Democrats claim a 'blue wave' is coming this November, but this new poll shows the opposite

Democrats and left-leaning news outlets are pushing the idea of a "blue wave" in the 2018 midterm elections. The narrative is that due to discord in President Donald Trump's administration and Republican ranks, Democrats will make steep gains in Congress this November.

But a new poll surveying party support ahead of the midterm elections show no such "wave" exists.

What is being claimed?

• NPR: In Texas Primary, Early Signs Of A 2018 Democratic Surge
• CNN: Democratic turnout could signal blue wave in November ...
• Salon: 2018 blue wave watch: Dems flip 2 more seats, aim for key win
• Vox.com: "But with signs of a blue wave potentially ready to hit Texas along with the rest of the country during the 2018 midterms, some political observers are wondering whether Texas Republicans’ dramatic gerrymandering could backfire."
• The Washington Post: Republicans are in denial about a blue wave

Indeed, Democratic National Committee CEO Jess O'Connell said in December his party is building and preparing for a "big blue wave" this November.

What did the poll show?

According to the latest Fox News poll, Republicans have significantly closed the gap on Democrats heading into the 2018 midterms.

Last October, the poll found that Democrats held a 15-point advantage over Republicans in each congressional district, 50 percent to 35 percent with the remaining respondents undecided or decided on candidates not in either party.

But in the latest poll, conducted about six months later, Democrats now only hold a five-point advantage, 46 percent to 41 percent, with 13 percent undecided or committed to a different party.

What else did the poll find?

The survey, which had slightly more Democratic respondents than Republican, also found Americans heavily favor increased gun control measures, such as required background checks and mental health requirements for all firearm transactions, raising the minimum purchase age for long guns to 21. Even 60 percent said they support "banning assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons."