The Al Franken Podcast 212: Sarah Longwell on Voter Reactions to Trump's First Month
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Feb 23, 2025 
Join Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, as she dives into voter reactions to Trump's early presidency. Fresh from his reelection, many are surprisingly pleased he’s taking action. Longwell offers sharp insights on how former Democratic voters are shifting their views amidst contentious issues like immigration and foreign policy. She also critiques Democratic messaging strategies and underscores the complexities of public sentiment, especially concerning personal impacts of policies.
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Trump's Approval Rating and Swing Voters
- Trump's approval rating is near 50% among the general public, but significantly lower than Biden's honeymoon period rating.
- Sarah Longwell focuses on swing voters, specifically those who switched from Biden to Trump, to understand voting shifts.
Significant Shift in Voter Preferences
- Trump's approval rating swing is significant, with Trump winning the popular vote by a smaller margin than Biden, reflecting changing voter preferences.
- Trump's gains were larger in non-swing states, indicating shifts beyond typical battlegrounds.
Trump's Muted Honeymoon Period
- Trump is experiencing a muted honeymoon period, with some voters giving him time, unlike the immediate backlash he faced in 2016.
- His honeymoon rating is lower than Biden's, suggesting a more cautious public response.