Kamala Hangover: Democrats More Unpopular Than They've Ever Been in Nearly 2 Decades

Democrats Face Historic Unpopularity Crisis

The Democratic Party is grappling with its worst favorability ratings in decades, as multiple polls reveal a deepening crisis. According to Quinnipiac University, only 31 percent of Americans hold a favorable view of the party, while a staggering 57 percent view it unfavorably — a record high since polling began in 2008. 
Similarly, a CNN survey found that only 33 percent of Americans had a positive perception of the party, marking its lowest standing since at least 1992 when former President Bill Clinton created the "New Democrats." 
Meanwhile, the GOP has reached its highest favorability rating ever recorded in Quinnipiac's polling, at 43 percent, narrowing the usual gap between the two major parties.
Here are seven reasons why America's leftist party is in "tatters and chaos" after former Vice President Kamala Harris' "blistering" defeat against now-President Donald Trump.
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Democratic Voters Losing Faith in Their Own Party

Internal dissatisfaction within the Democratic base is compounding the party's troubles. The CNN poll found that 32 percent of Democratic-leaning voters say recent political events have made them feel "less like a part of the Democratic Party." 
Nearly 60 percent of those voters believe the party either needs "major changes" or should be "completely reformed." Additionally, less than half (49 percent) expect the party to be at least "somewhat effective" in countering Republican policies, and a meager 7 percent believe it will be "very effective." 
These figures indicate that not only is the party struggling with national perception, but its own supporters are growing increasingly disillusioned.

Trump's Approval Surges as He Begins Second Term

While Democrats flounder, President Trump is enjoying a significant boost in public approval. Quinnipiac's latest survey shows that 46 percent of voters approve of Trump's performance, compared to just 36 percent at the beginning of his first term in 2017. 
Even more telling, 54 percent of voters are optimistic about the next four years under Trump — almost identical to polling from eight years ago. Among Republicans, Trump's support remains rock solid at 86 percent, while independents are evenly split. 
His handling of administration staffing and immigration policy is also receiving mixed but notable approval, suggesting that his second term is off to a stronger start than his first.

Immigration Crackdown Gains Public Support

Trump's aggressive stance on immigration has gained traction among voters, with 60 percent approving of sending U.S. troops to the southern border. 
Even among independents, 57 percent support the move, while 70 percent of military households back the decision. When it comes to deportations, 44 percent of voters favor removing all undocumented immigrants, while 39 percent support only deporting those convicted of violent crimes. 
Meanwhile, 61 percent believe birthright citizenship should remain intact, despite Trump's past calls to eliminate it for children of non-citizens.

Elon Musk's Role in Trump's Administration Sparks Division

But everything is not all aces for Trump 2.0.
As a key figure in Trump's administration, Elon Musk is receiving mixed reactions from the public. Quinnipiac's polling shows that 53 percent of voters disapprove of Musk's involvement, while 39 percent approve. 

The opposition is particularly strong among Democrats (90 percent disapprove) and independents (56 percent disapprove), while Republicans largely support his role (73 percent approve). 
Polling analyst Tim Malloy noted, "Elon Musk, a powerful and pivotal player in Trump's inner circle, gets a shaky assessment from voters, with women clearly more critical of him than men."

Trump's Pardons of January 6 Rioters Widely Condemned

One of the most polarizing moves of Trump's new administration has been his pardoning of over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. According to Quinnipiac, 57 percent of voters disapprove of these pardons, with opposition especially strong among Democrats (96 percent) and independents (60 percent). 
Even among Republicans, while 74 percent approve, a notable 19 percent disapprove of the decision. Meanwhile, former President Joe Biden's preemptive pardons for five members of his family have also faced backlash, with 62 percent of voters opposing them — suggesting bipartisan discontent with the use of presidential pardon power.

The Economy and Democracy Remain Voters' Top Priorities

When asked about the most urgent issues facing the country, 24 percent of voters cited the economy, followed by 20 percent prioritizing the preservation of democracy, and 18 percent selecting immigration.
The breakdown of priorities varies significantly by party: Republicans overwhelmingly cite immigration (37 percent) as their top concern, while Democrats prioritize democracy (35 percent) and climate change (18 percent). 
Independents are divided, with the economy (24 percent) and democracy (23 percent) topping their concerns. These figures highlight the "ideological divide shaping American politics and policy debates moving forward," an analyst shared on X.

California Wildfires Spark Climate and Insurance Concerns

As wildfires continue to devastate Southern California, a sharp partisan divide has emerged regarding the role of climate change. Half of voters (50 percent) believe climate change contributed to the fires, while 45 percent reject the idea. 
Predictably, Democrats (89 percent) overwhelmingly attribute the wildfires to climate change, while Republicans (82 percent) dismiss the connection. Meanwhile, concerns over insurance compensation have risen, with 61 percent of voters lacking confidence that their providers would fairly reimburse them for wildfire-related losses.
"As the wreckage from the California fires is cleared, a national poll gives the insurance industry a thumbs-down, no-confidence vote," Malloy observed.
These latest polls paint a stark picture of the political landscape — while Trump enjoys a second-term resurgence, Democrats are struggling to rally support, even among their own base. With economic uncertainty, immigration debates and party divisions defining the months ahead, both parties have significant challenges to navigate.