The Polling Shift That Could Crack the Two-Party System | Behind the Numbers w/ Rick & Andrew Wilson

Rick Wilson and Andrew Wilson break down the polling shift that could reshape the 2026 midterms: 47% of Americans now identify as independent, Trump’s approval is underwater, and six in ten voters reject his economy. On Behind the Numbers, Rick and Andrew explain why the middle of America is leaving both major parties, why Iran and gas prices could become a brutal issue for Republicans, why Democrats cannot let MAGA “own the flag,” and which Senate races could surprise everyone in 2026. 00:00 Intro 00:32 America’s Political Identity Is Shifting 02:22 The New Political Groups Defining America 04:32 Abortion, Race, Health Care, and Wedge Issues 09:10 Independents Outnumber Both Parties 10:05 Could America Become a Multi-Party System? 15:40 Could an Independent Win the Presidency? 18:04 Rick and Andrew Debate Ranked Choice Voting 22:07 Trump’s Approval Is Underwater 22:50 Six in Ten Reject Trump’s Economy 23:49 Iran, Gas Prices, and Trump’s Bad Week 26:05 America’s 250th and the Patriotism Gap 29:07 Why Democrats Lost Rural Voters 31:27 Surprise Senate Races to Watch 34:21 Iowa, Nebraska, and the Midwest Warning Sign 35:21 Florida, Georgia, and Texas Races 36:52 Why Democrats Need the Base Plus Rule 38:21 Wrap Up 🤝 Join the Lincoln Square community on Substack today for unparalleled insights, expert commentary, and news from your favorite pro-democracy voices. Subscribe for free at: https://bit.ly/4jCEUFj 🔔 Subscribe to Lincoln Square on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3YEQB4N -🛍️ Get Official Pro-Democracy Merch & Protest Gear Support the movement and wear it proudly. Use code YOUTUBE for 15% off 👉 https://bit.ly/4pBuhUI 💙 Support Independent, Pro-Democracy Media Your support helps inform disengaged Americans nationwide. Every $10 reaches 1,000 voters with the facts. Donate via ActBlue: https://bit.ly/4sBec40 📲 Stay Connected with Lincoln Square Instagram:   / lincolnsquarehq   Facebook:   / lincolnsquarehq   TikTok:   / lincolnsquarehq   Sez Us: https://sez.us/user/lincolnsquarehq?1... BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lincolnsquar... YouTube:    / @lincolnsquaremedia   Xitter: https://x.com/LincolnSquareHQ Substack: lincolnsquare.media #politics #trump #polls #politicnews #pollingdata