Is Trump’s Approval Too High?
In this special full-length release of our normally supporters-only midweek episode, Mike and Michael Levy tackle a provocative question: Why are Donald Trump’s approval ratings still so high? With approval in the 30s, Trump’s popularity looks dismal by conventional standards. But given his controversies, policy failures, and challenges to democratic institutions, should his numbers be even lower?
Mike challenges Michael’s argument (from his Substack – link below) as they explore Trump’s unusually resilient political support, the role of partisan identity and affective polarization, and whether Trumpism can survive without Trump himself. They also examine whether Democrats are susceptible to the same tribal loyalties, why some voters actively welcome Trump’s aggressive use of presidential power, and what the erosion of respect for the rule of law means for American democracy. Finally, they consider why fact-checking and policy proposals so often fail to change minds—and what Democrats might do differently.
Michael’s Substack Piece on Trump’s Approval
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