By Matt Underwood Trump claims his ‘real’ approval rating is 64 percent, a statement that immediately raises eyebrows, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of claim that, upon hearing it, most people probably roll their eyes and think, “Here we go again.” The notion that his “real” approval rating somehow differs significantly from what various polling organizations report is a recurring theme. The idea itself suggests a distrust of established data and a preference for a reality tailored to his liking. One has to wonder, what’s the basis for this supposed 64 percent? Is it a poll conducted within his inner circle, or perhaps a survey of his most ardent supporters? Whatever the methodology, it’s clear that it differs wildly from what the wider public perceives.
The concept of a “real” approval rating is inherently subjective, isn’t it? Public opinion polls, while not perfect, offer a reasonably objective measure of a leader’s popularity. They use established methodologies, sample sizes, and statistical analyses to gauge public sentiment. To dismiss these and present an alternative figure suggests a detachment from reality or a calculated effort to manipulate perceptions. It’s a bit like saying your “real” height is six foot two, regardless of what the measuring tape says. The numbers themselves are less important than the implications. It’s a way of asserting control over the narrative and maintaining the illusion of widespread support.
And this 64 percent figure, even if we were to accept it at face value, is not necessarily a glowing endorsement. It’s a bit of an insult, really. It certainly wouldn’t be a sign of success in politics. It’s only slightly more than half the people that believe in what he is selling. The reaction to the claim highlights the level of skepticism and distrust that has become commonplace. There’s a certain predictability to it. We’ve come to expect this type of assertion, and it’s almost as if it’s become part of the performance.
The claim also invites a cascade of parodies and humorous comparisons. Think of it as joining a very exclusive club of things he claims to be true. Things like his Kennedy Center Honors viewership being the highest ever, his height being 6’2″, or his skin tone being a “natural bronze color.” The whole thing becomes a spectacle, and the public finds itself in a situation of disbelief. He’s also not alone in this way of thinking. One person suggested that the number might have been derived from a poll of his family. The point is not just that the number is likely fabricated, but that it’s emblematic of a broader pattern of dishonesty and self-deception.
It’s easy to see how this approach can be effective with a certain audience. The people who already support him are primed to believe whatever he says, and this kind of pronouncement reinforces their existing beliefs. They might see it as evidence that the “fake news” media is trying to undermine him. Trump can maintain this level of support as long as he stays in his echo chamber.
But for everyone else, the whole exercise feels like a carefully constructed fantasy. It’s a world where facts are optional, and reality is malleable. It’s a world where an approval rating of 64 percent, a number that is questionable and unimpressive, can be presented as a badge of honor.
Ultimately, the claim about his “real” approval rating serves as a reminder of the power of propaganda and the importance of critical thinking. It’s a call for the public to question everything and to rely on credible sources of information. It’s a reminder that a leader’s credibility is built on truth and integrity, not on manufactured numbers and self-serving narratives. And it raises the essential question, if you are going to make it up, why not just go for 100%?