Polls and other data suggest Republicans could face a bloodbath in the November midterm elections.

When I voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, I didn't consider myself a MAGA Republican, though I'm sure I look like one to the average Democrat. My vote was transactional, as it was for a remarkable number of conservatives, especially young men. Their mandate was clear: Destroy the establishment, shrink unnecessary government programs, cut taxes, strengthen the military, secure the border and give back to the people what's theirs.

Many of those voters now feel shortchanged, and I understand why. But conservatives who stay home this November, or hand Congress to Democrats to send a message, would be trading lasting wins for a protest vote over gas prices.

Trump's strong start didn't last. He campaigned on no new wars and low gas prices. Now gas prices are approaching their highest level of the year, diesel has hit record highs and he started a war with Iran that has no end game. Polling shows the war was the turning point – when his job approval rating began to slide.

Americans have less money in their pockets, and those feeling the squeeze could hand Democrats a blue wave. Gas prices are brutal, yes. But a Democratic........

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