Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) claimed on CBS's 'Face the Nation' that President Donald Trump's voter coalition has 'completely collapsed' due to economic challenges, including skyrocketing gas prices and surging inflation. Lieu argued that Republicans' advantage in the midterms has shrunk to just three to five seats, insufficient to stop a Democratic 'blue wave.' He criticized the Virginia Supreme Court for overturning a redistricting election, calling it a 'disgraceful' waste of taxpayer money.
CBS host Margaret Brennan challenged Lieu on Democratic messaging, noting that the party 'lost' the fight over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. Brennan questioned how Democrats plan to lower costs after failing to secure policy concessions during the shutdown. Lieu responded by highlighting Democratic efforts to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits and reverse Republican cuts to healthcare programs.
The DHS shutdown, which began on February 14, ended when Trump signed a funding bill on April 30. Lieu emphasized that Democrats will focus on reducing healthcare and energy costs in the midterms.