Ahead of 2020 midterms, Republicans see opening with chaos in Afghanistan

Washington — With the chaotic evacuation of thousands of Americans and at-risk Afghans from Kabul dominating the headlines after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Republicans see a political opening to use the fallout from President Biden's withdrawal to question his capabilities, in hopes of wresting control of Congress from Democrats. 

While foreign policy was not a top issue for voters in the last two elections, "the challenge for the Biden administration is it sets a narrative of competence, or lack thereof, and Americans don't like losing. Nobody likes losing, but especially in a way where you're humiliated," Glen Bolger, a Republican pollster who has worked on various congressional campaigns, told CBS News. The president has taken a hit from the chaos in Kabul. A CBS News poll released Sunday found 44% of Americans believe the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan has gone "very badly" — though 63% of Americans approve of the drawdown. Forty-seven percent, meanwhile, approve of Mr. Biden's handling of the withdrawal, down from 60% in July.