By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As President Donald Trump prepares to address the nation, public opinion polls indicate widespread disapproval of his performance. Majorities of Americans are dissatisfied with his handling of key initiatives and believe he has exceeded the authority of his office. This sentiment, as revealed by a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, suggests a generally negative outlook on the president’s leadership.
Read the original article here
It seems a recent ABC poll has dropped just before a State of the Union address, and the findings are quite telling about the current public sentiment towards Trump. The poll indicates that a significant 60% of people disapprove of him. This figure, emerging right before such a prominent event, certainly sets a particular tone for the upcoming speech and the broader political landscape.
Considering this 60% disapproval rating, it naturally leads to the question of what is happening with the remaining 40%. For those who remain in support or perhaps are neutral, what exactly is it that continues to hold their allegiance? We hear about unwavering dedication, people who have worn the hats, attended rallies, and flown the flags, seemingly defending him through thick and thin. It appears to be a deeply entrenched loyalty, perhaps making it difficult for some to admit any past misjudgments. This resilience in support, even amidst widespread disapproval, is a phenomenon that continues to puzzle many.
The fact that a substantial portion of the population, nearly 40%, continues to approve of Trump, even after a tumultuous past, is quite frankly astonishing. It raises serious questions about what it would truly take to sway these individuals. For some, their commitment seems so profound that even significant negative events or policies appear to have little impact. It’s a level of steadfastness that makes one wonder if there’s a disconnect between the actions and the perception of his supporters.
Looking at this from another angle, it’s also striking how low the disapproval rating is, in a way. When one considers the controversies, the “trashy behavior,” and policies that some deem detrimental, reaching only 60% disapproval feels like a surprisingly modest outcome for some observers. The persistence of close to 40% support, no matter what he does, is described by some as almost “sick,” underscoring a sense of bewilderment at the unwavering backing.
This sentiment is echoed by many who feel that after all that has transpired, it’s incredibly disheartening that only 60% disapprove. The idea that four out of every ten people might be cheering him on or remain indifferent to the criticisms is a sobering thought. This disconnect between the actions and the sustained support base is described as “wild,” leading to questions about how such a divide can exist.
There are also practical concerns about the methodology behind such polls. Some express doubt about ever being personally contacted for these surveys, questioning the authenticity of the data being presented. This skepticism about who is being polled and whether the results accurately reflect the broader population’s sentiment is a recurring theme.
Despite the high disapproval, some suggest that the core of Trump’s base remains incredibly strong. It’s noted that his supporters will likely continue to cheer him on, regardless of the poll numbers or the content of his address. This unwavering loyalty is seen as a significant factor in the political equation, suggesting that traditional approval ratings might not have the same impact on his dedicated followers.
The upcoming State of the Union address is anticipated with a mix of dread and morbid curiosity. There are predictions of an “unhinged” speech, with concerns about how far “off the rails” it might go. The past twelve months have been eventful, and the idea that a significant portion of the public still remains on his side, or at least neutral, is a source of genuine surprise and worry for many.
For some, the situation is dire, with a feeling that “America is so cooked.” The persistent support for Trump, even after experiencing what are described as “dog shit policies,” leads to a sense of hopelessness. The fact that the disapproval is not higher is seen as a deeply concerning indicator of the current state of affairs.
The loyalty of his base is so strong that some recall Trump’s own words about not losing voters even if he were to “shoot somebody” on Fifth Avenue. This quote is brought up to illustrate the perceived invincibility of his support, suggesting that the remaining 40% are perhaps beyond convincing.
The timing of the poll, released just before the State of the Union, is seen by some as particularly significant. It’s suggested that this 60% disapproval rating must be a blow, regardless of how it’s interpreted. However, the expectation is that his base will still react with enthusiasm, highlighting the persistent disconnect in public perception.
In conversations surrounding the poll, there’s a notable degree of disbelief and frustration. Many express shock that the disapproval rating isn’t higher, questioning what more it would take to shift public opinion. The enduring support is seen as a baffling aspect of the current political climate, leading to strong emotional reactions.
Looking ahead, there’s speculation about the future of such polling. Some wonder how long outlets like ABC will continue to track presidential approval ratings if the results are consistently challenging to interpret or are perceived as skewed. This reflects a broader concern about the reliability and impact of public opinion data in the current environment.
The persistent support for Trump, even among those who have previously voted for him, is seen as a testament to the deep divisions and loyalties at play. While some families have reportedly moved away from supporting him, the broader trend indicated by the poll suggests a significant segment remains committed.
Furthermore, there’s a sense that economic factors could influence public opinion, and that recent developments, like Supreme Court decisions on tariffs and inflation, might impact how business owners and families perceive the situation. The potential for further economic shifts could be a contributing factor to the overall sentiment.
The notion that Trump’s support is so ingrained, becoming a part of culture, neighborhoods, and relationships, is also brought up. This deep integration is seen as a potential barrier to individuals speaking out or changing their minds, fearing social repercussions if they deviate from the MAGA stance.
However, amidst the concern, there are also glimmers of hope for some. The memory of Biden’s victory in 2020 is a point of solace, with the anticipation of a return to a “sane government” in the future. This suggests a belief that despite current trends, a shift towards a different political direction is still possible.
The upcoming State of the Union address is seen by some as a potential turning point, with the hope that Trump might “go off the rails.” The expectation is that the speech will be one for the record books, with some even preparing “bingo cards” to track anticipated outbursts or controversial statements.
It’s worth noting that historical context is often brought into these discussions. Some recall that Trump had a similar disapproval rating on the night he won in 2016, suggesting that his approval numbers may not be as impactful on his political trajectory as they are for other figures.
Ultimately, the 60% disapproval rating ahead of the State of the Union is a stark indicator of the divided political landscape. While it represents a majority sentiment of disapproval, the persistent 40% support continues to be a significant and perplexing aspect of the current political discourse, fueling ongoing debate and concern among observers.