For all the hand-wringing and pearl-clutching from the mainstream media about Donald Trump, a new CNN poll reveals that Americans are embracing his presidential transition with open arms—while Democrats are too exhausted to even muster a fight. In a segment that surely had liberal viewers reaching for their emotional support kombucha, CNN analyst Harry Enten broke down the numbers and admitted what the left doesn’t want to hear: Trump’s transition is far more popular than it was eight years ago.
According to the poll, Trump’s transition approval has skyrocketed by a stunning 18 points since 2016. Enten explained, “If eight years ago Americans were lukewarm on Donald Trump, at this particular point, they’re giving him much more the benefit of the doubt.” That’s putting it lightly. Back then, 53% of Americans claimed to feel “scared or concerned” about Trump taking office. Now? The numbers have completely flipped—53% are “excited or optimistic” about a second Trump term.
In other words, America’s ready for Round Two.
And what about the Democrats? Well, it turns out that the party of resistance has finally run out of steam. After losing the presidency, the Senate, and failing to claw back the House, Democrats are, in Enten’s words, “exhausted.” He even went so far as to admit, “Donald Trump wears out his opponents, and I think they’ve done that here.”
The numbers back him up. Only 44% of Democrats said they’re motivated to oppose Trump, while nearly half—46%—admitted they’ve checked out entirely. Astonishingly, 10% said they’d support Trump outright. This is a far cry from the frothing hysteria of 2016, when liberal activists were clogging city streets with pink hats and signs. Now? It seems the party of outrage has swapped its picket signs for pillows.
Much improved from 2016, this Trump presidential transition is getting 2 thumbs up from Americans. Trump's net approval rating is up 17 pts (to +18 pts).
A majority (53%) are excited/optimistic for Trump's coming term.
Trump also seems to have exhausted his Democratic rivals: pic.twitter.com/2dGCT6h5po
— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) November 25, 2024
Here’s the real kicker: This isn’t just about Trump; it’s about the complete collapse of the Democrats’ message. Their endless fearmongering about “democracy dying” and Trump being the second coming of doom has fallen flat. Americans aren’t buying it anymore. Instead, they’re looking to a leader who delivers results, not apocalyptic rhetoric.
The Democrats’ fatigue underscores the brilliance of Trump’s political strategy. While they wasted years chasing wild conspiracy theories and yelling at clouds, Trump focused on his agenda—and it paid off. The right’s policies of economic strength, national security, and putting America first resonate far more than the left’s tired theatrics.
This moment is a wake-up call. The left’s obsession with identity politics, endless grievances, and Trump-bashing has backfired spectacularly. Meanwhile, conservatives are energized and ready to lead. As Trump’s momentum builds, it’s clear that the Democratic Party isn’t just out of gas—they’re out of ideas.
