Past the peak

Strategists in both parties see the 2022 electoral environment as the strongest for Republicans in a generation — and the most perilous for Democrats.

The most potent way to reverse that? Slow the rate of inflation.

A CBS News poll earlier this month pegged Biden’s approval rating at a record low of 42 percent — and it was even lower for his handling of the economy — 37 percent — and inflation — 31 percent.

Some economists believe inflation has peaked, and the growth rate in prices will slow in the coming months. And the Biden White House is plotting a new focus on the scourge of rising prices.

That could help stop the bleeding, but voters may not buy it in time for the midterms. If they did, and Biden’s approval rating rose, it would put Democrats in a stronger position to defend their most vulnerable “Toss Up” senators: Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), Mark Kelly (Ariz.) and Raphael Warnock (Ga.).