CBS News
Republicans head into final week with lead in seats, voters feel things are “out of control” — CBS News Battleground Tracker poll
The election is already underway; millions have voted, and tens of millions more will before Nov. 8. Amid that, eight in 10 likely voters describe things in the country today as “out of control,” as opposed to “under control.”
That doesn’t bode well for the party in power: Republicans are winning those who say “out of control” right now by more than 20 points, though they’re often the ones feeling that way to begin with.
So where do things stand?
Republicans today remain in good position to win a majority of seats in the House. However, voters’ current intentions suggest anything from a sizable GOP majority to a bare Democratic one possible. Our latest model indicates a range of possibilities, which you can explore using the interactive tool below.
In our baseline model, Republicans lead in 228 seats. It represents a slight shift their way from a few weeks ago, with the party recapturing some of the leads that slipped from them in the summer.
That would constitute a 15-seat gain — lower than average for a party challenging a first-term president in recent history. At that level, the majority line is just on the lower edge of the margin of error for our model.
If you’re watching on election night, this scenario may not be clear right away, depending on which particular seats flip. (Seven in 10 voters do expect it to take at least a few days — maybe more than a week — to know all the results.)
So what, politically, does the scenario look like in which Democrats manage to hold the House? We ran our estimates through a turnout model in which younger voters turn out in much higher numbers than our baseline model indicates, bailing Democrats out late in the game. This would run counter to what we’ve seen in recent weeks, both from what young voters tell us in surveys and from early ballot returns, but it isn’t impossible.
It’s more akin to what happened four years ago, with voters under 45 and people of color voting in droves. Since they are heavily Democratic groups, matching 2018’s record setting turnout would stem Republican gains, turning House control into a toss-up around 218 seats. Were this scenario to materialize, it would take days or weeks into November for a handful of close races to settle and reveal the new balance of power.
Then there’s a big-Republican-turnout scenario, which builds off the trend that we have been seeing: both parties motivated, but Republicans even more so. Specifically, there’s a path to a further uptick driven by an Election-Day turnout surge among White voters without college degrees — a group that showed up for Donald Trump in large numbers.
Specifically, we estimate what would happen if this group constituted 45% of the electorate, while White voters with college degrees and Latino voters made up just under three in 10 and one in 10 voters, respectively. The older, Whiter electorate that results would flip even more Democratic seats, pushing the GOP total to about 238. This scenario, if it emerges, would likely be visible earlier on election night.
What’s at stake in this election?
With the economy and country’s direction so widely seen as bad, recent history would suggest a large midterm loss for the governing party. But then these aren’t typical times for the nation. And when it comes to what’s at stake this year, there are dramatic differences between parties.
We asked simply what concerns you more: whether the U.S. will have a strong economy, or have a functioning democracy.
The nation is closely split. That doesn’t mean people don’t want both. But those more concerned about democracy are backing Democrats, and Republicans draw most of those more concerned about a strong economy, echoing the messages of the parties’ campaigns.
Tension at the polling place?
Even as they lead this contest, we see the sentiments driven by the ongoing Republican suspicion of the voting process since 2020.
A big majority of Republicans support the idea of private citizens challenging elections officials as they process and report vote counts on election night.
And two-thirds favor the idea of private citizens patrolling ballot drop-boxes and polling places. They’re alone among partisans in that — independents and Democrats are opposed.
Republicans do appear to be succeeding on some of their other campaign themes and messages.
Who’s winning the message war? What campaign messages have stuck – for better or worse?
Here’s what voters think would happen, depending on who wins. There are some Republican messages that appear to have taken hold, reflecting their advantage.
Crime
After the economy and inflation, crime is the issue ranked next most important by likely voters. Republicans hold a double-digit lead over Democrats on whose policies would make you safer from crime — in large part because of how those Republican-voting people perceive Democrats’ approach to police funding and criminal justice. Just over half of voters think Democrats would cut police funding.
Immigration and the border
Republican messaging on immigration is resonating with some voters. By three to one, voters think Democrats put the interests of recent immigrants first rather than prioritizing the interests of current U.S. citizens, among those who think the party takes a side between the two. And a majority think the Democrats would “open the U.S. Mexico border.” Those holding this view are voting Republican in big numbers.
Democracy
Democrats have raised the issue of threats to democracy, including “election denialism.” How much does this matter?
As has long been the case, it speaks to those already inclined to vote for Democrats — for them, a “MAGA” label on a candidate is a big negative — but there’s less evidence it’s moving, or disqualifying, those inclined to vote Republican.
On balance, a candidate saying they support the events of Jan. 6, 2021, and claiming that President Biden did not legitimately win the 2020 presidential election are net negatives among likely midterm voters overall.
But this isn’t the case for those backing Republican candidates. Most don’t care if a candidate supports the events of Jan 6, and four in 10 would be less likely to vote for a candidate who actively criticizes them.
As for “election denialism,” most Republican candidates either don’t care or see it as a positive, and three in 10 are voting for Republican candidates with the expectation that Republicans will try to overturn Democratic wins in the midterm election if they have control of Congress.
If Republicans do win, one of the things most voters expect is that a GOP-controlled Congress would try to impeach Mr. Biden. Majorities of those backing Republican and Democratic candidates expect Republicans to attempt that.
Schools
Republicans in their campaign have talked a lot about what’s taught — or not — in schools.
Parents are concerned about a lot of things in schools, so tapping into those feelings may have some impact. It’s not just what’s taught, though — large majorities of parents voice concern about school shootings, bullying, and student learning declines during the pandemic.
A large majority of Republican parents, in particular, voice concern about classes discussing issues of sexuality and gender. They aren’t alone in this though, as most parents overall voice this, too, including almost half of Democrats.
Abortion — is it enough for Democrats?
The issue of abortion has helped keep Democrats in this race, but the percentage who call abortion very important has not substantially changed, nor have the ranks of those we’ve identified as “Restoring Roe” voters — women who prioritize abortion rights being protected and would only vote for candidates who agree with them on this issue.
Voters do expect federal action on abortion, regardless of which party wins control of Congress. Eighty-four percent of likely voters think Democrats would try to pass a national right to abortion if they keep control of Congress. (Democrats do win the voters who want abortion to be legal.) A smaller majority think Republicans will try to pass a national abortion ban.
Social Security
Democratic campaigns have been attacking Republicans on Social Security, but that looks to be yielding mixed results. A slight majority think Democrats would increase Social Security benefits – Democrats win most of these voters. However, most voters do not think Republicans would cut Social Security.
Gas prices
A big majority of voters think Republicans would increase U.S. energy production if they win, and they are winning these voters.
Voters, on balance, tend to think gas prices will go up, rather than down, if Democrats stay in control of Congress, and down, rather than up, if Republicans win it.
And those who blame Mr. Biden and the Democrats for gas prices are voting overwhelmingly for Republicans.
How the economy impacts the race, and do Republicans need a plan?
Republicans have been focusing on issues like the economy and inflation — which remain voters’ top priorities — and the party holds a 6-point edge among likely voters on whose economic policies would help you more.
This is the case even though Republicans are seen as helping the wealthy more than the middle class by three to one.
A majority think Mr. Biden and the Democrats should get blame for the economy. Most who think so are voting Republican, and holding the party in power accountable may be enough, as they are backing Republicans, regardless of whether or not they think the GOP has a plan for what they would do, should they win control of Congress.
More than half of independents place blame on Mr. Biden for issues like gas prices, crime and immigration, and those who do are backing Republicans for Congress.
Biden is hitting the campaign trail — can he motivate Democrats?
His sway may be going in reverse. Fewer Democratic voters now say their vote is in support of Mr. Biden, than did two weeks ago. And the Democratic voters who say they are casting a ballot to support the president are not any more likely to say they’ll turnout than those who say their vote isn’t about him.
What about Trump?
Former President Donald Trump remains a net negative among voters overall, as does the current president. Those backing Republicans are far more likely to say their vote is about Mr. Biden than about Trump. Trump is more of a positive motivating factor for those who consider themselves part of the MAGA movement.
Historically, what political observers might call “fundamentals” — the perception of things in the country, the economy — steer an election like this away from the party in power. But then again, these times are unlike the era that informed so many of those ideas.
This CBS News/YouGov Battleground Tracker survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2,119 registered voters interviewed between October 26-28, 2022. The sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, and education based on the U.S. Census American Community Survey and Current Population Survey, as well as to 2020 presidential vote. The margin of error is ±2.4 points. The House seats estimates are based on a multilevel regression and post-stratification model incorporating voter responses to this survey. Each party’s seat estimate has a margin of error of ±12 seats.
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How to watch the Colorado vs. Colorado State NCAA college football game today: Livestream options, more
Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
The Colorado vs. Colorado State game will be played today. Both teams come into Week 3 with one loss and one win.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the Colorado vs. Colorado State game, even if you don’t have cable.
How and when to watch the Colorado vs. Colorado State game today
The Colorado vs. Colorado State game will be played on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT). The college football game will air on CBS, and stream on Paramount+ and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Colorado vs. Colorado State game without cable
While many cable packages include CBS it’s easy to watch the game if CBS isn’t included in your cable TV subscription, or if you don’t have cable at all. Your best options for watching are below. (Streaming options will require an internet provider.)
Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired college football games without cable
If you want to spend your weekend watching football but don’t have a cable subscription, consider a subscription to Paramount+. Paramount+ gives viewers access to all CBS original content, movies and more. NFL fans can enjoy CBS-aired NFL games on Paramount+ for $7.99 per month. Or, watch college football on the Paramount+ Showtime tier starting at $12.99 per month.
The platform live streams college and NFL football games airing on CBS, NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, professional soccer.
What you can stream with Paramount+:
- SEC college football games live (with Paramount+ with Showtime)
- All NFL football airing on CBS locally and nationally
- On-demand CBS programming, including hit shows like “Survivor” and “NCIS”
- Paramount+ original programming like “Lawmen Bass Reaves” and “Tulsa King”
- Professional soccer, including Champions League live (with Paramount+ with Showtime)
Add Paramount+ to your Amazon Prime Video subscription
You can also add Paramount+ to your Prime Video subscription to access CBS-aired NFL games, plus Paramount+ originals. Add Paramount+ Essential to your Prime Video subscription for $7.99 per month and watch every CBS-aired NFL game this season. Or, college football fans should add Paramount+ with Showtime to their Prime Video subscription to get access to CBS-aired college football and more for $11.99 per month. Both subscription tiers include a seven-day free trial.
Watch the Colorado vs. Colorado State game with free Fubo
Live TV streaming service Fubo offers the same top-tier programming you can get from your local cable provider at a fraction of the price. The streamer is a sports fan’s dream considering the sheer volume of live sporting events you can watch on it.
Fubo packages include access to NCAA and NFL football games airing on your local CBS affiliate, Fox Sunday NFC games via “NFL on Fox,” “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN, and all games aired on NFL Network. There are plenty of channels for NCAA college football fans too, including SEC Network, Big Ten Network and ESPNU.
If you want to give Fubo a try, now’s a great time to do so: Fubo is currently offering $30 off your first month of any subscription tier. That means you can watch every college football and NFL game airing on network TV this week starting at just $49.99 after a seven-day free trial. Once you subscribe, you can begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer.
Top features of Fubo:
- There are no contracts with Fubo. You can cancel at any time.
- Fubo offers a seven-day free trial for all pricing tiers.
- The Pro ($49.99 first month, $79.99 thereafter) tier includes over 200 channels, including channels not available on some other live TV streaming services.
- Upgrade to 4K resolution with the Elite with Sports Plus tier ($69.99 first month, $99.99 thereafter). It features 299 channels, including NFL RedZone.
- Fubo also offers live MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and international soccer games.
- All tiers now come with unlimited cloud-based DVR recording.
- You can watch on up to 10 screens at once with any Fubo plan.
- Stream on your TV, phone, tablet and other devices.
Sling TV: Save 50% and stream college football
If you don’t have cable TV that includes CBS, one of the most cost-effective ways to stream college football this season is through a subscription to Sling TV. We suggest leveling up your coverage to the Orange + Blue with Sports Extra tier to get more NFL and college football games this fall.
The Orange + Blue plan regularly costs $60 per month, but the streamer currently offers a 50% off promotion for your first month, so you’ll pay just $30. The Orange + Blue with Sports Extra plan is $45 for your first month and $75 per month after. The Sports Extra add-on features 18 channels, including NFL Redzone, ESPNU, SEC Network, Big 10 Network and ACC Network, making it ideal for pro and college football fans.
The streamer is also currently offering big savings on four months of the Orange + Blue tier plus the Sports Extra plan when you prepay for the Sling TV Season Pass. The plan costs $219, reduced from $300.
Note: Because Sling TV does not carry CBS, Sling subscribers will want to add Paramount+ to their bundle. The Sling + Paramount+ still offers the most cost-effective way to stream NFL games airing on network TV. (Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are both subsidiaries of Paramount Global.)
Top features of Sling TV Orange + Blue plan:
- Sling TV is our top choice for streaming major sporting events like NASCAR.
- There are 52 channels to watch in total, including local ESPN, NBC, Fox and ABC affiliates (where available).
- You get access to most local NFL games and nationally broadcast games at the lowest price.
- All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.
- You can add Golf Channel, NBA TV, NHL Network, NFL RedZone, MLB Network, Tennis Channel and more sports-oriented channels (18 in total) via Sling TV’s Sports Extras add-on.
Watch the Colorado vs. Colorado State game on Hulu + Live TV
You can watch college football, including CBS, with Hulu + Live TV. The bundle features access to 90 channels, including both Fox and FS1. Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch every game on every network with Hulu + Live TV, plus catch live college football games, exclusive live regular season games, popular studio shows (including NFL Total Access and the Emmy-nominated show Good Morning Football) and lots more.
Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+ for $77 per month after a three-day free trial.
Watch today’s game with a digital HDTV antenna
Amazon
You can also watch sports airing on network TV with an affordable indoor antenna, which pulls in local over-the-air HDTV channels such as CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, PBS, Univision and more. Here’s the kicker: There’s no monthly charge.
For anyone living in a partially blocked-off area (those near mountains or first-floor apartments), a digital TV antenna may not pick up a good signal — or any signal at all. But for many homes, a digital TV antenna provides a seriously inexpensive way to watch sports without paying a cable company. Indoor TV antennas can also provide some much-needed TV backup if a storm knocks out your cable.
This ultra-thin, multi-directional digital antenna with a 65-mile range can receive hundreds of HD TV channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, and Univision and can filter out cellular and FM signals. It delivers a high-quality picture in 1080p HDTV, top-tier sound and features a 12-foot digital coax cable.
If you’re anxiously waiting for today’s game to begin, now is a great time to check out Amazon’s college football fan shop. The Amazon College Fan Shop is filled to the brim with officially licensed fan gear: You’ll find jerseys, team flags, T-shirts, hoodies and more, including tons of great gear for the football fan in your life. There are plenty of great deals awaiting you at Amazon, too, including some must-see deals on TVs for watching sports.
Tap the button below to head directly to the College Fan Shop page on Amazon and select your favorite team.
What is the Colorado Buffaloes current team ranking?
The Buffaloes are currently ranked No. 75 out of 134 teams, according to our sister site CBS Sports.
What is the Colorado State Rams current team ranking?
The Rams are currently ranked No. 95 out of 134 teams, according to CBS Sports.
When is the 2024 NCAA college football championship game?
The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
CBS News
How to watch the San Diego State vs. Cal NCAA college football game tonight: Livestream options, more
Michael Chang/Getty Images
The Cal Bears host the San Diego State Aztecs tonight for Week 3 of the NCAA college football season. The Bears come into the weekend undefeated, while the Aztecs are 1-1 after losing to Oregon State last week.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the San Diego State vs. Cal game, even if you don’t have cable.
How and when to watch the San Diego State vs. Cal game tonight
The San Diego State vs. Cal game will be played on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT). The college football game will air on ESPN, and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the San Diego State vs. Cal game without cable
While many cable packages include ESPN it’s easy to watch the game if ESPN isn’t included in your cable TV subscription, or if you don’t have cable at all. Your best options for watching are below. (Streaming options will require an internet provider.)
Watch the San Diego State vs. Cal game free with FuboTV
Live TV streaming service Fubo offers the same top-tier programming you can get from your local cable provider at a fraction of the price. The streamer is a sports fan’s dream considering the sheer volume of live sporting events you can watch on it.
Fubo packages include access to college football games airing on your local CBS affiliate, SEC Network, Big Ten Network and ESPNU. There are plenty of channels for NFL fans, including “NFL on Fox,” “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN, and all games aired on NFL Network.
If you want to give Fubo a try, now’s a great time to do so: Fubo is currently offering $30 off your first month of any subscription tier. That means you can watch every NFL and college football game airing on network TV this week starting at just $49.99 after a seven-day free trial. Once you subscribe, you can begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer.
Top features of Fubo:
- There are no contracts with Fubo. You can cancel at any time.
- Fubo offers a seven-day free trial for every pricing tier.
- The Pro ($49.99 first month, $79.99 thereafter) tier includes over 200 channels, including channels not available on some other live TV streaming services.
- Upgrade to 4K resolution with the Elite with Sports Plus tier ($69.99 first month, $99.99 thereafter). It features 299 channels, including NFL RedZone.
- Fubo also offers live MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and international soccer games.
- All tiers now come with unlimited cloud-based DVR recording.
- You can watch on up to 10 screens at once with any Fubo plan.
- Stream on your TV, phone, tablet and other devices.
Sling TV: The most cost-effective way to stream college football
If you don’t have cable TV that includes ESPN, one of the most cost-effective ways to stream college football this season is through a subscription to Sling TV. We suggest leveling up your coverage to the Orange + Blue with Sports Extra tier to get more NFL and college football games this fall.
The Orange + Blue plan regularly costs $60 per month, but the streamer currently offers a $25 off promotion for your first month, so you’ll pay just $35. The Orange + Blue with Sports Extra plan is $50 for your first month and $75 per month after. The Sports Extra add-on features 18 channels, including NFL Redzone, ESPNU, SEC Network, Big 10 Network and ACC Network, making it ideal for pro and college football fans.
The streamer is also currently offering big savings on four months of the Orange + Blue tier plus the Sports Extra plan when you prepay for the Sling TV Season Pass. The plan costs $219, reduced from $300.
Note: Because Sling TV does not carry CBS, Sling subscribers will want to add Paramount+ to their bundle. (Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are both subsidiaries of Paramount Global.)
Top features of Sling TV Orange + Blue plan:
- Sling TV is our top choice for streaming major sporting events like NASCAR.
- There are 52 channels to watch in total, including local ESPN, NBC, Fox and ABC affiliates (where available).
- You get access to most local NFL games and nationally broadcast games at the lowest price.
- All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.
- You can add Golf Channel, NBA TV, NHL Network, NFL RedZone, MLB Network, Tennis Channel and more sports-oriented channels (18 in total) via Sling TV’s Sports Extras add-on.
Watch the San Diego State vs. Cal game on Hulu + Live TV
You can watch college football, including ESPN, with Hulu + Live TV. The bundle features access to 90 channels, including both Fox and FS1. Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch every game on every network with Hulu + Live TV, plus catch live NFL preseason games, exclusive live regular season games, popular studio shows (including NFL Total Access and the Emmy-nominated show Good Morning Football) and lots more.
Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+ for $77 per month after a three-day free trial.
If you’re anxiously waiting for today’s game to begin, now is a great time to check out Amazon’s college football fan shop. The Amazon College Fan Shop is filled to the brim with officially licensed fan gear: You’ll find jerseys, team flags, T-shirts, hoodies and more, including tons of great gear for the football fan in your life. There are plenty of great deals awaiting you at Amazon, too, including some must-see deals on TVs for watching sports.
Tap the button below to head directly to the College Fan Shop page on Amazon and select your favorite team.
What is the San Diego State Aztecs current team ranking?
The Aztecs are currently ranked No. 98 out of 134 teams, according to our sister site CBS Sports.
What is the Cal Golden Bears current team ranking?
The Bears are currently ranked No. 34 out of 134 teams, according to CBS Sports.
When is the 2024 NCAA college football championship game?
The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Eye on America: Museum honors Capt. Sully, and a look at how smokejumpers fight fires
How to watch the Colorado vs. Colorado State NCAA college football game today: Livestream options, more
How to watch the San Diego State vs. Cal NCAA college football game tonight: Livestream options, more
Eye on America: Museum honors Capt. Sully, and a look at how smokejumpers fight fires
How to watch the Colorado vs. Colorado State NCAA college football game today: Livestream options, more
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