With the midterm elections less than a week away, Republicans seem to have the momentum, and according to CNN Analyst Chris Cillizza, their focus on crime is a major reason why.
- According to a CNN analysis of AdImpact data, Republicans spent $64.5 million on ads focusing on crime through the first three weeks of October.
WHY IT MATTERS – If Democrats are punished this election for embracing police and justice reforms like ending cash bail, it makes it less likely that politicians will risk implementing such reforms in the future.
- This is a stunning turnaround from the aftermath of the George Floyd protests in the summer of 2020.
BY THE NUMBERS – Cillizza cites new polling data from Gallup that reveals why the Republican focus on crime is paying dividends.
- 56 percent believe crime is worse where they live than a year ago. That is up 11 points from 2021 and 18 points from 2020
- 78 percent of Americans say there is now more crime in the U.S.
- More Americans are worried about being murdered, sexually assaulted, and being attacked in their car or home than they were just one year ago.
BOTTOM LINE – Americans feel threatened by the crime wave extending across the country and seem poised to hold Democrats responsible at the ballot box.
GO DEEPER – Read Cillizza’s article here.