The Gist Not Even Mad: Galen Druke and Josh Barro
9 snips
Sep 4, 2025 
Galen Druke, a polling specialist known for his insights at GD Politics, and Josh Barrow, an economics expert and host of Serious Trouble, engage in a thought-provoking debate. They dissect Trump's immigration strategy and how it appeals to voters amid economic struggles. The duo also explores autocracy's implications, questioning whether political cruelty provides advantages. Additionally, they highlight polling misconceptions and why branding holds as much weight as policy in shaping public perception.
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Salience Trumps Substance Politically
- Josh Barro argues that raising crime and immigration salience gives Trump political advantage by shifting attention from weaker issues.
- He also says successful immigration deterrence has substantive effects that voters notice.
Thermostat Public Opinion Can Backfire
- Galen Druk notes public opinion thermostats: once policies are delivered, popularity can reverse.
- He warns midterm electorates punish unpopular incumbents even if issues once favored the president.
Trust Vs. Salience On Immigration
- Galen emphasizes Republicans still lead on trust about immigration despite recent unpopularity of some tactics.
- He stresses issue salience shifted back to economy and government performance.