CNN data analyst Harry Enten is urging a shift in how we measure Donald Trump's popularity. Instead of focusing solely on approval ratings, Enten suggests a more insightful approach: gauging overall American optimism. He argues that asking Americans whether they believe the country is on the right track provides a more accurate reflection of the political landscape.
Enten's analysis, presented on CNN, challenges the notion that Trump's popularity is solely defined by his direct approval numbers. He points to data indicating a significant level of optimism about the direction of the country, even among those who may express reservations about Trump himself.
"We often get caught up in the day-to-day polls and forget to look at the bigger picture," Enten explained. "Asking if the country is headed in the right direction cuts through some of the noise and gives us a clearer understanding of the public's sentiment." This approach, according to Enten, provides a valuable 'reality check' for those who might underestimate Trump's potential support based solely on traditional polling data.
CNN Analyst: US Optimism High Despite Trump Skepticism

CNN's Harry Enten suggests focusing on overall American optimism to gauge Donald Trump's popularity. He argues that directly asking about the country's direction provides a more reliable indicator than simple approval ratings. Enten's analysis challenges common assumptions about Trump's standing with voters. He highlights a disconnect between skepticism towards Trump and a general sense of optimism about the nation's future.