Jim Acosta sees a Republican-held House seat slipping away, and a major MAGA spending group appears to be thinking the same thing.
On Friday's episode of "The Jim Acosta Show," Acosta told Sam Forstag, the Democratic candidate running in Montana's 1st Congressional District, that he has "more than a fighting chance" against Republican Aaron Flint. Forstag said the main MAGA super PAC had just moved $1.9 million more into the race "because they're scared."
Acosta pointed to recent polling from NonStop Local Montana showing Forstag neck and neck with Flint, a right-wing talk radio host. "You could win this thing," Acosta told him.
"You're d— right we can," Forstag said. "Our last two polls, we're either in a dead heat or up three."
Forstag argued the district is more competitive than outsiders assume, noting that former Sen. Jon Tester carried Montana's 1st even while losing statewide. He said voters are responding to the rare sight of a union member on the ballot.
"A lot of people feel like they're getting BS'd by politicians in both parties and like whoever wins, working people lose," Forstag said.
After airing Forstag's campaign ad, which leans on his years parachuting into wildfires as a smokejumper, Acosta took a shot at the president.
"Has Donald Trump ever chopped wood? I seriously doubt it," Acosta said.
Forstag also accused Flint of riding outside money to the nomination, saying the talk radio host got through his primary with about $600,000 in spending from a super PAC tied to the artificial intelligence industry.
"That is the kind of obscene money being funneled into our elections to buy politicians while people are being forced out of house and home," he said.
Acosta pressed the case that voters are fed up with Washington. "It's unreal what's been taking place here in Washington, D.C.," he said, arguing Trump is "taking this country to the cleaners when he promised to rein in affordability."
Forstag closed by urging viewers to help. "They see those same polls we saw," he said. "So I want to keep them scared."
Acosta signed off with a nod to the matchup. "It's going to be a hard-fought battle, but you're neck and neck," he said.