What did Donald Trump do today?
He bragged about terrible poll numbers.
In a tweet sent shortly after noon today, Trump added his signature all-caps "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN" rallying cry to the topline result of a Politico/Morning Consult poll: 45% approval.
This is accurate, and unlike some of the polls Trump has been known to tout, it actually exists outside of his imagination. This particular number clashes dramatically with other recent polls. During the same period (Dec. 1-3) that this poll was taken, Trump tied his lowest mark in the Gallup daily tracking poll (33% approval/62% disapproval). A Pew poll in the field between November 29 and December 4 found Trump's approval numbers at a record-low 32%, with 63% disapproving. The fivethirtyeight.com average of polls splits the difference today at 37/56.
But regardless of which end of the spectrum Trump is choosing from, the fact remains that the Politico/Morning Consult poll is terrible for him. Not only does it confirm the basic truth of Trump's situation--he has been astonishingly unpopular for his entire presidency, especially considering the almost decade-long economic improvement he has inherited--but the poll also paints a very unflattering picture of Trump's performance in many specific areas. Among the other details reported:
- Twice as many Americans believe that Trump's tax plan will raise their taxes than lower it
- Trump's endorsed choice for the open Senate seat in Alabama, Roy Moore, should be expelled immediately if elected, according to a 3-to-1 majority
- Only 13% of Americans believe Trump always tells the truth
- Just 37% of Americans call Trump "trustworthy," the same score he gets for "stable."
- By contrast, 54% call him "sexist," 60% call him "reckless," and 51% say he is "thin-skinned"
Why does this matter?
- It's embarrassing if a president is this desperate for validation.
- Not being able to understand or even comprehend the idea that other people don't like you is not a sign of good mental health.