Donald Trump’s troubles appear to be mounting as many of his own voters have finally had enough. In a focus group of Pittsburgh Trump voters, many expressed shock, disappointment and deep regret over their vote for Trump. Here are a few of the highlights (or lowlights) from the transcript of the focus group. Watch their Q&A in the brief video below.
He’s failed to learn on the job and/or delegate:
As much as I thought he would be a quick learner and delegate to top-notch individuals, he hasn't done that.
He might be slightly insane:
We know he's a nut. Everybody knew he's a nut, but there comes a point in time where you need to become professional. He's not even professional let alone presidential. Chill out, man.
He really could not be any worse at achieving political goals:
Because regardless of what he truly wants to get done, whatever that may be, he has got to be his own worst enemy. He couldn't be any worse at achieving goals in politics. What most disappoints me is he's such an incredibly flawed individual that has articulated many of the values I hold dear and the messenger is overwhelming the message. I wish he was on the opposite side of where I hold dear, because it would be better for the causes that I like.
Indeed, these comments seem to mirror a Fox News (!!!) poll showing not only a growing dissatisfaction with Donald Trump’s job performance, but a growing belief he is “tearing the country apart.” More from Fox News:
His job ratings are increasingly negative -- and 56 percent feel Trump’s “tearing the country apart,” versus 33 percent who say he’s “drawing the country together.”
About two-thirds of Republicans feel Trump is drawing the country together (68 percent), while 15 percent say tearing the country apart and 18 percent are unsure. Nearly all Democrats (93 percent) and over half of independents (59 percent) say Trump is tearing the country apart.
In addition, a record 55 percent of voters disapprove of the job he’s doing as president, while 41 percent approve. That’s a net negative by 14 points and his worst score to-date. In April, around the 100-day mark of the administration, his ratings were at net negative three (45-48 percent). Trump’s first job rating on the Fox News Poll is the only one that’s been in positive territory: 48-47 percent (February 2017).
Since that time he’s lost the most ground with conservatives (down 7 points), Republican men (-9 points), and whites without a college degree (-9 points).
Emphasis added. Is the needle finally moving? Let’s hope so. And while we might be tempted to say “we told you so,” perhaps now is the time for restraint. We are so entrenched in tribalism politics, if these people are seeing the light, let’s welcome them and thank them for their thoughtful reconsideration of their 2016 vote, figure out how we can move forward to a more perfect union, one preferably without Donald Trump in the White House.
Watch the stinging criticism of Donald Trump from the Pittsburgh focus group: