What Affects a President's Approval Rating

Often, the general public's perceived wisdom can be quite misleading. People, in broad terms, can be seen as blind, deaf, and dumb, making statements without a clear understanding of the complex realities they are addressing. Especially in political landscapes, people’s expectations from a new president are high but their judgement can be clouded by idealized views and a lack of critical thought. This often leads to the misconception that correlation equals causation, a notion that even science and religion are sometimes seen as equally confused.

Initial Hopes and the Honey-Moon Period

Before elections, there is a significant amount of hope and expectation from the electorate regarding the new president. However, it is important to note that people generally do not demand immediate fulfillment of campaign promises on the day of inauguration. There is a typical 'honeymoon period' in politics, often stretching from six months to a year, during which grievances are not often expressed. Once this period ends, the public starts to evaluate the president's performance based on whether he has addressed these promises or taken measures towards their fulfillment. If the president has not, or has taken decisions that make the public feel worse off, his approval rating starts to decline. This decline can be particularly acute just before and during the mid-term elections, as voters assess their satisfaction with the current leadership.

The Impact of Policies and Actions

The impact of a president's policies and actions significantly affects his approval rating. For instance, the current context where President Biden faces an approval rating of around 30 percent can be largely attributed to his policies and decisions. If not for the vocal minority, who remain largely unaware of the broader socio-political landscape, his approval rating would be far lower. Being informed about the complex issues facing the nation is crucial here; in a vacuum, ignorance can lead to over-optimistic or optimistic views of a president's performance.

Public Perception and Disillusionment

Disillusionment often sets in when a president does not meet the lofty expectations set by his campaign. One striking example is the current situation with former President Trump, whose approval ratings reflect a significant level of public dissatisfaction. The statement that 'Trump has no approval rating is one of hundreds of thousands of elderly retirees in Florida' emphasizes the stark division in public opinion. Even the elderly, often considered a reliable democratic vote, are disillusioned, indicating the widespread disapproval of the former president's time in office.

Obstinance and Incompetence

The persistence of support for a president, even when supported by clear evidence of incompetence and lack of preparedness, is often driven by deeply rooted psychological factors. Many individuals cannot bear the mental burden of admitting that their preferred candidate was a flop or the worst president in American history. They cling to support for a variety of psychological reasons, including a reluctance to accept personal failure and a desire to believe that their hopes for America were fulfilled, even if those hopes turned out to be delusional. This phenomenon underscores the complexity of political support and the critical role of public education in ensuring that the electorate is properly informed about the realities of leadership.

Understanding the factors that influence a president’s approval rating is crucial for both the public and political analysts. By recognizing the role of idealism, public expectations, and the psychological impacts on voting behavior, we can better navigate through the complexities of political life and the challenges of democratic governance.