A new Verasight survey for The Argument Magazine places Democrats narrowly ahead of Republicans on the national generic congressional ballot, 51% to 49% when partisan leaners are included. Excluding leaners, Democrats lead 44.5% to 42.0%, with 13.4% of respondents undecided. The same poll shows both major parties’ leading figures under water on favourability, led by former President Donald Trump at 44% favourable to 54% unfavourable. Sub-group polling points to a sharply segmented electorate. An Economist survey conducted in late August among voters aged 18 to 29 gives Democrats a 26-point advantage, 48% to 22%. By contrast, a YouGov poll of male voters conducted over the same period shows Republicans ahead 43% to 36%. Gallup’s latest monthly mood check underscores the depth of partisan polarisation: none of the Democrats sampled said they are satisfied with the direction of the country, while 76% of Republicans expressed satisfaction. The resulting 76-point gap is the largest Gallup has recorded since it began tracking the question.