2018 US Politics - 43% of Likely Voters Approve of President Trump’s Job Performance (September 12)
Among likely voters, Democrats have an 8-point advantage over Republicans if the election for Congress were held today.
With less than two months until the elections in November, Reuters/Ipsos is excited to begin reporting perceptions among Americans who are considered likely voters in this year’s election. Likely voters report that they are more likely to vote for a Democrat (49%) than a Republican (41%) if the election for Congress were held today – giving Democrats an 8-point advantage over Republicans this week. Similar sentiments are seen among the general public, with 40% reporting they would vote for a Democrat, compared to the 31% who would vote for a Republican. Likely voters (53%) are more likely to say they approve of the way their individual representative is performing in Congress, compared to the rest of the public, where just 44% approve.
Just 43% of likely voters report they approve of President Trump’s job performance – this perception is in line with the rest of the American public (40%). When it comes to specific issues, all Americans (18%) and likely voters (20%) believe that healthcare is the most important issue facing the nation. However, just 39% of all Americans and 43% of likely voters approve of Trump's handling of healthcare reform. Americans are most likely to report approving of Trump’s handling of employment (50%) and the economy (49%), but he receives lower marks on international trade (41%). Americans are least likely to approve of his handling of corruption (35%), the environment (35%), and Russia (36%).
Likely voters are slightly more optimistic about the direction of the country, with 39% reporting they believe we are headed in the right direction, compared to just 33% of all Americans. Republicans are significantly more satisfied with the direction of the country, with three quarters (72%) reporting they feel like America is headed on the right path, compared to just 12% of Democrats.
