Depending on your perspective, there is much gloating or hand-wringing about President Trump’s approval ratings. He is seen by a majority as more poorly suited for the job than previous presidents. People trust him less; they see a variety of ethical flaws in how he is dealing with his business interests. Most people think he has little respect for democratic institutions; many disagree with his immigration policy.
But, we need to remember James Carville’s dictum “It’s the ECONOMY, stupid!” The reality is that no matter how despicable many find the president and his acolytes; a sizable proportion of the American people have high hopes for what he will do with the economy. The latest Pew results are very telling.
Attitudes about our economic status and future are going up at a precipitous rate. According to Pew polls, forty-two percent of Americans now have a positive attitude about the country’s economic status; that is up 11 percent over the last two months.
http://www.people-press.org/2017/02/16/in-first-month-views-of-trump-are-already-strongly-felt-deeply-polarized/
There is still a deep partisan divide. 75 percent of Republicans see the economy for 2017 positively; only 15% of Democrats see it that way, but 35% of Independents have higher hopes, which is something like a 50 percent improvement over their views a short time ago.
http://www.people-press.org/2016/12/08/low-approval-of-trumps-transition-but-outlook-for-his-presidency-improves/
What all this means in the long-run is unclear. But, while The Donald’s opponents, like me, may smirk at his claims of support, many people seem to see his election as a precursor to good economic times. And, truth be told, if that continues, then all the ethical lapses, bogus claims of support, hubbub, teeth-gnashing, and raucous town hall meetings may not mean a great deal.
If more people continue to see their economic status positively and think it is likely to get better, then there is good historical precedent indicating that that they will be more than willing to forgive all those transgressions that have progressives rattling their sabers. If the Republicans do manage to pass legislation that represents their image of a good economy, we get in a devastating trade war, or prices and job prospects go bad, then those other transgressions will grow in importance.
As it stands, American’s views on the economy should not be so easily ignored by progressive commentators. They have been, are, and ever shall be a major engine in what drives votes in America.
see additional progressive political and social commentary at my blog theleftcorner.com