U.S.THE INTERVIEW
In private, top Republicans believe the House is a lost cause
Republican groups are working to limit their losses, though few in the party believe they have a good shot at keeping control of Congress; so much for the confident yard signs.
At a glance
- First reported by Politico: “In private, top Republicans believe the House is a lost cause”.
- Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 7:10 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Vera Bullock.
- Topics: Republicans.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorPolitico reports that in private, top Republicans believe the House is a lost cause, and party groups are now trying to limit their losses.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorJoining us from Dayton is Walt Szymanski, who owns Szymanski's Yard Signs and Trophies. Walt, you print for every campaign in town.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWhat are people ordering?
Walt SzymanskiMorning, Vera. Between you and me, orders are strong on both sides, and I do mean both. I keep a rack for each.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBoth? The story says the party's own leaders think the House is gone. Are their signs reflecting that?
Walt SzymanskiLoudly, no. The signs say victory. But between you and me, the second batch they ordered has smaller print and a lot more thank-you.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThank-you?
Walt SzymanskiA concession banner is a very versatile product, Vera. I've got this roll here, blank, and it ships overnight.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo the people who say they're winning are privately pre-ordering the speech where they say they didn't. Do the Democrats do the same?
Walt SzymanskiSame rack, other side. Between you and me, nobody on either team trusts their own poll.
Walt SzymanskiThey trust my invoice, because that one has a due date.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWalt, you may be the most accurate forecaster in the state, and you don't even charge for it.
Walt SzymanskiI charge, Vera. Twelve dollars a sign, volume discount for the ones that say Thank You Ohio.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorLast one. Which sign goes in your own yard?
Walt SzymanskiBetween you and me, I rent the yard out. Whoever's winning on Tuesday gets the good corner, and I keep the banner for whoever isn't.
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months



