This tweet sums up what I’ve been thinking lately:
Many of the people who “disapprove” of someone will vote for that person if the other choice is unacceptable. A substantial percentage of those disapproving of Biden come from the left — critical of his climate, criminal justice or other issues. But they will almost certainly vote for Biden over Trump.
The chart above from Reuters shows 16% of Democrats disapprove of Biden. But they will likely be motivated to vote against Trump or any Republican.
This approach had a negative effect on of ACA coverage. The ACA had negative approval ratings well beyond its inception. But a substantial portion of the disapproval came from those who thought the ACA did not go far enough— Eg, was not Medicare for all. Failure to point this out reinforced negativity about the ACA and Obama.
So don’t let negative approval ratings get you down.