General Discussion

The cult of personality around Donald is a big factor in the too-high approval numbers. The true MAGA will cite lower prices for eggs and gasoline, neither of which have anything to do with Dear Leader's policies. If you ask what else has gone down in price, then you get crickets or deflection.

The key character trait of MAGA is a strong affinity for authoritarianism. Cruelty and bigotry are selling points within the cult. This explains the acceptance of the weaponization/militarization of federal law enforcement.

The distrust of Democrats in Congress goes well beyond demagoguery and propaganda. The blue team is seen as hyper-focused on both social issues and help for the poor. The middle class (where a bigger-than-reality proportion of Americans see themselves) wants help for their concerns. Democrats are seen as doing nothing to address affordability for things like housing, education and prescription drugs. Personally, I saw the cost of Eliquis--with a Medicare prescription drug plan, mind you--go up $100 for my first 90-day purchase in 2026. It is easy to see why Democratic plans to reduce prescription drug costs are perceived as either ineffective or (at best) a distant light at the end of the tunnel.