Pollster Shares Latest Insights Into Iran War LIVE on National Television
Jun 08, 2026
Byline: American Pulse Staff
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Dustin Olson, lead pollster and Managing Partner at American Pulse Research & Polling, joined Newsmax’s National Report in-studio in New York City with hosts E.D. Hill and Bob Brooks.
Olson appeared alongside former Pennsylvania Congressman Dr. Tim Murphy to discuss developments involving military action in Iran, ongoing peace negotiations, energy prices, and the economic pressures shaping the political environment ahead of the midterm elections.
The conversation focused on recent polling revealing the complex state of American public opinion on the situation in Iran. Voters may support a strong national-security posture, but they are also weighing foreign policy developments against gas prices, personal finances, and broader household economic pressure.
Olson pointed to a new Harvard poll showing that Americans are more supportive of a strong posture than many might expect, despite negative coverage from legacy media. According to Olson, 59% of Americans say additional military action would be justified if Iran refuses to end its nuclear program, while 72% believe the U.S. is winning. Roughly two-thirds say America has the upper hand in negotiations.
Olson then turned the conversation to the counterbalance of energy prices, noting that foreign policy strength does not erase the economic concerns voters are feeling at home.
“More people now, 47%, say that their financial situation is worse,” Olson said, tying that sentiment to the cost of gas prices and broader household pressure.
Olson noted that while Republicans still hold a slight advantage over congressional Democrats on who voters trust more on the economy, that margin has narrowed from six points to roughly two points in a month.
Bottom line: Olson brought the discussion back to the effect the Iran situation is having on the economy and how that could impact Republicans heading into the midterms.
“The economy is hurting Republicans,” Olson said.
For campaigns, candidates, public affairs professionals, and communicators, the takeaway is clear: voters may support a strong national security posture, but kitchen-table economics remain central to how they judge political leadership.
Energy prices, personal finances, gas prices, inflation, and broader economic strain could play a decisive role as the midterm environment tightens.
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