Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction , according to the latest NBC News/Marist poll . Despite good economic news and record - low gas prices , Democrats have still struggled this cycle . An unpopular president has kept Democrats from building up economic gains . And with many Americans still hurting , it 's difficult to boast economic growth . Plus , issues like immigration and terrorism have crowded out Democratic talking points .
Despite good economic news and record - low gas prices , Democrats have still struggled this cycle . An unpopular president has kept Democrats from building up economic gains . And with many Americans still hurting , it 's difficult to boast economic growth . Plus , issues like immigration and terrorism have crowded out Democratic talking points .