Polls, pundits and horserace coverage are NOT what we need for the midterms

What if the media were to get obsessed about things that really matter? What a concept!

Posted Monday, August 24, 2026 9:00 am

Margaret Sullivan | American Crisis

Is the mainstream news media hopeless?

If I thought so, I wouldn’t be writing this newsletter to advocate for journalism that serves the democracy.

But with the incredibly consequential midterm elections just around the corner — Election Day is only 10 weeks away — I'm not optimistic.

Just look at what’s happened in recent weeks.

Click here to read more.

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Polls, pundits and horserace coverage are NOT what we need for the midterms

What if the media were to get obsessed about things that really matter? What a concept!

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