Washington, D.C. – CNN's chief data analyst, Harry Enten,
issued a troubling warning for the Democratic Party, revealing that President
Donald Trump is more effectively handling the political fallout from the
current government shutdown, according to the most recent national polls.
During a conversation with host John Berman, Enten explained
that data from an AP-NORC survey shows a significant shift in public opinion
compared to previous budget crises. “Government shutdowns are perceived
differently when it's the second incident linked to Donald Trump,” the analyst
noted, alluding to the president's learning to capitalize politically on these
episodes.
The government shutdown, which has now lasted more than a
week, has begun to impact various federal sectors, with thousands of employees
temporarily suspended and public services disrupted. However, polls indicate
that a growing proportion of the electorate is blaming Trump less and more the
Democratic leadership in Congress for the lack of agreements to unblock the
budget.
Enten emphasized that this shift in perception represents a
challenge for Democrats, who have traditionally managed to place political
responsibility for the shutdowns on Republicans. "There is a change in the
narrative. Trump, instead of being seen as the causer, is being perceived as
the one resisting a political paralysis generated by Washington," he
explained.
The results, the analyst noted, could have direct electoral
implications heading into 2026, as public opinion regarding the parties'
management and negotiation skills influences voting intentions for Congress.
Meanwhile, Democrats face the task of regaining control of the narrative with
an electorate that appears more willing to grant Trump a second chance on the
national political stage.