Charlie Cook

Harpswell

Political Analyst at NBC News

Political Analyst at National Journal

Founder and Contributor at The Cook Political Report

Non-partisan political analyst. Founder and Contributor to The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, political analyst for National Journal and NBC News.

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Articles

Dems Play Defense, but Republicans Still Have the Downside Risk

1 week ago | cookpolitical.com | Charlie Cook

Although the November 2026 midterm elections are a full 19 months away, the turbulence in the economy leads us to wonder whether President Trump will be a liability for the Republican Party in defending their Senate and House majorities, or if he will not be a determinative factor at all. During Trump’s first term, his highest Gallup Poll approval rating was 49 percent, with a low of 34 percent.
The one lever that can still move partisans

2 weeks ago | nationaljournal.com | Charlie Cook

Economic anxiety—encompassing inflation, the stock market, declining retirement-account balances—now seems to be at a once-a-generation level. President Trump’s stewardship of the economy, particularly his tariff policies, could hardly be more important as we look to the midterm elections.
The One Lever That Can Still Move Partisans

2 weeks ago | cookpolitical.com | Charlie Cook

Economic anxiety—encompassing inflation, the stock market, declining retirement-account balances—now seems to be at a once-a-generation level. President Trump’s stewardship of the economy, particularly his tariff policies, could hardly be more important as we look to the midterm elections.
Remembering Sen. Bennett Johnston

3 weeks ago | nationaljournal.com | Charlie Cook

Nearly everyone in and around politics has a story about who or what got them involved. Perhaps it was working on a campaign, on Capitol Hill, or at a state capitol. No matter where it was, it usually involves someone giving a young person an opportunity that changes the trajectory of their life. In fact, one of the better pieces of advice for young people is the importance of identifying role models, getting to know them, and soaking up as much knowledge from them as possible.
Remembering Sen. Bennett Johnston

3 weeks ago | cookpolitical.com | Charlie Cook

Nearly everyone in and around politics has a story about who or what got them involved. Perhaps it was working on a campaign, on Capitol Hill, or at a state capitol. No matter where it was, it usually involves someone giving a young person an opportunity that changes the trajectory of their life. In fact, one of the better pieces of advice for young people is the importance of identifying role models, getting to know them, and soaking up as much knowledge from them as possible.
It’s Not About Schumer. It’s About the Election.

1 month ago | cookpolitical.com | Charlie Cook

Most everyone has seen a child throwing a temper tantrum or having a meltdown—crying inconsolably, screaming, throwing and breaking things. Right now, a fair proportion of Democrats are throwing a tantrum of their own, their ire focused on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who’s seen demonstrations outside the building where he lives in New York City as well as outside his Senate office in Washington. Going after Schumer is a curious outlet for their discontent.
It's not about Schumer. It's about the election.

1 month ago | nationaljournal.com | Charlie Cook

Most everyone has seen a child throwing a temper tantrum or having a meltdown—crying inconsolably, screaming, throwing and breaking things. Right now, a fair proportion of Democrats are throwing a tantrum of their own, their ire focused on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who’s seen demonstrations outside the building where he lives in New York City as well as outside his Senate office in Washington. Going after Schumer is a curious outlet for their discontent.
Trump’s poll numbers are bad! No wait, they’re good!

1 month ago | nationaljournal.com | Natalie Jackson |Charlie Cook

Nearly half of voters cast their ballots last year hoping that President Trump would change the country. They have gotten their wish and then some. Immigration policy, foreign policy, economic policy, and the makeup of the federal bureaucracy are rapidly shifting. There has been so much change already that it’s hard to believe Trump has only been in office for two months.
Fretting for Republicans, Fratricide for Dems

1 month ago | cookpolitical.com | Charlie Cook

It isn’t that often that the developments of a single week scare the wits out of elected officials, operatives, and activists on both the Democratic and Republican sides, but this last week brought some things for each party to hate. For Republicans, data comes out several times a week showing the public is growing increasingly anxious about the economy in general and President Trump’s handling of it specifically.
Trump Didn’t Read the Fine Print on His Election Win

1 month ago | cookpolitical.com | Charlie Cook

The next to last draft of this column started with the line: “Both consumers and the markets are showing serious signs of the jitters.”But then my plane landed, and I checked the markets again, once they had closed for the day. At that point, “jitters” seemed like a bit of an understatement. The Dow average of 30 major stocks dropped 890 points for the day, a decline of 2.08 percent and 4 percent below its level at the time of President Trump’s election last November.