Weekly political update – Where news & perceptions meet reality
Bottom Line: This is your weekly reality check. What's really going on with public opinion of the president and our view of the direction of the country? Here it is...
- Trump's lowest rating: 37% approval (8/4/17)
- Trump highest approval rating: 46% approval (9/19/19)
- Trump's current rating: 42% approval
A week ago, I mentioned that what was playing out for President Trump was impressive. Despite the kitchen sink of lies, deception and impeachment being thrown his way by Democrats in Congress and 94% of news media, he was holding the line on support. Well, that didn’t quite happen this week he’s off a point overall, but peel back one layer and it’s a truly impressive story.
First, he’s only off 4% on his average approval rating since the whistle-blower who wasn’t a witness to a crime that wasn’t committed and the impeachment palooza that’s ensued, began. Without any additional perspective that’s notable. But the bigger storyline is with likely voters. More on that one in a moment. First consider this. President Obama. The media’s beloved President Obama only had an approval rating that was 1% higher than President Trump’s is on the same date in his Presidency. With everything that’s been levied against President Trump since the day he took office, which was the day the impeachment effort began by deep-state Democrats, let that sink in. What’s more – about those likely voters. President Trump is actually four points, count them four points, higher than President Obama among likely voters on the same date. And President Trump gained a point among likely voters over the past week.
It’s been the case throughout his term thus far, that the more informed and engaged someone is politically, the more likely they are to approve of President Trump. That remains the case once again this week.
- Adult only samples: 39%
- Registered voters: 42%
- Likely voters: 48%
What you never hear reported are the ratings of the Democratic leaders opposing him. Here’s the latest...
- Pelosi: 39%
- Schumer: 28%
Now, what is interesting is that Nancy, while still clearly unpopular, is up another point this week and is up five points since the impeachment inquiry was announced. It’s clear that she’s rallying her base to her side with her game plan thus far. Even Schumer was up a point this week which is saying something for him. Still, Nancy and especially Chuck have to look up to find President Trump. And be mindful of that given the way they’re covered by news media compared to President Trump. Take the meeting between the three of them this week as an easy to point to example.
Looking at the direction of the country this week...
Where we stood on Inauguration Day:
- Right Direction: 30%
Today:
- Right Direction: 36%
Overall, even in the mist of impeachment palooza 2019, we’re 6% collectively more optimistic than we were during the Obama administration.