How Trump Fares in a Major New Poll

Overview

This episode delves into the findings of a major New York Times poll assessing public opinion on President Trump's second term, eight months in. The discussion explores voter sentiment on key issues like immigration, crime, the economy, and political polarization, revealing a nation deeply divided yet largely entrenched in its views.

Notable Quotes

- Voters may not like the means that Trump is using, but they do approve of the ends. – Nate Cohn, on public sentiment toward Trump's policies.

- We’ve gone from being cautiously optimistic to resoundingly pessimistic about the political system’s ability to solve the country’s problems. – Nate Cohn, on the shift in public attitudes toward U.S. politics.

- Things remind me of what was going on in Germany around 1939. – Speaker 1, on the dangers of political division.

🗳️ Stability in Trump’s Approval Ratings

- Despite significant policy changes and controversies, Trump’s approval rating remains stable at 43%, nearly unchanged from six months prior.

- His base, consisting of strong Republican-leaning voters, continues to support him, even when disapproving of specific actions.

- Democrats hold a slight lead in the congressional race, but the margin is not indicative of a sweeping repudiation of Trump.

🌍 Immigration Policies: Divided Opinions

- The public supports the general goal of deporting undocumented immigrants but finds the administration’s methods overly harsh and unfair.

- A majority disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration, believing he has gone too far.

- The escalation of aggressive enforcement measures, including ICE raids, has polarized opinions further.

🏙️ Crime and the National Guard

- Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to cities is viewed as overreach by 53% of voters, though some sympathize with his focus on reducing crime.

- Crime remains Trump’s strongest issue, with voters appreciating his prioritization of public safety despite disliking his tactics.

📉 Economic Concerns

- Only 26% of voters believe the economy is in good shape, with 45% saying Trump has made it worse.

- The economy, once Trump’s strongest issue, is now a vulnerability, particularly among swing voters like working-class whites and Latinos.

- Economic dissatisfaction is driving some voters back toward Democrats, though not in overwhelming numbers.

⚖️ Political Polarization and Systemic Dysfunction

- For the first time, political division and dysfunction outrank the economy as the most pressing issue for Americans.

- 64% of voters believe the U.S. is too divided to solve its problems, a sharp increase from 2020.

- Concerns about political violence and the health of democracy are widespread, though most voters still see the other side as fellow Americans, not enemies.

- This growing pessimism about the political system is fostering support for more extreme policies and leaders.