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How to think about the midterms and the political moment

Polls show Democrats ahead on the generic ballot by 8.9 points in one average, though results may take a while to arrive; the secret is out.

▶ As it aired · U.S.

Watch it as it aired: Vera Bullock on this story, from BBN Tonight at 7:22 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are NPR's, the jokes are ours.

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  1. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA source familiar with the matter is joining us from a parking garage, on condition that we never say which one.

  2. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSir, are the Democrats ahead?

  3. Cornelius TubbI can neither confirm nor deny. Eight point nine. That's the Nate Silver average, and you did not hear it from me.

  4. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIt's on his website, sir. We classify that as a very enthusiastic non-secret.

  5. Cornelius TubbThat's what they want you to think. I'm holding a ticket stub from this garage, and it's the only thing I trust.

  6. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorLet me ask you about the betting odds. Kalshi gives Democrats a ninety point seven percent chance at the House. Is that your number too?

  7. Cornelius TubbI can neither confirm nor deny, but yes, ninety point seven, and I'd say it a little louder if there weren't a van.

  8. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA van. I assume the statement reads, our source is secure, pending the van.

  9. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBut what about Kansas? One poll has Democrat Adam Hamilton at fifty and Senator Roger Marshall at forty-nine. Is that real?

  10. Cornelius TubbOne point. I can neither confirm nor deny one point. It's a point I'd describe as extremely close to a point.

  11. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorAnd the Republican pollster at NBC said, on the record, that Democrats are in total control of the issue agenda. Is he a leak?

  12. Cornelius TubbHim? He's a bigger leak than me. He said it with his name.

  13. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe Cook Political Report says five to fifteen seats, and you need two hundred eighteen. Anything classified you'd like to add?

  14. Cornelius TubbOnly that results may take a while to roll in, and that part nobody has told me.

  15. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorI'll note that our source remains fully on message. Sir, your stub says Thursday. Three days.

  16. Cornelius TubbThat, I can confirm.

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