In last night’s Michigan primaries, Donald Trump and Joe Biden each triumphed within their respective primary contests, but several key factors spell trouble for Biden’s re-election odds in the crucial swing state.

Trump garnered 138,000 more votes in the Republican contest than Biden's final tally in the Democratic primary. Worse for the 81-year-old President, pro-Palestinian efforts to lodge a protest vote under "Uncommitted" received more than 100,000 votes. While many in the mainstream media have scrambled to either downplay or outright deny a red light flashing moment for Biden, the uncommitted vote came just 54,000 away from Joe Biden’s margin of victory in Michigan in 2020.

Media Intelligence Group’s analysis of online discourse surrounding Trump and Biden in the Great Lakes State finds that Biden is indeed in serious trouble, with Trump poised to make perhaps one of the greatest comebacks in U.S. political history.

Dark Cloud Follows Biden Online

MIG’s analysis of online discourse directed at Biden by Michiganders finds a theme of doubt about Biden’s ability to serve as commander in chief and the Democratic nominee headed into November:

• Before uncommitted’s strong showing, MIG found, “users believe Biden could lose the primary due to dissatisfaction among certain voter groups.” And many users referring to him as "Genocide Joe.”
  
• Others highlight Biden’s age and acuity, a subject under increased scrutiny since the damning Hurr report dropped in early February. “There are discussions about Biden's ability to deliver the State of the Union address, with some questioning his mental fitness.” Some “suggest that Biden's lifespan could be a concern, questioning the wisdom of voting for him.”
  
• MIG found he still has ardent supporters, despite the chaos following Biden. “Some feel Biden and Kamala Harris will fight for them and plan to vote for them” in 2024.

Boiling Anger

Analysis of online discourse from Trump supporters in Michigan finds a theme of anger over both the past and the present that could motivate them to push Trump over the finish line in 2024.

• MIG’s analysis picks up discourse centering on the 2020 election results including, “allegations of election fraud,” and “users suggesting that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.”

Others are enraged at the current state of America under Biden, demanding immediate action before November.

• Frequently, Republicans lean into removing Biden now, with online comments “demanding the impeachment of Biden.”
  
• Biden’s weakest point and highest policy priority among a plurality of Americans, immigration, generates anger tooMIG found, “frustration with Biden's immigration policy, and accusations of him allowing an influx of undocumented immigrants into the country.”
  
• Others focus on increasingly tragic human stories of Biden’s immigration policy. “There are multiple references to an incident involving the slaughter of Laken Riley, with users accusing Biden of complicity.”
  
• Despite Biden defenders in mainstream media portending the economy is in great shape, Michiganders remain unconvinced of Bidenomics success and, “express dissatisfaction with his economic policies.”

While anger is a serious theme found in discourse by Trump supporters in Michigan, hope drives support for Trump’s re-election as well.

• Pro-Trump Michigan discourse finds many viewing his return as a solution to global chaos, voicing that, "If Trump had won a second term, he would have taken stronger action against China.” And their desire for him, “to be elected in 2024 and end wars.”
  
• Democrats remain critical of the former President, with some suggesting that, “Trump is pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine.”
  

By the Numbers

With just nine months until election day, MIG’s analysis of head-to-head support online between Joe Biden and Donald Trump spells a tight final vote count in November.

• Today, Trump leads Biden 47% to 44% in Michigan, with RFK Jr. taking 9% of support.

Michigan Head-to-Head Support Analysis - February 28

• Over the last 14 days, Biden’s lead in support versus Trump has crumbled, falling from an average of 50% to Trump’s 43% between February 15 and 21,to Trump capturing an average of 46% support to Biden’s 44% between February 22 and 29.

Michigan Head-to-Head Support Analysis - last 14 days

• MIG’s analysisduring this period finds that Trump does not necessarily dominate Biden by garnering more positive indications of support. In fact, in individual candidate analysis, each held 45% approval between Febraury 15 and 21, when Biden’s support began to give way to Trump.
  
• What makes the difference is disparity in the volume of negativity directed at each candidate. Biden earned more negative than positive comments on Frebruary 17 and 18, and his support fell by7% against Trump.
  
• During this time frame, Biden’s ratio of positive comments to negative comments found the incumbent at -149, with Trump lower at -139. This implies a conclusion that Biden’s ultimate weakness in Michigan isn’t voters liking Trump more, but their anger towards Biden is stronger than dislike for Trump.

Looking Ahead

What is unfolding in Michigan spells potential disaster in a must-win state for Biden. Despite being thousands of miles from the border, MIG’s data shows that all states are increasingly focusing on immigration, coming to grips with the reality that every state is a border state in Joe Biden’s America.

It is nearly impossible for the Biden campaign to celebrate winning Michigan with so many cracks being revealed in the President’s 2020 winning strategy. Crucial minority groups essential to winning Democrat coalitions are fraying, evidenced by the substantial "Uncommitted" protest turnout. Democrats almost always beat Republicans in non-general election turnout, yet Trump’s turnout was more than Biden’s by 135,000.

Growing doubts on Biden’s electability, coupled with ever heightening scrutiny of Biden's policies and fitness for office contrasts sharply with the fervent support Trump enjoysAll this is fueled by a blend of anger and hope. As election day looms, the dynamics in Michigan come into focus, where dissatisfaction with the incumbent and a growing appetite for change sets the stage for what could be the most historic political comeback since Nixon’s return to the White House in 1969.

The potential invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove President Joe Biden has generated talk online and will likely become a contentious issue in the coming days. It's clear that sentiment varies widely among different political affiliations. However, there are also ideological fissures within both parties.

Democrats

Democrats seem largely dismissive of the idea and tend to have a negative sentiment towards this topic, as it portrays Biden in a vulnerable light. This group interprets the discussion as a distraction from more important issues and an attempt to shift focus from the GOP's own problems. They also see it as a form of political theater. Democrats express frustration with what they see as the GOP's hypocrisy, given the previous controversies and allegations surrounding former President Trump.

In public conversation, Democrats express confidence in Biden's capacity to perform his duties and decry the motives behind Republican calls for his removal. There’s also a theme of concern about the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris taking over. This implies that not all Democrats are fully satisfied with the current administration.

Democrat approval for Biden is raised when Biden's efforts and accomplishments are highlighted such as the surprise appearance of Biden on "Late Night with Seth Meyers." Approval drops when accusations of illegality or incompetence are thrown at the current administration. Negative sentiment also arises when Democrats are accused of not fighting for American citizens and prioritizing other issues like illegal immigration. Further, some Democrats express concerns that these discussions may undermine their party's agenda and create unnecessary political instability.

Republicans

Republicans are divided. Some are ardent in their belief that Biden is unfit for office and explicitly support the invocation of the 25th Amendment. They cite his deficient mental capacity and handling of the border crisis as influencing factors. Others are more cautious, expressing concern about the potential repercussions, particularly the prospect of Harris assuming the presidency.

There are frequent references to the border crisis and the alleged failure of the Biden administration to address it, which raises sentiment among Republicans. However, sentiment falls with discussion of GOP efforts to invoke the 25th Amendment or attempts to cancel the State of the Union Address. These initiatives are seen by some Republicans as disrespectful or undemocratic.

Independents

Independents hold a range of views. Some support the invocation of the 25th Amendment, citing similar reasons to those of Republicans. Others, however, dismiss it as a political maneuver and criticize both parties for their perceived focus on political point-scoring rather than addressing the country's pressing issues.

It seems the discussion surrounding the potential invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove Biden is largely fueled by partisan politics. While some Republicans are pushing for it and some Independents support it, the majority of Democrats view it as a politically motivated distraction. There is no clear consensus on whether Democrats would support replacing Biden under different circumstance. Some Democrats express dissatisfaction with his performance, but there's no widespread call for his replacement within the party.

After a decisive Trump win in South Carolina over Nikki Haley, 59.8% to 39.5%, GOP voters seem to be doubling down on MAGA sentiments. MIG data showed support numbers very close to the GOP primary results in Haley’s home state.

A CNN exit poll showed that more than 4 in 10 GOP voters described themselves as MAGA, and even more supported Trump without calling themselves MAGA. This aligns with MIG data, which showed Trump leading well in the 60-70% approval range for much of the 30 days prior to the primary.

• Two days prior to the primary vote, MIG data showed Trump at 60% and 59% support.
• Nikki Haley earned 41% and 42% on those same two days.
• On the day of the election, MIG data showed Trump at 58% and Haley at 42%, a two-point difference with actual vote results.

GOP Support for Trump and Haley

South Carolina Primary Results

South Carolina Republicans Object to Dems Voting in the Primary

Leading up to the South Carolina primary, support for Trump was as high as 67%, lowering slightly by the time votes were cast. Some conservatives and MAGA Republicans express concerns over Democrats voting in the primary to weaken Trump support.

Many GOP voters are quite satisfied with the results, often citing Trump’s victory as a testament to his enduring popularity in the party. But there is also a degree of skepticism about elections and a belief in unfair tactics by Democrats.

Some voters allege that Democrats and Independents voted in the primaries to harm Trump's chances in the general election. They argue that Haley's votes were inflated by these individuals, and her actual support within the GOP is not as strong as the results imply.

Many MAGA voters believe the primary was influenced by liberals attempting to interfere with GOP party politics. They point to precincts where Haley received more votes than Trump did in the 2020 general election as evidence of this alleged infiltration.

The Fading Voices of Nikki Haley Supporters

Those who oppose Trump's win express a strong aversion towards his potential return to power. They highlight his inability to appeal to a significant portion of the Republican party, suggesting that Trump's win might not necessarily translate into success in a general election.

It seems that Nikki Haley supporters are more anti-Trump than pro-Haley. They tend to express a belief that his victory signifies a further entrenchment of divisive politics and a step away from more moderate, bipartisan approaches to governance.

More Popular Views of Haley Among the GOP Base

A lot of Republicans are also fiercely critical of Nikki Haley, accusing her of being a traitor to the Republican party and selling out to the Democrats.

There’s a clear recurring theme of voters feeling their concerns about illegal immigration are being ignored by politicians and the media. GOP voters feel this issue is directly impacting their lives and express a sense of being ignored by politicians like Haley. This is likely another factor that contributed to Trump's Soth Carolina win.

A significant portion of the online conversation is dominated by those criticizing Haley, highlighting her performance as divisive within the party. They accuse her of self-sabotaging her own career and pandering to liberals.

Critics emphasize Haley's perceived inability to win primaries, reiterating that she could not event defeat Trump even in her home state. They also accuse her of focusing on attacking Trump rather than proposing her own strategies or solutions.

Red States Double Down on Trump in 2024

Many conservative voters in South Carolina express satisfaction with Trump's triumph. They see it as a referendum on the “woke mind virus” that imposes progressive ideologies concerning race, gender, and social justice. Many red state voters see Trump as a bulwark against these ideologies, which they believe are eroding traditional American values.

Many in the South Carolina GOP are ardent Trump supporters who believe that the former president has been unfairly targeted by the legal system and the media. They express that they are rallying behind Trump with fervor, seeing him as a victim of a corrupt system. They argue that the accusations and legal cases against Trump are either baseless or politically motivated.

Republicans are showing strong support in South Carolina, leading up to the general election.

• Republicans gained a 30-day high of 51% support in South Carolina compared to a Democrat high of 45%.
• The Republican margin showed a 10-point gap between Republicans and Democrats on the day of the GOP primary.

Party Support in South Carolina

The recent $355 million fraud ruling against former President Donald Trump in New York City is driving new questions about the U.S. justice system being weaponized against political opponents. Democrat Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling in a case filed by New York’s democratic Attorney General Letitia James, has sparked controversy, deepening existing divisions between Republicans and Democrats, online trend analysis and sentiment tracking shows.

The controversy is a lightning rod, with Republicans seeing the unprecedented $355 million fine as a biased attack on a political challenger during an election year.

A Deutsche Bank executive testified in Trump’s defense against the charges, saying the bank, and Trump, followed the bank’s rules in valuing assets at the center of the fraud trial. Democrats are framing the trial as holding Trump accountable for his financial dealings, saying no one is above the law. Meanwhile, the former president leads Biden in both national and key swing state polls. The repercussions of the ruling are rippling through media and policy debates, showing deeply entrenched partisan sentiments, with some wondering if courts are now a tool for punishing political opponents. 

Republican Response

Republicans are criticizing the NYC fraud ruling against Trump as an extension of power by democrats. The ruling has also underscored Republicans’ commitment to the former president. Some Republicans have drawn comparisons between Trump's alleged financial misdeeds and the corruption scandals plaguing the White House. Their claims have initiated a broader conversation about political accountability and the rule of law and what it means to wield power in America.

Republicans are concerned the Biden White House is corrupt, perceiving that government institutions, including the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, have been weaponized against political rivals. Biden's alleged involvement in the theft of classified documents during his tenure as a senator and vice president has added to the fire. Some Republicans have gone so far as to draw parallels to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arresting rivals, framing the White House within a broader narrative of political persecution.

Trends show Republicans see the fraud ruling against Trump as indicative of a larger pattern of bias and corruption, suggesting a political agenda behind the legal proceedings. In scrutinizing the legal process, they have been able to underscore their belief in the need for fairness and impartiality. Republicans have maintained focus on the integrity of the legal proceedings in discourse.

Emphasizing Trump's accomplishments, particularly in areas like border security and economic stability, Republicans have also been aiming to highlight Trump’s accomplishments against the Biden administration's handling of key issues, including persistent inflation, crime, open borders, and the national debt having gone parabolic. Critics of the White House have been able to set Trump’s accomplishments and the legal attacks they say are political persecution by democrats against the backdrop of White House policy failures.

Democrat Response

On the Democratic side, the NYC fraud ruling against Trump is wielded as a weapon to disqualify the former president. Democrats, in turn, see media coverage of the Biden administration missing the White House’s student loan forgiveness efforts and success in maintaining its border policy. They insinuate a lack of accountability or consequences for Trump, the fraud trial being one of the former president’s many legal cases. They also emphasize potential misuse of classified documents and even allege that Trump may have sold such documents to foreign leaders.

Democrats are responding in kind to the recent DOJ report claiming Biden was unfit to stand trial with concerns about Trump's potential misuse of classified information to pay legal fees and questioning the former president’s mental capacity.

They also question the legitimacy of Republican criticisms, especially regarding Biden's handling of the deficit, contrasting it with claims about Trump's tax cuts benefiting billionaires and contributing to the growing deficit. 

Economic Fallout

Beyond the political realm, the ruling against Trump may cause economic havoc, particularly in New York’s business and investment climate landscape. Some see fallout on the horizon: will the targeting of political adversaries accelerate an exodus of investors from New York? Analysts are wary the prospect of political bias in legal proceedings may discourage businesses from continued investment in states with high taxes, such as New York, Illinois, and California

Some Republicans express apprehension about the broader economic implications, suggesting that the ruling could have negative consequences for state budgets, public services, and infrastructure. If businesses and investors feel vulnerable to political lawfare, they may choose to relocate or reduce their activities, leading to a decrease in tax revenues for the affected states.

On the other hand, Democrats are countering these claims by emphasizing the moral implications of the ruling. They argue that the economic concerns raised by Republicans are a diversion from Trump's financial dealings. Democrats contend that holding individuals accountable for financial misconduct is crucial for ensuring a fair and just economic system.

Conclusion

The NYC fraud ruling against Trump has become a lightning rod for political division, with Republicans and Democrats interpreting the decision along partisan lines. The controversy has exposed live questions as to whether the rule of law is on the line, and whether the justice system is a tool to punish political adversaries. The fallout contributes to a widening gap between the two political camps. As debate unfolds, the impact of this ruling on the political landscape and the 2024 election remains to be seen. Even so, the controversy has exposed massive fissures in perception of American courts as upholding equality before the law.

Donald Trump’s recent comments at a South Carolina rally on NATO and Russia sparked a media firestorm with some claiming Republicans are now doing damage control over national security issues. But new reports indicate swing state voters share the former president’s sentiment that NATO countries share the responsibility for buffering Russia.

Full Story

Speaking at a rally in Conway, South Carolina, President Trump recounted a conversation during his first term with an unnamed NATO leader. The former President told the crowd that he was asked what the U.S. would do if a NATO nation failed to uphold the alliance's mandatory two percent defense spending commitment. Trump’s reply: such a nation would have to confront the possibility of Russia acting with impunity.

Mainstream media and political elites were quick to decry Trump's remarks. President Biden criticized Trump's remarks as "un-American," a frequent knee-jerk against Trump, known for challenging establishment norms. Adding to the chorus, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed concern to NBC News that Trump’s comments would damage U.S. credibility among NATO countries.

Yet voters perceive the substance of Trump’s remarks: only 11 NATO nations meet NATO defense funding commitments, with 24 others falling short, despite the war in Ukraine being at NATO’s doorstep. Are President Trump’s stances on international issues in step with American sentiment?

Teflon Don

NPR reported that Republicans were playing “Clean Up on Aisle Trump,” in the wake of the former president’s comments. Yet The Media Intelligence Group, which analyzes social media data to provide AI-driven public sentiment insights, finds that Americans see nothing to clean up at all.

Nationally, Trump’s approval hasn’t budged since his NATO comments, standing at 47% in the seven days prior to his South Carolina rally and holding fast at 47% the following week.

Trump's ratings remained close to Biden's on issues relevant to NATO. Biden holds 47% to 46% for Trump on approval in online debates involving Ukraine, while Biden scores 48% on national security issues to Trump’s 46%.

Meanwhile the onslaught of negative press had no effect on Trump’s overall approval ratings.

Since the rally, Trump's ratings remain close to Biden's on NATO-specific discussions as well. Both Trump and Biden hold 47% approval in online debates involving Russia, while Biden scores 48% on National Security issues to Trump’s 47%. However, Biden faces difficulty in swing states over NATO and security issues.

Stronger Where it Counts, Swing States

Critically, within five days of Trump’s South Carolina rally, Trump retained his lead over Biden in head-to-head support in a majority of key swing states, indicating Trump may be in touch with voters in those states:

• AZ: Trump 48%, Biden 43%
• NV: Trump 48%, Biden 41%
• PA: Trump 47%, Biden 44%
• GA: Trump 47%, Biden 43%
• WI: Trump 44%, Biden 46%

Note: Includes independent candidate RFK Jr., sample size minimum of 1,000 respondents per candidate in each state.

Meanwhile, sentiment over the last seven days in Arizona, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Nevada, Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania showed Biden trending down 3% on national security issues. Biden dipped to 40% compared to Trump’s 43%.

Biden remained only marginally higher on Russia, tracking at 45% to Trump’s 43%, a surprisingly close divide on a topic establishment media has sought to frame as an absolute negative for Trump since 2016. Meanwhile, Biden is losing his grip on Ukraine in swing state favorability, where Trump holds 44% approval to Biden’s 41%.

Forging Ahead

The episode typifies the political pattern that has emerged since Trump entered the political arena. Trump built a coalition confronting an entrenched Washington establishment, which in turn has attempted to characterize challenges to its agenda as a five-alarm fire. But is there a crisis? Americans outside the Beltway apparently either align with Trump’s America First outlook or reject media and establishment crisis narratives.

Swing state voters are instead weighing whether America’s security alliances benefit Americans. With the election nine months away, Trump remains in a dominant position, with opposition still struggling to crack the MAGA code.

As the news spreads of a possible disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the Trump RICO case, the public response is a mixed bag. The main issue revolves around Willis's alleged personal relationship with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor she appointed to manage the election interference case against Donald Trump.

Overall, it seems the potential for Willis to be removed from the case has heightened skepticism about the validity of the charges. A significant portion of the public raises concern about the potential implications on the integrity of the judicial process. This seems to be a general trend, despite clear partisan divides on this issue.

In online discourse, the top keywords related to Fani Willis are largely generating negative sentiment.

Sentiment toward Fani Willis related to the various allegations dropped noticeably when a hearing on her possible dismissal was announced.

• Trump and Willis saw similar sentiment in the high 40% range prior to the hearing news.
• After her misconduct hearing was announced, Willis dropped to 40% and Trump held at 46%.

It is evident that Democrats and Republicans view this case very differently based on political opinions. However, sentiment toward allegations against both Trump and Willis is similar among all voters, dropping slightly across the board as news about the hearing is released.

Republicans Accuse Willis of Politicizing the Justice System

In general, Republicans are very critical of both Willis’s actions and the RICO case itself.

• They argue that Willis is politically biased and has used her position to target high-profile political figures including Trump.
• Republicans believe that her connections to the Democratic Party, particularly her alleged meetings with the Biden administration, are evidence of this bias.
• Critics also claim that her campaign fundraising was partially illegal, suggesting corruption.
• They believe she is more interested in aiding Biden's 2024 campaign than prioritizing public safety and the rule of law.
• Many on the right argue Willis’s relationship with Nathan Wade is inappropriate and simply the appearance of conflicts of interest compromise the impartiality of her office.

Democrats Insist No One is Above the Law

For their part, Democrats tend to support Willis and, even more strongly, the case she’s bringing against Trump.

• Democrats point out that Willis is a highly qualified prosecutor who is committed to upholding the rule of law.
• They argue that her investigations into Trump is not the result of political bias, but rather a reflection of her commitment to holding everyone accountable, regardless of their status.
• Supporters also dismiss the allegations of illegal campaign funding, noting that they are unproven and potentially politically motivated.
• Many on the left argue that these allegations are attempts to undermine Willis's credibility and reputation.
• There are assertions that Willis and Wade’s private lives should not be used to judge their professional competence.
• Democrats claim that male figures in similar positions often maintain private lives without facing the same level of scrutiny.

Doubling Down on Trump Support

With more evidence of a politicized judicial system, many on the right and in the center are arguing in favor of Trump.

• Continued legal attacks on Trump, which seem to be fast falling apart, elicit accusations that the "Deep State" is politicizing the courts.
• Allegations that Willis misused state and federal funds have been a key topic, with many expressing their desire for justice and transparency in the political sphere.
• There is a considerable amount of frustration among many different groups who view the situation as an example of corruption and a disregard for the rule of law.
• There are voices lauding Congressman Cory Mills for introducing a bill aimed at removing Willis from her position.
• Some are hailing the prospects of Willis's disqualification as a victory for Trump, suggesting that the allegations against Willis undermine the credibility of the entire case.
• Many Americans seem to be concluding that bias and corruption are being revealed within the legal establishment against Trump.
• There's a sentiment among some that Willis, along with other prominent Democrats like Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Barack Obama, are given a "pass" despite perceived wrongdoing..

While Republicans are largely leading the objections against a potentially politicized judicial system, this sentiment seems to be spreading to other voter groups as well.

Objections of Racism

In defense of Willis, Democrats and others on the left take the other side of the politicization argument.

• Many Democrats counter with the argument that Willis’s misconduct hearing is a result of Republicans weaponizing the court against her.
• There are arguments that "black women in charge" are subjects of excessive criticism.
• Supporters suggest that Willis's potential disqualification is part of a broader pattern of American biases that black, female leaders are incompetent or corrupt.
• Supporters also accuse Republicans of attempting to punish Willis for maintaining a private life alongside her professional responsibilities.
• Many dismiss the allegations against Willis as an attempt to distract from Trump's alleged misdeeds.
• Many on the left assert that Willis is being unfairly targeted due to her race and gender and that she is facing heightened scrutiny which white or male DAs would not.
• Overall, those on the left see the possible removal of Willis as a potential setback in the pursuit of accountability for Trump's actions.
• Among this group, Willis's potential disqualification does not necessarily invalidate the indictments.

As speculation grows about who might be President Trump's potential running mate in the next election, online discussions reflect a diverse range of sentiments towards various candidates. Among the potential vice presidential picks, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Kristi Noem, and RFK Jr. have emerged as notable contenders. However, the online discourse reveals a mixture of positive and negative opinions surrounding these individuals.

Discussion Snapshot

Vivek Ramaswamy dominates online discussions. Supporters praise his intelligence, well-thought-out plans, and alignment with the 'America First' agenda. However, concerns about his loyalty to Trump and the 'MAGA' movement also emerge, creating a split in public opinion.

Elise Stefanik is consistently the 2nd most talked about candidate. Elise is viewed negatively by some and many have expressed doubt about her chances of being selected as VP.

Tucker Carlson has spiked in mentions following his controversial interview with Vladimir Putin. His qualifications for VP are frequently questioned.

Support Score

Vivek Ramaswamy: Mixed Reviews on a Potential Trump Running Mate

Vivek Ramaswamy emerges as a candidate with mostly positive sentiments among online users. Supporters express excitement and view him as a valuable asset, praising his intelligence and well-thought-out plans. However, detractors argue that he may not be ready for the VP position, with some questioning his loyalty to the MAGA agenda. The division in opinions suggests that while Vivek has a base of supporters, concerns about his readiness for the role remain.

Elise Stefanik: A Sellout or a Potential VP?

Elise Stefanik, on the other hand, faces predominantly negative sentiments. Labeled as a sellout to Donald Trump, online users question her qualities outside of her support for Israel and cast doubt on her chances of being chosen as Trump's VP. The online community appears skeptical of Stefanik's credibility as a potential running mate.

Tucker Carlson: Doubts on Qualifications for VP

Despite not being a candidate, Tucker Carlson's name surfaces in discussions, with users questioning his qualifications for the VP role. One user comments on his journalistic background, emphasizing that it doesn't automatically qualify him for the position. The sentiment suggests skepticism about the idea of Carlson as a potential VP.

Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis: Mixed Opinions

Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis both elicit mixed sentiments. While some users propose that Haley should work with Democrats for a compromise ticket, there's no strong support for her as a VP candidate. DeSantis, on the other hand, receives indications of support, with users suggesting they would vote for Trump if he chooses DeSantis. However, doubts linger, with some users considering alternatives if DeSantis is not selected as the VP.

Kristi Noem: A Potential Trailblazer with Positive Support

Kristi Noem emerges as a potential favorite among online discussions. Users express strong support for her as Trump's VP, even envisioning her as the first female US President. Noem's positive reception indicates that she resonates well with online communities, positioning her as a potential trailblazer.

JD Vance: Mixed Sentiments and Criticism

JD Vance receives both positive and negative sentiments. Supporters see him as meeting all the requirements for Trump's VP, praising his loyalty, brilliance, toughness, energy, and patriotism. However, critics label him as someone willing to say anything to become VP.

Conclusion

As the online discussions unfold, it is evident that there is no definitive front-runner among the potential vice presidential nominees for President Trump. Mixed opinions surround each candidate, reflecting the complexities of choosing a running mate who can unite Trump's base. While some candidates like Vivek Ramaswamy and Kristi Noem enjoy positive sentiments, doubts persist about their suitability for the role. As discussions continue to evolve, it remains uncertain which candidate will ultimately garner the most support and become the favored choice for Vice President in the eyes of the public.

RFK Jr. has been a topic of discussion online following his Super Bowl ad. Unsurprisingly, feedback is mixed with some praising his honesty, transparency, and dedication to fighting government corruption. However, the ad also caused some controversy which led to Kennedy apologizing on Twitter.

Overall, the $7 million ad doesn’t seem to have markedly changed voter perception of the Independent candidate.

• Discussion volume regarding RFK Jr. increased from around 350 mentions the day before, to nearly 800 following the Super Bowl ad.
• Approval for RFK Jr. ticked down by about 1% both nationally and in swing states.
• His approval on February 9 was slightly higher in swing states at 51% versus 50% nationally.
• On February 11, his approval in swing states dipped slightly below his overall sentiment at 49.4% compared to 49.7% nationally.

Reactions and RFK Jr.’s Apology

Following the ad, there was expressed concern about his influence due to his media experience and recognizable name.

Negativity Toward the Ad

• A columnist, David Colborne, characterized RFK Jr. as a "dangerous and paranoid crank," generating agreement and discussion.
• Some voiced their disapproval, calling for the ad to be taken down and requiring an apology.
• Others expressed political disagreement, stating they would not support RFK Jr., despite appreciating the quality of the advertisement.
• There seems to be a perceived conflict between RFK Jr.'s actions and the legacy of his family, leading some to believe his views are more conservative than those of his relatives.
• He also drew criticism from Libertarians, implying that he supports a heavily government-involved economic system.
• There was some support following the ad, showing enthusiastic about his independent campaign and anticipation for the announcement of his running mate.
• A few praise the Super Bowl ad as being effective in spreading the word of his presidential bid, particularly among older demographics.
• A notable number of individuals express a sense of nostalgia in response to his ad, even if they do not support him for president.

Questions About Funding

A portion of the conversation also revolved around the Super Bowl ad's creation and dissemination. RFK Jr. clarified in a tweet that the ad was made and aired without his campaign's involvement or approval. He apologized, explaining that Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules prohibit Super PACs from consulting with him or his staff.

• Some are wary of the sources of his campaign funding, with allegations of being backed by one of Trump's biggest donors sparking controversy
• There is also controversy around the use of family members' images in the ad, with suggestions that RFK Jr's views on healthcare are contrary to his family’s.
• Some view RFK Jr.’s apology as a necessary step towards resolving a family dispute, while others see it as an admission of his controversial stance on healthcare.
• The Super Bowl ad seems to have successfully sparked discussion and debate around RFK Jr.’s political stances, attracting both support and criticism. It has has effectively raised his profile and generated significant attention, although whether this will translate into broader political support remains to be seen.

The discourse surrounding Joe Biden's cognitive abilities has been a contentious topic across all political spectrums. Americans perceived his recent press conference as an unmitigated disaster and even his defenders cannot continue to ignore the rumors of his decline.

In the 24 hours since the Special Council report detailed Biden’s mental unfitness to face charges in a classified document case, and after his contentious press conference, Biden’s approval has yet to take a significant hit. While this could still change, one implication could be that Democrats still intend to vote along party lines, even if they believe he is mentally unfit for office.

• In the last day, Biden’s approval remained strong at 48% and Trump saw a slight bump from 47% to 48%.

The top discussion topics regarding the president online in the last 24 hours include:

Reactions to the Special Council Report

Online discussion predictably reflected partisan divides in the aftermath of the Special Council’s report calling Biden a “Sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.”

• Republicans expressed disappointment and anger, suggesting that the decision not to charge him was a product of bias and not reflective of the truth.
• Many cited the very similar charges brought against Trump as evidence of a two-tier justice system.
• Republicans say the decision not to charge Biden was politically motivated and determining Biden unfit for charges but fit for office is an untenable contradiction.
• There are calls for the application of the 25th Amendment or impeachment, as well as suggestions that the same leniency wasn't extended to former President Trump.
• Many Democrats saw the refusal to charge as a vindication of Biden and a repudiation of what they perceive as baseless accusations.
• Some suggest that Biden's focus may have been elsewhere due to the complex and numerous issues he is dealing with, like the crisis in Ukraine and the attack by Hamas.
• They are focusing on the fact that Biden will not face charges, rather than the salience of the reasons given by the DOJ.
• Despite most Democrats avoiding the issue prior to the report, there is now some expressed concern it gives credence to doubts about Biden's cognitive abilities.
• Some Democrats acknowledge concerns about Biden's cognitive abilities, but they primarily view these as character attacks, expressing support for Biden and Harris.
• A few have admitted the special counsel's assessment of Biden's cognitive abilities is concerning, questioning if someone unfit for trial should continue as POTUS.

Conversations Following the President’s Confused Press Conference

Many people across all political affiliations commented on Biden’s confusion about Gaza, the Mexico border, and the president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. However, explanations for his confusion differed depending on political affiliation.

• Republicans pointed out that Biden made these egregious errors directly after defending his fitness and denying any memory problems, using it as evidence of his decline.
• They suggest the press conference confirmed the special counsel's report about Biden’s poor memory and deteriorating cognition.
• Democrats continue to dismiss these concerns, pointing out that occasional verbal gaffes are common among all politicians, regardless of age or cognitive fitness.
• Many Democrats also cited the complex nature of the issues he was addressing, claiming mistakes are not indicative of dementia or other cognitive deteriorations.
• Some Democrats compared Biden to former President Trump, asserting that Biden's actions were not as damaging or obstructive as Trump's.

It is clear that bias and party loyalty is shaping public perceptions about Biden’s mistakes which, everyone now admits, are noticeable. This highlights the deep-seated divisions within the current political landscape.