U.S.TOP STORY
Midterms test confidence as Trump, Newsom and Harris hit the trail
Pew puts confidence that the midterms will be fair and accurate at fifty-five percent, down from eighty-one in twenty twenty-two; the hangar, at least, held.

From the show
At a glance
- First reported by NPR: “The midterms will test the nation's political direction and confidence”, with reporting from The New York Times, Yahoo News, Pew Research Center, Leger, FOX 5 San Diego and Zetik (citing Los Angeles Times and The New York Times).
- Covered on BBN on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 3:50 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Chip Darnell and Dale Bearman.
- Topics: Trump.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- NPRThe midterms will test the nation's political direction and confidence
- The New York TimesNewsom and Harris Appear Together, With Little Hint of What’s to Come
- Yahoo NewsThe 2026 midterms are just 3 days away. Which party has a better chance of winning? Here's what the latest polls say. facts used on air
- Pew Research CenterHow confident are Americans in the midterm elections’ fairness and accuracy? August 5, 2026 · facts used on air
- Leger2026 U.S. Midterms: Voting Intentions and Public Opinion October 27, 2026 · facts used on air
- FOX 5 San DiegoCandidates rally in California ahead of Tuesday general election November 1, 2026 · facts used on air
- Zetik (citing Los Angeles Times and The New York Times)Newsom, Harris Rally for Becerra Before Tuesday Vote as 2028 Questions Linger November 1, 2026 · facts used on air
What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorMidterm elections are tomorrow, Tuesday, November third, and NPR says some part of the country will have its political confidence tested in the days and weeks ahead.

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorPew has confidence that the midterms will be fair and accurate at fifty-five percent. It was eighty-one percent in twenty twenty-two.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorFifty-five is still more than half, Dale. That's a passing grade in some of the classes I took.

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorOnly twenty-three percent told Yahoo and YouGov they're confident it won't be rigged. So three in four are bracing for something.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnd in Los Angeles, Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris appeared together for the first time this year to back Xavier Becerra.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSeveral hundred people showed up.

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorTwo possible presidential candidates on one stage, and the Times headline says there's little hint of what's to come. Not a hint.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo who's the rally for, the candidate or the next one?

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorBoth Californians show up Tuesday. I bet fifty-five percent of them think it counts.

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorPolls say Democrats lead the generic ballot by nearly nine points, on average. That's Yahoo's average.

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorAt least the hangar was confirmed. Twice.
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Monday, November 2, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months






