GOP Midterm Warning Signs, Violent Riots in France, Oregon Shooting Hero Identified: AM Update 10/19

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

It's time to vote, and President Trump needs you. He cut taxes, secured the border, and put American workers first. Inflation is going down, jobs are going up, and the future is looking bright. DSA Democrats are so mad, they can't decide whether they want to abolish prison or put Trump there. Go to gopvotes.org right now. Defend Trump, defeat the DSA, vote early right now. Paid for by SLF PAC, not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. www.slfpac.org.

Megyn Kelly (0:37)

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, October 19th, 2026, and this is your AM Update.

Steve Kornacki (0:43)

The advantage of this decision desk poll here for Democrats is nine points.

Megyn Kelly (0:48)

New polling reveals major warning signs for Republicans just ahead of the midterms.

Emmanuel Macron (0:53)

We all tonight feel angry.

We feel shame as well. Seeing the disasters that have unfolded in our streets.

Megyn Kelly (1:01)

France confronting widespread looting after violent riots leave historic landmarks in ruins and thousands under arrest. An Air Force service member killed in a repelling accident before a college football game in Texas. And new details about the deadly school shooting in Oregon, including the heroic actions of a father and two teachers who fought to save children from the gunman. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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New polling showing Republicans facing serious headwinds in the final stretch before the midterm elections has Democrats expand their advantage in polls for the battle to control Congress. A new Washington Post ABC News Ipsos poll finds President Trump's approval rating has fallen to just 33%.

That is the lowest of either of his terms in office. Democrats now holding an eight point lead on the generic congressional ballot, up from just three points in July. The economy emerging as a major vulnerability for Republicans with only 28% of Americans approving of the president's handling of it. A separate NBC News decision desk poll revealing similar warning signs. Chief data analyst Steve Kornacki explains.

Steve Kornacki (3:14)

The big picture question here, Trump's approval rating, our decision desk poll. Again, this is registered voters here. Bit of a wider net than you see in other polls out there right now, but 39% here, the approval rating. And again, this continues to be the story asking, the approval of Trump on inflation here, only 31%, 34% in the run. Also seeing this, the generic ballot here. Which party would you like to see control Congress? The advantage in this decision desk poll here for Democrats is nine points there.

Getting toward the high side for Democrats, very alarming for Republicans. And again, what's driving this? You're asking folks, your financial situation, compare it to a year ago. How is it 44% saying worse now than a year ago? By the way, among independents, outright majority, 53% say worse now than a year ago.

Megyn Kelly (4:03)

Democrats also enjoying an enthusiasm advantage, leading by 12 points among voters who say they will definitely cast a ballot in November. Despite those numbers, House Speaker Mike Johnson, yesterday on Fox News, insisting Republicans can defy historical trends and retain control of Congress.

Mike Johnson (4:21)

I'm going to the swing districts. I'm going to the places that the pundits and the pollsters say we're going to lose. They are wrong. We have incredible turnout. And our voters just need to ignore all the noise and go vote. Do your civic duty. That's why that enthusiasm is picked up right now. I understand this is a contrast election between common sense and crazy. And the American people are not signing up for crazy. That's why we're going to win.

Megyn Kelly (4:46)

The speaker's optimism coming as Republicans look to avoid the losses that have traditionally plagued the president's party during midterm elections. CNN's Harry Enton yesterday offering a more encouraging assessment for Republicans, pointing to previous elections when the party outperformed its polling numbers.