Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO, recently sat down with nationally-renowned political prognosticator, Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of the Cook Political Report, to preview Cook’s talk at Dairy Forum 2018. Cook is set to share insights on the factors that will most likely affect the midterm elections. Dykes also asked Cook to share what he thinks dairy leaders need to know before making decisions and planning for the year ahead. 

According to Cook, the party in power and the strength of the president’s job approval rating at the time of the election are traditionally the key factors that affect midterm election results. While the president’s party historically loses seats in both the Senate and the House in a midterm election, Cook said that number could be larger if the president has a job approval rating below 50 percent.

“Intensity wins, and I think that played in President Trump’s favor last year, but it could potentially work against Republicans in the midterm election,” Cook said. “I think you’re either going to have Republicans holding on by their fingernails after this election, or you’ll have Democrats get a majority, but only by their fingernails.”

Cook’s session, “What the Midterm Election May Bring,” will be held Tuesday, Jan. 23. For a longer preview, read his recent column, “Will the 2018 Midterms Follow Historic Patterns?”

Dairy Forum 2018

Dairy Forum 2018 will be held January 21-24 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California. Registration is now available online.

View the online agenda for a full listing of sessions and topics. For more information about hotel and travel reservations, visit the Dairy Forum 2018 microsite.

Members with questions may contact Melissa Lembke, IDFA manager of meetings and educational services, at registrar@idfa.org.