4 outlets · 4 opinion

    Right-leaning outlets report the same poor polling numbers for Trump and the GOP but frame it more as a data roundup or Trump’s own response, with less dramatic language than the left.

    5 Weeks To Go: Everything You Need To Know About Where The Midterms Stand
    The Daily WireFar RightAll right-leaning headlines

The words they chose

Language to notice

Words that carry a judgement beyond the facts. Tap a highlighted word anywhere on the page to see why.

  • Left54

    data guruthe president’s collapseSeismic Polling Shifthemorrhaging support

  • Center7

    muscular approach to presidential powermoving fast and breaking thingsHe could pay in Novemberviolent undertow

  • Right10

    electoral disasteroustedsocial media diatribesNervous Nelly

In the outlets’ own words

  • Loaded modifier

    data guruMore neutral: chief data analyst

    An honorific label that elevates the analyst's authority rather than simply identifying his role.

    “You never see numbers like these,” said the data guru of the president’s collapse with a group “that ultimately really does determine…

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)The Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    the president’s collapseMore neutral: the president's decline in approval

    "Collapse" characterizes the poll movement in dramatic terms rather than stating the measured change.

    “You never see numbers like these,” said the data guru of the president’s collapse with a group “that ultimately really does determine elections.”

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Seismic Polling ShiftMore neutral: large polling shift

    "Seismic" adds drama beyond the reported figure of an 86-point shift.

    'Deep Depths Of Hell': Harry Enten Says This Seismic Polling Shift Spells Trouble For Trump

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    hemorrhaging supportMore neutral: losing support

    A medical-crisis metaphor that dramatizes a measured drop in polling numbers.

    The president is hemorrhaging support not just from independents, but from his own party

    Used byRolling Stone (Far Left)

Show 67 more phrasesShow fewer

  • Loaded verb

    Republicans Have Turned on TrumpMore neutral: Republican support for Trump has fallen

    "Turned on" implies betrayal, while the polls cited show a decline in approval among some Republicans.

    ‘Danger Sign’: New Polls Show How Much Republicans Have Turned on Trump

    Used byRolling Stone (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    muscular approach to presidential powerMore neutral: assertive use of presidential power

    Characterizes Trump's use of executive power with a charged, assertive tone rather than a neutral description.

    Donald Trump’s muscular approach to presidential power aimed to score big wins for his agenda.

    Used byThe Christian Science Monitor (Center)

  • Loaded verb

    moving fast and breaking thingsMore neutral: acting quickly on his agenda

    Frames Trump's governing approach as inherently destructive rather than neutrally describing rapid policy action.

    Trump is moving fast and breaking things.

    Used byThe Christian Science Monitor (Center)

  • Loaded verb

    He could pay in NovemberMore neutral: could face political consequences in November

    Suggests punishment or retribution rather than neutrally describing possible electoral consequences.

    He could pay in November.

    Used byThe Christian Science Monitor (Center)

  • Loaded modifier

    Embarrassing ProblemMore neutral: Political Problem

    Characterizes Trump's political situation with a judgmental label rather than neutral description.

    Republicans Predict Trump’s Embarrassing Problem Is About to Get Worse

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    plummeted to historic levelsMore neutral: fallen to historic lows

    Uses dramatic language to characterize a decline rather than a neutral description of the change.

    The president’s approval ratings have plummeted to historic levels against the backdrop of his war with Iran and a crippling affordability…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    crippling affordability crisisMore neutral: affordability crisis

    Adds an intensifying judgment to what could be described neutrally as an affordability crisis.

    …to historic levels against the backdrop of his war with Iran and a crippling affordability crisis that has trashed his election promise that he’d make people better off.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    trashed his election promiseMore neutral: undermined his campaign promise

    Uses a dramatic, judgmental verb to describe a policy outcome rather than neutral language.

    …of his war with Iran and a crippling affordability crisis that has trashed his election promise that he’d make people better off.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Grim New RecordMore neutral: New Low in Approval Rating

    Frames a statistical finding with dramatic, judgmental language rather than a neutral description of the data.

    Trump’s Favorite CNN Star Reveals President’s Grim New Record

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    a huge warning signMore neutral: a polling result unfavorable to Republicans

    Editorializes the significance of a single polling average.

    Donald Trump has received a huge warning sign that the Democrats are going to crush the GOP in the midterm elections.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    going to crush the GOPMore neutral: lead the GOP

    Presents a predicted election outcome in dramatic, absolute terms.

    Donald Trump has received a huge warning sign that the Democrats are going to crush the GOP in the midterm elections.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Trump’s Nightmare DeepensMore neutral: Democrats' polling lead grows

    Frames poll numbers as a personal nightmare rather than stating the finding.

    Trump’s Nightmare Deepens as Dems Open Up Biggest Lead Yet

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Partisan shorthand

    Trump Derangement SyndromeMore neutral: criticism of Trump

    A coined political epithet that dismisses criticism of Trump as irrational, used here sarcastically.

    Sounds like you’ve got Trump Derangement Syndrome, cowpoke.

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    the stupid midtermsMore neutral: the midterms

    Applies a dismissive adjective to the election itself rather than describing it neutrally.

    We are little more than a month from the stupid midterms, and Republicans Are in Disarray.

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Partisan shorthand

    Blue WaveMore neutral: Democratic gains

    A campaign-side term that presumes a large Democratic sweep rather than describing measured polling shifts.

    How Hard Could the Blue Wave Hit?

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    violent undertowMore neutral: strong headwind

    Metaphorical language dramatizes the political trend beyond a factual description.

    …they're listening: Republicans coast to coast are getting pulled under by a violent undertow fueled by Trump's unpopularity.

    Used byAxios (Center)

  • Sensational language

    disintegrating in real timeMore neutral: worsening quickly

    Exaggerated language frames the situation as more dramatic than a neutral description would.

    …year, but this week felt different — like the political environment was disintegrating in real time, one ominous data point after another.

    Used byAxios (Center)

  • Sensational language

    craptasticMore neutral: worsening

    Informal, dramatic term exaggerates the severity of the situation rather than describing it neutrally.

    GOP election outlook goes from bad to "craptastic"

    Used byAxios (Center)

  • Sensational language

    electoral disasterMore neutral: a difficult election outcome

    Presents Republicans' political outlook in dramatic, catastrophic terms rather than descriptive language

    …as a pileup of bad news has many convinced they are heading toward an electoral disaster.

    Used byHot Air (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    even admittedMore neutral: said

    'Admitted' implies a confession of wrongdoing or reluctant truth rather than a neutral statement

    Congressional reporter Mychael Schnell said one House Republican even admitted about the midterms, “We’re gonna get crushed.”

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Republicans Are In Midterms PanicMore neutral: Republicans express serious concern about the midterms

    Characterizes Republicans' state of mind with dramatic language rather than neutral description of concern

    MS NOW Reporter Says Republicans Are In Midterms Panic: 'The Point Of No Return'

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    darkensMore neutral: worsens

    Describes the political outlook in dramatic, judgmental terms rather than neutral description of declining prospects.

    As their November picture darkens, and gas and diesel prices soar, some Republicans who backed the war for months are…

    Used byThe New York Times (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    oustedMore neutral: helped defeat

    Implies forceful removal rather than the more neutral description of supporting primary challengers who won.

    He successfully ousted Republicans he deemed not sufficiently loyal by endorsing primary challenges against…

    Used byWashington Examiner (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    social media diatribesMore neutral: public criticism

    Describes Trump's potential public statements with a term implying excessive or irrational rhetoric rather than neutral description.

    But he notably refrained from social media diatribes against the growing number of Republicans who are putting daylight between his…

    Used byWashington Examiner (Right)

  • Sensational language

    lividMore neutral: frustrated

    Exaggerates voter sentiment with an emotionally charged term rather than neutral description of dissatisfaction.

    Ahead of the midterms, voters are livid at Donald Trump — and the GOP is on notice

    Used bySalon (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    on noticeMore neutral: facing challenges

    Implies impending punishment or accountability in a dramatic way rather than neutral description of political risk.

    Ahead of the midterms, voters are livid at Donald Trump — and the GOP is on notice

    Used bySalon (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    running for the hillsMore neutral: distancing themselves

    Uses a dramatic idiom implying panic rather than a neutral description of political distancing.

    Republican candidates are running for the hills

    Used bySalon (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Nervous NellyMore neutral: anxious friend

    Mocking characterization of a person's anxiety rather than neutral description.

    …head inexorably towards Election Day, I have heard less and less from my usually Nervous Nelly of a Republican buddy, Cameron.

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Partisan shorthand

    depress GOTVMore neutral: influence turnout

    Suggests intentional manipulation of turnout through polling without evidence, framing it as a conclusion.

    or Is Someone Trying to Depress GOTV With Polls?

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Absolutist framing

    fate is likely already sealedMore neutral: is likely facing a difficult path, according to Cook

    States a contested electoral prediction as a near-certain outcome rather than attributing it clearly as one analyst's forecast.

    …the midterm elections, a key analyst is warning Republicans that their fate is likely already sealed, and it’s all because of President Donald Trump.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Hits RepublicansMore neutral: tells Republicans

    Presents the analyst's comments as an aggressive strike rather than a neutral statement of prediction.

    ‘The Bottom Fell Out’: Key Analyst Hits Republicans With Dire Election Warning

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Dire Election WarningMore neutral: election warning

    Adds dramatic weight to a forecast beyond what a neutral description would convey.

    ‘The Bottom Fell Out’: Key Analyst Hits Republicans With Dire Election Warning

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Brutal DiagnosisMore neutral: Assessment

    Frames a political assessment as unusually dramatic rather than a neutral description of the comments.

    ‘Make The Patient Comfortable’: Ex-GOP Rep Gives Brutal Diagnosis Of Trump’s Midterm Woes

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Privately AdmitMore neutral: say

    “Admit” implies the aides are confessing wrongdoing rather than simply stating a belief.

    Trump Aides Privately Admit Embarrassing Reality

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Embarrassing RealityMore neutral: difficult outlook

    Characterizes the situation with a judgmental label rather than describing it neutrally.

    Trump Aides Privately Admit Embarrassing Reality

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Grip On The GOP SlipsMore neutral: Trump’s standing with the GOP declines

    Frames Trump’s standing in judgmental, declinist terms rather than describing the change neutrally.

    Trump's Grip On The GOP Slips As Midterm Worry Sets In

    Used byBloomberg (Left)

  • Sensational language

    Worry Sets InMore neutral: concern grows

    Adds dramatic emotional framing rather than stating the concern factually.

    Trump's Grip On The GOP Slips As Midterm Worry Sets In

    Used byBloomberg (Left)

  • Sensational language

    Brutal WarningMore neutral: warning

    Dramatizes the analyst’s comments beyond what a neutral description would convey.

    CNN Data Guru Issues New Brutal Warning for Republicans

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    unraveled in a series of panicky Truth Social postsMore neutral: posted repeatedly on Truth Social

    Characterizes Trump’s posts with a judgmental description of his mental state rather than describing their content neutrally.

    …as “delusional.” Meanwhile, over the last few days, Trump has unraveled in a series of panicky Truth Social posts.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    rantedMore neutral: said or spoke

    Dismisses the content by characterizing the delivery.

    In one, he ranted at length about how great the economy is and fumed extensively about the media’s…

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Erupts in Wild PanicMore neutral: Reacts sharply

    Describes Trump’s reaction with dramatic, judgmental language rather than a neutral description of his statements.

    Trump Erupts in Wild Panic as GOP Midterm Leaks Grow Urgent: “Wipeout”

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Erupts in PanicMore neutral: Reacts With Concern

    Describes Trump’s reaction with dramatic, emotionally loaded language rather than a neutral description of his statements or mood.

    Transcript: Trump Erupts in Panic as GOP Midterm Fears Grow: “Wipeout”

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    trash for everyoneMore neutral: difficult for both parties

    Dismissively characterizes the midterm cycle for all parties without specific support.

    He’s polled countless voters; he knows this midterm cycle is trash for everyone.

    Used byTownhall (Far Right)

  • Dehumanizing label

    crackpot insanityMore neutral: a position many disagree with

    Labels a policy position held by many voters as insane rather than describing it neutrally.

    …introspective when presented with a policy position most normal people view as crackpot insanity.

    Used byTownhall (Far Right)

  • Dehumanizing label

    a mental illnessMore neutral: deeply held view

    Characterizes a group of voters’ political views as a mental illness, a dismissive and demeaning framing.

    It’s now a mental illness, but you knew that already.

    Used byTownhall (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    Forced to AcknowledgeMore neutral: say

    Implies reluctant admission rather than neutrally reporting that advisers stated an expectation.

    Trump Team Forced to Acknowledge Midterms Will Be “F*cking Rough”

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    glimmer of hopeMore neutral: a potentially favorable data point

    Frames the polling data as good news for one side using emotionally suggestive language rather than neutral description.

    …right for refusing to get on board with Donald Trump, just handed Republicans a glimmer of hope for the midterms.

    Used byPJ Media (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    Devastating NewsMore neutral: Notable News

    Frames the polling news with dramatic, judgment-laden language rather than neutral description.

    Frank Luntz Just Gave Democrats Devastating News About the Midterms

    Used byPJ Media (Far Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    bleak pictureMore neutral: unfavorable polling

    Characterizes polling data with an emotionally charged adjective rather than neutral description.

    …trail on behalf of Republican candidates in October as polling continues to paint bleak picture of conservative prospects

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    predictably dismissedMore neutral: responded to

    The word “predictably” editorializes by implying Trump's response was expected and dismissive rather than simply reporting what he said.

    When asked about competitive congressional races in Iowa, Donald Trump predictably dismissed Iowa Republicans’ lackluster polling numbers as “fake” and blamed Democrats…

    Used byMother Jones (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Stunning ShiftMore neutral: Notable Shift

    Presents a polling trend with manufactured drama rather than neutral description.

    Harry Enten Spots Stunning Shift ‘Ripping The Heart Out Of’ Donald Trump’s Presidency

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    leaving him in drovesMore neutral: shifting away from him in large numbers

    Exaggerates the scale of voter movement with a dramatic phrase rather than citing a specific figure.

    A group that helped propel Trump’s return to the White House in 2024 are leaving him in droves, according to CNN

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Sensational language

    dealt another brutal polling blowMore neutral: received another low approval rating

    “Brutal” adds dramatic judgment to what is otherwise a factual description of declining poll numbers.

    Donald Trump has been dealt another brutal polling blow as Americans turn their backs on the president.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Americans turn their backs on the presidentMore neutral: approval among Americans has declined

    This phrase dramatizes declining approval with emotionally charged language rather than stating the percentage facts.

    Donald Trump has been dealt another brutal polling blow as Americans turn their backs on the president.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    MAGA RepublicansMore neutral: name the group or the position

    Escalating label used to signal disapproval rather than describe positions.

    A total of 94 percent of self-identified MAGA Republicans approve of his performance.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Grimmest Poll Yet Spells DoomMore neutral: New poll shows lower approval rating for Trump

    “Grimmest” and “Doom” are dramatic words that go beyond reporting poll numbers to editorialize about their significance.

    Grimmest Poll Yet Spells Doom for Trump

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    looming disasterMore neutral: a difficult outcome

    Frames a polling forecast as catastrophic rather than describing the specific numbers.

    CNN data expert Harry Enten has predicted a looming disaster for Donald Trump’s Republican Party in the Nov.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Blue Wave DisasterMore neutral: Blue Wave Warning

    Uses dramatic language to characterize an electoral forecast rather than neutrally describing the poll findings.

    Trump’s Favorite CNN Star Reveals Blue Wave Disaster for Republicans

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    sabotaging his party’s chancesMore neutral: hurting his party’s chances

    Implies deliberate intent to harm rather than describing an effect of unpopularity.

    Rachel Maddow has revealed just how badly President Donald Trump, 80, is sabotaging his party’s chances ahead of November’s key elections.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    ExposesMore neutral: Describes

    Frames a TV host’s commentary as an uncovering of hidden truth rather than an opinion or analysis.

    Rachel Maddow Exposes How ‘Radioactive’ Trump Is Blowing the Midterms

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Blowing the MidtermsMore neutral: affecting the midterms

    Dramatic phrasing presents a contested political outcome as a settled dramatic event.

    Rachel Maddow Exposes How ‘Radioactive’ Trump Is Blowing the Midterms

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    spurnMore neutral: distance themselves from

    Implies a stronger, more personal rejection than the underlying facts of political distancing support.

    ‘These guys are in a pickle’: Some Republicans spurn Trump on the campaign trail

    Used byPolitico (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    historically unpopular leaderMore neutral: a leader with low approval ratings

    Presents a sweeping characterization of Trump’s standing as settled fact rather than citing specific polling data.

    …though GOP candidates in tough battles have distanced themselves from a historically unpopular leader.

    Used bySemafor (Center)

  • Loaded modifier

    politically poisonousMore neutral: unpopular

    Uses a dramatic metaphor to characterize Trump’s political standing rather than a neutral description.

    …Trump from visiting key areas during his midterm campaign push because of how politically poisonous the president has become.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    dire approval ratingsMore neutral: low approval ratings

    Adds dramatic judgment to the approval numbers beyond a neutral description.

    …Omaha district and other key districts where the president is recording dire approval ratings, fearing his presence will be a net negative ahead of the crucial Nov.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Embarrassing SnubMore neutral: Distancing

    Characterizes the Republicans’ decision as humiliating rather than describing it neutrally as a request or decision not to campaign together.

    Battleground Republicans’ Embarrassing Snub to Trump Exposed

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    ExposedMore neutral: Reported

    Implies a hidden scandal rather than simply reported information.

    Battleground Republicans’ Embarrassing Snub to Trump Exposed

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

Words quoted from someone else (10)Hide the quoted words

Loaded words that outlets reported someone else saying. They show what was said, not how the outlet chose to say it.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    'Deep Depths Of Hell'More neutral: 'Depths You Rarely See'

    The quoted phrase in the headline heightens the language used in the excerpt, where the analyst refers to the "deep depths of the ocean."

    'Deep Depths Of Hell': Harry Enten Says This Seismic Polling Shift Spells Trouble For Trump

    Quoted byHuffPost (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Absolutist framing

    Quoted

    completely and obviously illegalMore neutral: potentially unlawful

    Presents a contested legal judgement about the ad as settled, even if used rhetorically.

    Oh, you think it’s “bad” or “completely and obviously illegal” that Donald Trump has used taxpayer dollars to air a campaign-season ad…

    Quoted bySlate (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    Republican Panic Sets In Over Prospects of a Massive Blue WaveMore neutral: Time reported increased Republican concern about a potential Democratic Senate wave

    Quotes another outlet's headline using dramatic language about panic and a massive wave without independent verification

    Time magazine ran a story yesterday headlined, "Republican Panic Sets In Over Prospects of a Massive Blue Wave." That might be overstating things a bit but as the war…

    Quoted byHot Air (Far Right)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Loaded modifier

    Quoted

    sugar-highMore neutral: temporary surge

    Uses a metaphor implying artificiality about Democratic polling gains, a characterization attributed to those who fear it rather than a neutral description.

    Election forecasters don't see polling 'sugar-high' Democrats fear — for now

    Quoted byThe Hill (Center)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

Show 6 more quoted phrasesShow fewer

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    GOP DoomedMore neutral: GOP facing difficulties

    Presents a contested prediction as a dramatic absolute rather than a neutral description of political risk.

    Is the GOP Doomed...

    Quoted byRedState (Far Right)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    Effing RoughMore neutral: Difficult News

    Uses an intensified profanity-adjacent phrase in the headline to dramatize the news rather than state it plainly, though it is attributed to a quote.

    Harry Enten Drops Some ‘Effing Rough’ News For Trump And Republicans

    Quoted byHuffPost (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    ‘Very Dangerous’More neutral: risky

    Although attributed to a named pollster, the quoted intensifier is foregrounded in the headline to heighten drama.

    GOP Pollster Says Donald Trump Is Taking A ‘Very Dangerous’ Midterm Gamble

    Quoted byHuffPost (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    WipeoutMore neutral: Major losses

    A dramatic prediction attributed to a single anonymous operative is elevated to the headline as if settled fact.

    Trump Erupts in Wild Panic as GOP Midterm Leaks Grow Urgent: “Wipeout”

    Quoted byThe New Republic (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    Ripping The Heart Out OfMore neutral: Undermining

    Dramatic metaphor amplifies a poll finding beyond its factual content, even though attributed to a speaker.

    Harry Enten Spots Stunning Shift ‘Ripping The Heart Out Of’ Donald Trump’s Presidency

    Quoted byHuffPost (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Loaded modifier

    Quoted

    RadioactiveMore neutral: unpopular

    Highly charged descriptor of Trump, though it is attributed to a quoted source.

    Rachel Maddow Exposes How ‘Radioactive’ Trump Is Blowing the Midterms

    Quoted byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

See the full language guide

See for yourself

Side by side

What each side leads with and what it leaves out. Open a side to read its headlines.

From the left

13 outlets · 2 opinion

Leads with

  • Trump’s approval collapse
  • GOP officials turning on Trump
  • Republicans avoiding campaigning with Trump

Leaves out

  • Cook Political Report’s specific seat-by-seat forecast
  • debate over whether Democratic polling lead is a 'sugar-high'

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 15 headlines from the leftHide the headlines

From the center

5 outlets

Leads with

  • nonpartisan forecasts (Cook Political Report)
  • debate over 'sugar-high' polling
  • GOP spending shifts into safe seats
  • Trump’s broader approval numbers

Leaves out

  • specific Republican campaigns snubbing Trump

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 5 headlines from the centerHide the headlines

From the right

4 outlets · 4 opinion

Leads with

  • detailed race-by-race and seat-count breakdowns
  • Trump’s reaction to intra-party criticism
  • cash advantage Republicans hold heading into midterms

Leaves out

  • reports of Republicans actively discouraging Trump from campaigning with them

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 8 headlines from the rightHide the headlines
  • The Daily WireFar Right

    5 Weeks To Go: Everything You Need To Know About Where The Midterms Stand

    There are 34 days to go until the 2026 midterm elections. Prognosticators are predicting a blue wave, but Republicans are using their massive cash advantage to try and stem the tide. …

    Read at The Daily Wire (opens in a new tab)
  • Breitbart NewsFar Right

    James Carville: November Is 'Going to Be a Deluge' on Republicans

    Monday on MS NOW’s “The Beat,” veteran Democratic strategist James Carville said the midterm elections will be like a “deluge” on Republicans. Host Ari Melber said, “I mentioned timing matters a lot, right? You don’t want your best lead or

    Read at Breitbart News (opens in a new tab)
    1 more from Breitbart News
  • The Center SquareRight

    Cook Political Report: 15 House races could flip U.S. House majority in November

    (The Center Square) – According to a new Cook Political Report analysis, 15 congressional races could determine the majority in the U.S. House in November. …

    Read at The Center Square (opens in a new tab)
  • Washington ExaminerRight

    Trump waves off Republican breaks as midterm grows closer

    President Donald Trump is not one to take a slight from a fellow Republican lightly. He successfully ousted Republicans he deemed not sufficiently loyal by endorsing primary challenges against Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). …

    Read at Washington Examiner (opens in a new tab)
    1 more from Washington Examiner
  • PJ MediaFar RightOpinion

    Frank Luntz Just Gave Democrats Sensational language“Devastating News”Frames the polling news with dramatic, judgment-laden language rather than neutral description.More neutral: Notable NewsDisagree with this highlight? About the Midterms

    Frank Luntz, a smart pollster who fell out of favor with the right for refusing to get on board with Donald Trump, just handed Republicans a Loaded modifier“glimmer of hope”Frames the polling data as good news for one side using emotionally suggestive language rather than neutral description.More neutral: a potentially favorable data pointDisagree with this highlight? for the midterms. And that hope comes from the very man Luntz spent years criticizing.

    Read at PJ Media (opens in a new tab)
  • TownhallFar RightOpinion

    Pollster's Latest 2026 Midterm Will Not Sit Well Wiht CNN’s Audience

    Frank Luntz knows the data. He’s polled countless voters; he knows this midterm cycle is Loaded modifier“trash for everyone”Dismissively characterizes the midterm cycle for all parties without specific support.More neutral: difficult for both partiesDisagree with this highlight?. The GOP and Trump are not polling so hot, but the Democrats are worse, and their latter entrenchment into their media bubbles is frankly no longer a teachable moment, …

    Read at Townhall (opens in a new tab)
  • RedStateFar RightOpinion

    Is the Sensational language“GOP Doomed”Presents a contested prediction as a dramatic absolute rather than a neutral description of political risk.More neutral: GOP facing difficultiesThis appears inside a quotation. The outlet is reporting someone else’s words.Disagree with this highlight?... or Is Someone Trying to Partisan shorthand“Depress GOTV”Suggests intentional manipulation of turnout through polling without evidence, framing it as a conclusion.More neutral: influence turnoutDisagree with this highlight? With Polls?

    As the days head inexorably towards Election Day, I have heard less and less from my usually Nervous Nelly of a Republican buddy, Cameron. This isn’t too surprising, as we have all seen how the CW (conventional wisdom) has swiftly moved towards the belief that “the GOP is Doomed …

    Read at RedState (opens in a new tab)
  • Hot AirFar RightOpinion

    Some Good News in the Midst of All the Wave Election Talk

    Time magazine ran a story yesterday headlined, "Sensational language“Republican Panic Sets In Over Prospects of a Massive Blue Wave”Quotes another outlet's headline using dramatic language about panic and a massive wave without independent verificationMore neutral: Time reported increased Republican concern about a potential Democratic Senate waveThis appears inside a quotation. The outlet is reporting someone else’s words.Disagree with this highlight?." That might be overstating things a bit but as the war with Iran drags on and gas prices keep climbing, there is definitely some real concern.

    Read at Hot Air (opens in a new tab)

Articles you open from here build My Mix, a private picture of how your reading spreads across the spectrum, kept on this device. What is My Mix?

The left is Far Left and Left together. The right is Right and Far Right together. Every outlet keeps its own five-point rating.

Who reported it when

How the coverage built up

  • Left

    First to report

    HuffPost, Sep 24, 9:35 AM EDT

  • Center

    19 hr 25 min later

    Its first report, Sep 25, 5:00 AM EDT

  • Right

    2 days 20 hr later

    Its first report, Sep 27, 6:00 AM EDT

See the order the outlets reported inHide the order
  1. HuffPostFar LeftSep 24, 9:35 AM EDT
  2. Rolling StoneFar LeftSep 24, 10:00 AM EDT
  3. The Christian Science MonitorCenterSep 25, 5:00 AM EDT
  4. NBC NewsLeftSep 25, 6:00 AM EDT
  5. The Daily BeastFar LeftSep 25, 7:35 AM EDT
  6. The Washington PostLeftSep 26, 5:00 AM EDT
  7. AxiosCenterSep 26, 9:05 AM EDT
  8. The HillCenterSep 26, 5:00 PM EDT
  9. The New York TimesLeftSep 27, 5:01 AM EDT
  10. Washington ExaminerRightSep 27, 6:00 AM EDT
  11. Breitbart NewsFar RightSep 27, 11:14 PM EDT
  12. France 24CenterSep 28, 12:50 PM EDT
  13. The Center SquareRightSep 28, 2:40 PM EDT
  14. BloombergLeftSep 28, 3:34 PM EDT
  15. CBS NewsLeftSep 28, 7:51 PM EDT
  16. The New RepublicFar LeftSep 29, 9:06 AM EDT
  17. The IndependentLeftSep 29, 12:16 PM EDT
  18. Mother JonesFar LeftSep 29, 3:33 PM EDT
  19. The Daily WireFar RightSep 30, 1:00 AM EDT
  20. Los Angeles TimesLeftSep 30, 6:00 AM EDT
  21. PoliticoLeftOct 1, 5:00 AM EDT
  22. SemaforCenterOct 1, 6:41 AM EDT

Times are the ones the outlets published in their own feeds, in Eastern time. Opinion is left out.

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