Trump privately concedes Iran war decisions hurt his party's standing

President Donald Trump has privately acknowledged that his decisions on the Iran war contributed to his party's poor political standing, despite publicly dismissing unfavorable polls, according to four people with knowledge of his recent comments. Trump has become more sober about the gravity of the situation, listening intently to discouraging polling data and taking action on the midterms by pledging to campaign in 35 competitive races and approving $140 million in super PAC spending. Advisers say they have become increasingly blunt with him about the electoral reality. Trump faces his lowest approval rating of his second term, with the war sharply raising oil prices. He has long dismissed negative surveys as fake, but now accepts his team's polling showing poor voter standing, though some advisers dispute he has accepted any blame.