Can a Bull Market Beat a Blue Wave?

For a long time now, the economy has been doing quite well, thank you very much. Job growth is up, unemployment is near a 50-year low and the stock market has been on a bullish climb for more than 10 years — nearly the longest stretch in its history by some accounts.

All that good economic news has the Trump administration pleased. The president’s economic advisor Larry Kudlow boasted that the White House’s policies — including protectionist tariffs, tax cuts and loosening of regulations — deserve the credit. 

"Our economy, our investors, our workforce are crushing it right now.  We are crushing it," he told the president at a cabinet meeting on cabinet meeting last week.

As the midterm elections move closer, Republicans are hoping the rosy economic picture will prevent a "blue wave" of Democrats from taking control of the House of Representatives, and perhaps even Congress. But will a steadily rising stock market, good job numbers and consistent economic growth be enough to make a difference for the G.O.P. in November?

This week on Money Talking, Charlie Herman speaks with Ben White, chief economic correspondent for Politico and host of the podcast "Politico Money" about whether or not voters will be thinking about their pocketbook when they enter the voting booth.

Ahead of the midterm election, Republicans are hoping a strong economy will help them keep control of Congress. But will it be enough in November?