Democrats ahead in big Republican states: Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Texas | BBC Americast

This BBC Americast episode looks at recent polling that shows Democratic candidates ahead in several traditionally Republican states, including Ohio, Kansas, Iowa and Texas. The hosts discuss why Democrats are doing well in places such as Kansas, which has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932, and how much the polls can be trusted. The discussion covers the Democrats' goal of flipping four Republican Senate seats in the midterm elections, and how the picture differs in Democratic-held states such as Maine and Michigan. The episode also includes an interview with Democratic strategist and pollster John Anzalone, who discusses caution about a possible "blue wave" and the issues candidates should focus on before polling day.

• Recent polls showing Democrats ahead in Ohio, Kansas, Iowa and Texas
• Why Democrats are competitive in Kansas and how reliable the polls are
• Democratic hopes of flipping four Republican Senate seats
• Interview with pollster John Anzalone on a possible blue wave

How confident should Democrats be about surprise new polling which puts them ahead in deep Republican territory? In states such as Kansas which haven’t elected a Democratic senator since 1932, Democrat candidates are doing well - why is that, and how much can we trust the polls? The party’s hope for a blue wave in this year’s midterm elections rest on their ability to flip four Republican seats in the Senate. While the polls suggest the Democrats are ahead in Texas, Alaska and Ohio, the picture is more complicated in Democratic states like Maine and Michigan, which many believe the party must hold on to if they’re to reclaim control of Congress. Sarah and Justin unpack the latest polls and what it tell us about Democrat and Republican strategy before we speak to the Democratic strategist and pollster John Anzalone. He’s currently working on Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign in North Carolina and most recently served on Joe Biden’s successful 2020 campaign. He tell us why Democrats should be cautious about hopes for a blue wave in November and the issues candidates need to focus on in the run-up to polling day. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews