Half a year ago – and many political lifetimes before any of these events occurred – Trump averaged an approval rating of 47%. Today, that number is exactly the same. His approval has yet to go below 44% or above 49% over the past half year – essentially remaining within the margin of error. In other words, regardless of events, views of Trump – much like views of Harris and Biden – will likely remain largely unchanged.
This honestly baffles me. I just cannot comprehend his popularity. Felon, rapist, blasphemer, fraudster, laughingstock of the business world (complete idiot in general really), holds nothing but contempt for those that serve in uniform (except maybe the police but really just needs them so keeps his mouth shut), traitor, and admitted dictator…
Almost half the country loves him. WTF is wrong with people?
I completely agree with you. My theory is that there are a whole lot of Americans for whom the public education system failed horribly in their attempt to teach civics.
Oh, and I’m sure racism and sexism are also playing a meaningful role.
Those are all factors, and brainwashing is also a problem. But beyond that, Trumpism is to a certain extent the logical conclusion of the American culture. He represents a perverted yet unabashed and clear representation of the American Dream - at least the illusion of Trump does.
The me-first thinking, the worship of capitalism, the shameless revelry in gaudy displays of tasteless wealth - it’s all there. It’s completely unsurprising to me that someone like him would appeal to a lot of Americans. There are a lot of people who idolise and wish they themselves could be like the image he projects.
Isn’t that the tough bit about American Exceptionalism? Americans can’t ALL be exceptional (by definition) and the messaging about how a rising tide lifts all boats simply doesn’t translate to most people.
Tbf, Americans tend to be more than happy to work together (in short bursts) during moments of national crisis, but when everything is moving along normally policy debates become unnecessarily contentious.
I got your explanation right here and I honestly believe every American should read this:
https://www.cracked.com/blog/6-reasons-trumps-rise-that-no-one-talks-about
That was in 2016. So what about all the shit that’s come out since then? Fake news or he’s being unfairly targeted, that simple.
Damn, I really like that article. It sounds harsh but that is obviously done to get the point across. Thanks
This made more sense in 2016 (when folks might have hated him but wanted to deliver a shock to the system).
But even now there’s a quote that explains why he attracts as much support as he does: “He’s not hurting the people he needs to be hurting.”
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/1/8/18173678/trump-shutdown-voter-florida