The midterms as a story of power and balance

Washington | Oct. 20, 2026, 5:00 a.m. ET | 2 min read As we prepared this issue of the magazine, in the run-up to the U.S. midterm elections, I found two words coming to mind: power and balance.The craft of politics brings questions of power to the fore: Who will wield it, and toward what ends?In a democracy, questions of balance come not far behind: Leaders and institutions need enough power to be able to accomplish their expected tasks for the public good – and enough checks on that power to restrain corruption or tyranny. These aren’t just theoretical abstractions. Over the past two years, we’ve reported on the numerous ways President Donald Trump has been testing the unilateral use of executive power. Coming in the next issue, our White House correspondent Linda Feldmann reports on why that muscular approach – supported by his loyal base – might continue regardless of who wins control of Congress.President Trump is not on the ballot this fall, but he has been asking voters to pretend that he is – a stance that has prompted analysts to describe these midterms as a referendum on the occupant of the White House.What about balance? For one thing, voters are the ultimate check on any elected official. According to Pew Research Center polling a month before Election Day, nearly 2 in 3 voters consider President Trump a factor in their vote. Some 44% view their vote as being against him, while 19% say they’ll vote in support of him. Those numbers rhyme with other polling – and with the history of midterm elections – suggesting that Democrats hold an edge. Our package of maps and text on pages 12-15 (available here for subscribers) shows some key ideas underpinning the current elections – and the prospect that Democrats could become a stronger counterweight to the president if they regain control of the House, Senate, or both. And on page 10, Simon Montlake looks at people seeking to reform the U.S. Constitution. Deepen your worldviewwith Monitor Highlights.Politics with respectGet political stories with respectful analysis.There‘s a world of new ideas in everyBooks newsletter.There‘s more to life, enrich yours withCulture & Learning weekly.Follow humanity‘s discoveries withScience & Nature stories in your inbox.Gain a spiritual perspectivefrom the stories in your inbox.Want to understand the deeper impact of critical events? Learn the Monitor‘s insight.Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads. Beyond the potential rebalancing in terms of who controls key levers of power, our reporting hints at another kind of balance that many voters are seeking – a shift toward more bipartisan dialogue and cooperation. Polls consistently show that many more Americans (about 47%, according to Gallup a year ago) want to see their leaders exemplify compromise than take a stick-to-beliefs approach (24%).When Monitor reporter Sophie Hills traveled to Iowa not long ago, she described both candidates in the governor’s race there as “to some extent running away from their own parties.” Republican Zach Lahn is emphasizing local issues including the environment. Democrat Rob Sand is calling for more cooperation and respect. Sophie observed how Mr. Sand opens his campaign appearances by inviting the Republicans and independents to raise their hands – and then leads applause for both groups. Recent polls give Mr. Sand an edge to flip this red state blue. ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LoginReal news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.The Christian Science Monitor was founded in 1908 to lift the standard of journalism and uplift humanity. We aim to “speak the truth in love.” Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions. Join us in this mission by subscribing.