Trump's Shutdown Strategy: A Look at the Numbers

The current government shutdown is revealing some notable shifts in public opinion and political strategy.

Trump's Approval Ratings

Unlike the last shutdown, President Trump's approval ratings are not declining. In fact, they've increased by a point. This is a stark contrast to the previous shutdown, when his ratings dropped by three points.

Public Blame

Fewer people are blaming Trump for the shutdown this time around. Only 48% of those polled hold him responsible. This is significant, given Trump's clear stance on using the shutdown to cut bureaucracy and close programs that Democrats care about. His team is already working on this.

Media Influence

In the past, the media would have criticized Trump's plans, labeling them as divisive or blackmail. However, this time, the media's influence seems to be waning. Trump and his team are bypassing traditional media and delivering their message directly to the public.

Democratic Struggles

This shift is bad news for the Democrats. Their message is confusing and poorly defined, while the Republicans have a clear and concise message. They've stated they won't fund healthcare for illegal aliens until the government reopens but are open to negotiations afterward.

The Democrats' struggles highlight their frustration with changes in the media landscape. Without a supportive media, their message fails to resonate with many voters.