"Mid" is a slang term whose origin has been attributed to Generation Z and means "of mediocre or disappointing quality."
In these Nov. 3 midterm elections, "disappointed" might be how some voters feel about the results. But "mediocre" doesn't seem to fit the fiery, high-stakes atmosphere of these particular biennial contests, which are testing historical political boundaries and will determine the viability of President Donald Trump's unconventional and disruptive agenda over his two remaining years.
For this Forum feature, we wanted to know how you, our USA TODAY readers, feel about these unusual midterms. So we fired questions at you about what the most important issue was and how you would grade the Trump administration and Congress at this crucial
point in the political calendar. You responded with a flood of answers, a sample of which you can read below. To participate in future Opinion Forums, check in at usatoday.com/forum or drop us a note at forum@usatoday.com.
I worry about armed military personnel at voting sites
I've already voted by mail and do intend to also vote in 2028. I think the most important issue of these midterm elections is saving democracy from President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.
On election night, I'll be following the Michigan U.S. Senate race and governor's race. I'll also be watching the U.S. Senate race in Texas. As for who gets control of the House and Senate, I want the Democrats to win them both. The Democrats SHOULD win.
To change our elections for the better, we must repeal the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
I worry that Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency stole voting data and have rigged voting machines in swing states. And I worry about armed military personnel being at voting sites. Republicans will challenge all losses in the courts and try to undermine certification of newly elected Democrats.
— Lawrence Walch, Michigan
Pollsters have it all wrong
I would give the Trump administration an overall B, which could be improved if the administration would finish the Iran war.
For the president alone, I would give him a B, because he is good on immigration, crime, and government fraud and abuse. I don't fault him for inflation. I believe outside factors determine it.
I would give Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a B, because he is focused on what the military needs and less on ranking officers.
Republicans in Congress get a C, because they lost the opportunity to push through more of the Trump agenda and are ineffective leaders. Congressional Democrats get an F. The only thing they care about is opposing everything Trump does.
I think that after the midterms, Republicans will control the Senate and House. I think pollsters have it all wrong, and there will be a larger Republican turnout than expected. Democrats don't have any solutions except tax the rich.
— M.J. Selle, Texas
Trump wants to be Putin
I have not voted yet, but plan to vote in person on Election Day. The most important issue is the economy!
On election night, I'll be following all the House and Senate races, and I believe the Democrats will win both chambers. What I wish were different about the 2026 election cycle is that the president would keep his mouth shut and let the election process work as it always has. This president will do anything to rule as he wants. He wants to be a dictator like Russian President Vladimir Putin.
— Glenn Ball, Kentucky
A dark shadow on this election
I already voted early in person. Champaign County, Illinois, makes early voting easy.
I think the economy and reproductive rights are the most important issues this election. And I'll be following all the Senate races. Democrats should win the House and will most likely win the Senate.
What do I wish were different this election cycle? The constant and unwarranted interference by the Trump administration that tries to discredit a good and honest system has put a dark shadow on this election. I'm not worried about fraud, but the Trump threats to voter integrity are scary and uncalled for.
— Jeffrey Nelson, Illinois
A view from Puerto Rico
I would rate the Trump administration's overall performance as a B. To improve that score, the president could have a better foreign policy. I would also give Hegseth a B.
In Congress, I would give Republicans a B and Democrats a C. After the midterms, I predict the Democrats will control the House and the Republicans will control the Senate.
— Manuel Villalon, Puerto Rico
Congressional Dems and Republicans both get D grades
I would give the Trump administration a D for its overall performance. How could that grade be raised? Honor agreements once made. Stop imposing tariffs on a whim. Do something about Social Security. Start managing our national debt.
Overall, I give Trump an F. He cannot be trusted. Canada, Europe, Ukraine and the rest of the world no longer trust America to abide by our word. He has no moral compass and no honor.
I give Hegseth a C. He tries but makes some weird decisions.
Congressional Democrats and Republicans get a D. They let Trump run roughshod over them. I don't think it matters which party controls Congress. We can only hope for the best until Trump finishes his term.
— Leroy Ritter, Missouri
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump? Economy? Voters say this is most crucial midterm issue | Your Turn
