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Montana Smokejumper Sam Forstag Campaigns for Congress, Citing Loss of Empathy in U.S. Society

Montana Smokejumper Sam Forstag Campaigns for Congress, Citing Loss of Empathy in U.S. Society

Sam Forstag, a former smokejumper and Democratic candidate, is running for Congress in Montana's first congressional district, campaigning on the belief that the U.S. has lost its empathy. Forstag's platform is deeply personal, arguing that economic pressures force Americans to prioritize survival over compassion for their neighbors. He recounts a personal anecdote from 2013 where he couldn't stop to help a stranded motorist due to financial constraints, a moment that shaped his political identity. Forstag, a scholarship kid raised by a single mother, has built his campaign around addressing the economic struggles of the working class, which he believes are exploited by politicians like President Trump to fuel culture wars and anti-immigrant rhetoric. He aims to flip a district that has historically favored Republicans, galvanizing young and working-class voters with his message.
USA TodayUSA Today
'Pretend I'm on the ballot.' Takeaways from Trump's midterm convention

'Pretend I'm on the ballot.' Takeaways from Trump's midterm convention

President Trump urged supporters to vote as if he's on the ballot and offered Americans a $5,000 dividend if Republicans keep control of Congress.
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President Trump's Approval Rating Averages Around 40% in Early September 2026

President Trump's Approval Rating Averages Around 40% in Early September 2026

As of September 9, 2026, President Trump's approval rating is approximately 40%, according to major polling groups such as RealClearPolitics and Ballotpedia. While individual polls vary, RealClearPolitics reports a 39.7% approval, and Ballotpedia shows 40%. Other polls indicate figures ranging from 32% (Quinnipiac University) to 37% (ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos). Despite the overall lower approval, President Trump maintains a steady approval rating among Republicans, which remains between 75% and 80% across national surveys. Historically, the lowest individual approval rating for a U.S. president in a single poll was 22%, held by Harry S. Truman in February 1952.
ReutersReuters
Trump offers $5,000 to every American if Republicans win midterm elections

Trump offers $5,000 to every American if Republicans win midterm elections

By Nandita Bose, Steve Holland and Nathan Layne DALLAS, Sept 9 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would pay every American adult a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans retain control of Congress in November's midterm election, a striking attempt to persuade voters to back his
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President Trump Puts Himself Center Stage for Midterm Elections, Raising Concerns About GOP Backlash

President Trump Puts Himself Center Stage for Midterm Elections, Raising Concerns About GOP Backlash

President Trump is positioning himself as the central figure in the upcoming midterm elections, with a Republican convention in Dallas designed to showcase his influence. His advisers believe he is the key to mobilizing the MAGA faithful to prevent a 'midterm catastrophe' for Republicans. However, this strategy is being questioned, with concerns that it could backfire due to President Trump's low approval ratings, which threaten to drag down other GOP candidates. The convention, dubbed 'Trumpapalooza,' will feature President Trump prominently over two days, aiming to make the elections a referendum on his record, even though he is not on the ballot.
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New Hampshire Primary Day Tests Democratic and Republican Playbooks Amidst National Political Climate

New Hampshire Primary Day Tests Democratic and Republican Playbooks Amidst National Political Climate

New Hampshire is holding its primary elections, with both Democratic and Republican parties facing internal dynamics shaped by national political trends. For Democrats, some progressive candidates are attempting to replicate a 2006 upset victory, challenging the party's traditional 'cautious centrist' playbook. Despite significant spending by more centrist candidates, progressive contenders have gained ground, indicating a restless mood within the Democratic Party. On the Republican side, the primaries are testing the enduring influence of President Trump. Despite his low approval ratings nationally, President Trump continues to command strong support within the Republican Party, with his endorsements playing a significant role in shaping primary outcomes. Candidates are largely aligning with President Trump's positions on key issues, and his endorsement has proven to be a powerful factor in the U.S. Senate and 1st Congressional District races.
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New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District Sees Shaheen and DiLorenzo Win Primaries

New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District Sees Shaheen and DiLorenzo Win Primaries

In New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, Stefany Shaheen narrowly won the Democratic primary, securing 37% of the vote against Maura Sullivan's 35%, with 88% of votes counted. On the Republican side, Anthony DiLorenzo achieved a decisive victory with approximately 51% of the vote. This district is considered crucial for both parties in their quest for a majority in Congress, as the incumbent, four-term Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas, is running for the U.S. Senate. Shaheen, daughter of retiring U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, entered the race with high name recognition, while DiLorenzo, a first-time political candidate and founder of Key Auto group, largely self-funded his campaign and received an early endorsement from President Trump.
AP NewsAP News
The Latest: First speakers at GOP midterm convention praise Trump ahead of president’s speech

The Latest: First speakers at GOP midterm convention praise Trump ahead of president’s speech

Republicans are gathering in Dallas for a unique two-day midterm convention, focusing on President Donald Trump
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President Trump's Declining Approval Becomes 'Anchor' for Michigan Republicans Ahead of Midterms

President Trump's Declining Approval Becomes 'Anchor' for Michigan Republicans Ahead of Midterms

President Trump's job approval numbers in Michigan have significantly declined, now mirroring the struggling position faced by Democrat Joe Biden at the beginning of 2024. This shift in voter sentiment poses a direct threat to Michigan Republicans as they head into the pivotal midterm elections, just eight weeks away. Two years prior, President Trump had successfully leveraged voter dissatisfaction in Michigan to secure the White House. However, the current political landscape in the battleground state has flipped, with his popularity now acting as a detriment to his party's candidates.
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Fox Business Correspondent Warns President Trump Against Focus on Renaming States and Lakes, Citing Potential Midterm Losses

Fox Business Correspondent Warns President Trump Against Focus on Renaming States and Lakes, Citing Potential Midterm Losses

Charles Gasparino, a senior correspondent for Fox Business, has issued a public warning to President Trump regarding his current political priorities. Gasparino expressed concern that President Trump's focus on renaming geographical locations, such as Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' and suggesting 'New America' for New Mexico, is a misdirection from issues that matter to voters. He also criticized President Trump's frequent attacks on Hassan Piker. Gasparino believes these actions are detrimental to the Republican Party's prospects in the upcoming midterm elections. He emphasized that while the economy shows some positive top-line numbers, the administration's focus on tariffs has complicated the narrative around elevated prices, and the war in Iran is currently a net negative. Democratic New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has dismissed President Trump's suggestion to rename her state, highlighting that New Mexico's name predates the United States and accusing President Trump of attempting to distra...
AP NewsAP News
The Latest: Trump centers himself in pitch to midterm voters, promising payouts if the GOP wins

The Latest: Trump centers himself in pitch to midterm voters, promising payouts if the GOP wins

Republicans are gathering in Dallas for a unique two-day midterm convention, focusing on President Donald Trump
AP NewsAP News
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Rhode Island’s state primary

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Rhode Island’s state primary

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces a tough Democratic primary challenge Wednesday in his bid for a second full term