September 18, 2026
Jim Messina joined Kate Bolduan in studio on CNN News Central to break down what new Republican ad spending data reveals about their midterm outlook. Of more than 500 Republican ads analyzed this month, just 12 mention President Trump by name. Meanwhile MAGA Inc. is spending $100 million on TV in districts carried by Trump. Jim explains why Republicans cannot win turnout without Trump even as his approval rating among Hispanic voters on inflation sits at 7% and his numbers with independents are some of the worst we have seen for an incumbent in a generation.