'Way, way down there!' Data guru floored after Trump support among key group plummets
CNN data analyst Harry Enten was left floored Sunday after new polling showed President Donald Trump’s support among independents has plummeted to staggering lows just shy of a year into his second term.
According to the new data, Trump’s net approval rating among independent voters fell by a stunning 42 points from January to December, from -1 to -43, a drop so severe that Enten compared the president to French oceanographer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau, known for his undersea expeditions.
“We're talking about 43 points underwater come December, that is a decline of 42 points on his net approval rating!” Enten exclaimed. “Donald Trump is hanging out with Jacques Cousteau; that is how far underwater Donald Trump is with independents at this point!”
Driving Trump’s plummeting approval ratings were two key issues: the economy and immigration. On the economy, Trump enjoyed a +9 approval when he took office in January, an approval that fell by 25 points to -16 by December. On immigration, Trump’s approval fell by 15 points in the same time period, from +9 in January to -6 by December.
On overall approval, Trump suffered an 18-point decline from January to December. And, based on history, Enten concluded that it was likely Trump’s party would suffer a major defeat in the upcoming midterm elections.
“Based upon history, it doesn't look too good for the man in charge of the White House right now,” Enten said.