Americans Approve: Trump, Cash & COVID
In an incredibly unexpected turn of events, one of the most divisive figures in American history has become a much-needed unifier in a time of crisis. President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus has gained him favor in the view of many Americans. After a period of panic and uncertainty, and a rocky rollout of the response to COVID-19, Americans are finding themselves hopeful about the future.
Through the beginning months of this year, it looked as though Trump had provided the media with enough fodder to condemn him, like any number of “nontroversies” in the past. Increasingly, though, as businesses shut, as stocks dropped, and as people were laid off and locked-down, the media and Americans began to realize this wasn’t simply something to post toilet-paper memes about—it was becoming a serious crisis.
Trump during Hurricane Maria relief
Since that time, Trump’s approval numbers have begun to shoot upwards. Since mid-March the President finds himself at his highest approval rating to-date, a hair shy of 50%. This stands in stark contrast to other significant events during his tenure in office: Trump hit a low-water-mark of 35% approval during Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Maria disaster. Obama met his approval-waterloo of 40% in August 2014 amidst economic, foreign-policy, and immigration woes of his presidency.
President Bush’s ratings found themselves at the highest approval of any president in history just after the 9/11 attacks. JFK got a similar ratings bump post-Cuban Missile Crisis. Interestingly, the term for this phenomenon is “rally ‘round the flag effect.”
Courtesy of the White House Archives
Trump, in his unpredictable and disjointed handling of business has, in effect, moved from a president that potentially bungled a response during a time of crisis, or the president of a failing economy, to a figurehead to rally behind in the midst of a catastrophe. People, in times like these, look to a strong figure for a sense of stability and confidence. As chaotic as this administration is, there is a level of determination that underlies the Trump persona. Love him or hate him, Trump is a strong presence.
Our optimism for the future is reflected not only in the President’s ratings, but also the rallying markets. After one of the longest periods of growth and record stock market numbers (and then some of the biggest drops in market history as the virus took hold)—markets have been recovering since their valley around March 23rd; along with Trump’s ratings.
Although polls have yet to reach us on how Americans respond to the recent $2T stimulus bill, my first impressions are that most people are pleased that they’re going to be receiving some cold, hard cash for their troubles. A poll finds that voters’ approval rating of Congress is at the highest point in ten years. Certainly, Americans associate, whether rightfully or not, the stimulus with Trump and the current administration.
It’s no secret that this author is less-than-enthusiastic about government handouts and discussions can certainly be had on the nature of the bill; whether it is a “stimulus” in the true sense of the word (read, the ‘09 Recovery Act); whether a single check will help when a true recovery could take many months; whether there is unnecessary pork in the bill (like funding for performing arts centers); or whether federal stimulus bills can actually aide economic growth or recovery. All of these are fair questions, but for another article.
While government stimulus bills should always be met with skepticism, in true, conservative fashion, we, as individuals, can be happy that our neighbors are receiving a blessing, even if we might disagree with the nature of its conception.
As we move through this time of fear and uncertainty, keep hope and optimism in the back of your mind. Do as many are doing during this time: go for a walk (six feet from others, of course); sit outside and enjoy this spring. (Click here to see what Crit-Large contributors are doing!) If you can spare it, invest that stimulus money! Now is a great time to buy-in (I am; who knows if I will have a job in the next month). Lastly, I would implore you to be thankful for the prosperity we live in, for the check you may get, and that we have a strong leader in the White House.
