President Donald Trump’s approval rating sits at 53% in the new CBS/YouGov poll, a mark he rarely if ever reached — in any poll — in his first term.
Which is interesting. But I think it is more interesting to look at what, specifically, people like about Trump. And this chart gets to that point:
All politics — and especially presidential politics — is defined by what’s come before. And what came before Trump was Joe Biden, who was perceived to be weak and low energy.
While I take issue with Trump’s definition of “tough” — a sort of hyper-masculine, Dana White toughness — it’s clear that a big part of his appeal, at least at the moment, is based on the notion that he is kicking ass and taking names. That he is reasserting America as the world’s bully — and while other countries might not like it, they don’t have any choice but to give him what he wants.
On the energy front, it’s clear that Trump is purposely everywhere all at once because a) it floods the zone and makes it hard for the media to cover any one story and b) he wants to drive a contrast with Biden, who was barely visible during much of his presidency.
So where Biden refused the traditional Super Bowl interview, Trump not only does it but he goes to the big game too! And plays golf with Tiger Woods in the morning! And declares the “Gulf of America” while en route! And says we should get rid of the penny on the way back!
Put a pin in what Americans currently likes about Trump. And see whether being tough and energetic has political staying power.
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