The U.S. midterms and what they may mean for Asia

Wins by Democrats in both houses will likely lead to a foreign policy more focused on Asia

• Despite persistent inflation, falling stock prices, flat job numbers and U.S. President Joe Biden’s falling popularity, the midterm elections could be much closer than many expect.  | REUTERS

• BY JOSHUA KURLANTZICK
• CONTRIBUTING WRITER

• Oct 14, 2022
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With the U.S. midterm elections looming, the Republican and Democratic parties are ramping up their advertising campaigns in key races, bolstering their social media presence, targeting voters in person and enlisting prominent politicians to endorse candidates at rallies nationwide.

Despite the domestic challenges facing the United States — persistent inflation, declining stock and bond markets, flat job figures and intense polarization — and the resultant low popularity of President Joe Biden, the midterm elections could be much closer than one might expect.