Earlier this year, Congress reached a depressing milestone: 86% of Americans, a record high, disapproved of its job performance, according to recent polling. But this summer, signs of change are emerging on both sides of the aisle.
Democrats shift on Israel and embrace progressives
On the left, House Democrats voted in unprecedented numbers to withhold military aid from Israel, marking a significant policy shift. Across the country, progressive candidates are running competitive primary campaigns that energize a base fed up with the status quo. The rise of the Democratic Socialists of America has been a notable factor, according to David Smith, the Guardian's Washington bureau chief.
Republicans face leadership turmoil
On the right, Republicans are reeling from the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. Meanwhile, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell remains sequestered following a health scare in June, raising questions about a potential changing of the guard. Rachel Leingang, midwest political correspondent, noted that these events could reshape GOP leadership.
Summer inflection point for both parties
Kai Wright and Carter Sherman discussed with Smith and Leingang the themes of gerontocracy, transparency, and whether this summer marks an inflection point for both parties. The conversation also touched on the upcoming US midterm elections in 2026 and the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
This page was amended on 23 July 2026. A previous version misspelled Lindsey Graham.
