A stark claim emerged from New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: the majority of Americans, she asserted, are “disgusted” by the current President. This statement arrives less than a year after a decisive election victory for the President, a result that signaled a clear mandate from the electorate.
Despite the President’s progress in enacting key promises made during the campaign, AOC painted a picture of widespread disapproval. She stated, in a widely circulated video, that the President’s popularity is at an all-time low and that he is facing negative public sentiment on nearly every policy issue.
AOC’s message was intended to offer solace to those who oppose the administration, assuring them they are not isolated in their views. She emphasized that opposition outweighs support, framing dissent as the prevailing sentiment across the nation.
However, this assessment clashes with recent polling data. While gauging public opinion with absolute certainty is impossible, available data suggests the President’s approval ratings have remained remarkably stable, even showing a slight increase in recent weeks.
During a government shutdown that entered its third week, CNN data analyst Harry Enten observed a surprising trend: the President’s approval rating had actually *risen* amidst the political impasse. This contrasted sharply with the impact of a similar shutdown during the President’s first term.
Enten explained that the current shutdown isn’t damaging the President’s support, but rather bolstering it. The key difference lies in public perception of blame; fewer people now attribute the shutdown directly to the President compared to the previous instance.
The current shutdown stems from a disagreement over spending cuts proposed to address the growing national budget deficit. The Democratic Party’s resistance to these cuts has led to a standstill, impacting thousands of essential government workers.
These essential employees – including those responsible for border security, air traffic control, firefighting, law enforcement, and airport security – are currently working without pay as the political battle continues to unfold. Their sacrifices highlight the real-world consequences of the ongoing budgetary conflict.
The situation presents a dramatically different landscape for the President than the 2018-2019 shutdown, where public disapproval demonstrably impacted his standing. Now, a shift in blame and sustained support suggest a more resilient political position.
