President-elect Trump’s approval ratings are on the upswing as he enters the honeymoon phase common among new presidents.
Even after bitterly divisive presidential elections, Americans want to think the best of their new president. President-elect Barack Obama had a 68 percent favorable rating at this point in 2008. He had won just 53 percent of the vote.
George W. Bush was elected president only after a protracted recount in Florida and the Supreme Court’s Bush v. Gore decision. Like Trump, he lost the popular vote. Still, his favorable rating stood at 59 percent by mid-December 2008.
Bill Clinton had a 58 percent favorable rating shortly after the 1992 election, in which he received just 43 percent of the vote. President George H.W. Bush and Texas billionaire Ross Perot took nearly 57 percent combined running to Clinton’s right.
Judged by these numbers, Donald Trump is still lagging his predecessors. The Politico/Morning Consult poll released Monday showed Trump breaking even in favorability, with 46 percent holding a favorable opinion of him to 34 percent viewing him very unfavorably. Another 12 percent were just unfavorable toward Trump.
“This honeymoon phase in common for new presidents,” wrote Morning Consult’s Kyle Dropp in an accompanying statement. “For example, Obama saw about a 20 point swing in his favor following the 2008 election.”
Gallup last week had Trump’s favorability up 8 points to 42 percent nationally. But 55 percent still viewed him unfavorably and his favorability was actually lower than his 46.7 percent of the popular vote. According to the pollster, Trump’s popularity actually peaked before he entered politics — in 2005, as “The Apprentice” was a hit.
As president-elect, Trump is following the historical pattern of gaining popularity but is well behind his predecessors.
Since winning the election, Trump has attempted to reach out to political opponents. He met amicably with outgoing President Obama at the White House and has pledged to work with House Speaker Paul Ryan. He met with frequent critic Mitt Romney and is reportedly considering him for a senior Cabinet position. And on Tuesday his team ruled out seeking the prosecution of opponent Hillary Clinton.
“Now it is time to bind the wounds of division,” Trump said in his victory speech. “I say to Democrats and Republicans it is time to come together as one people.”
