People in the United States can’t get over their differences on President Trump despite near unity on the social distancing demands his team and those in states, cities, and towns have made to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The latest Ipsos analysis of polling data finds that the gulf between how Democrats and Republicans view Trump’s job fighting the virus remains wide, and his overall approval rating is dropping.
In his new report, Ipsos’s Clifford Young said that 42% approve of Trump’s handling of the virus crisis.
But there is a 66-point gap between Democrats and Republicans. He said that 80% of Republicans approve of Trump’s virus job, but only 14% of Democrats agree.
There is also a 22-point difference between how partisans view the impact of the virus on the U.S. Asked if they believe the coronavirus “poses a high threat” to the country, 85% of Democrats said yes versus 63% of Republicans.
“Partisanship and tribalism persist against the backdrop of our COVID-19 world,” said Young’s analysis.
But on the tactics governments are using to cut the spread of the virus, partisans largely agree.
On social distancing, the gap is 8 points. On skipping large gatherings, the gap is 1 point.
“Differences on social distancing and other health-related measures are not as large as what we typically see on political issues,” said Young, adding, “Measures to protect our good health collectively blur our own tribal affiliations.”
