A Topsy-Turvy Week In Review
FiveThirtyEight Politics
Deep Dive
Why did Democrats' stance on pardoning Hunter Biden change?
Initially, Democrats opposed pardoning Hunter Biden due to Joe Biden's public stance against it, but they rallied around the decision once it was made, likely influenced by their trust in the elite they support.
What is the current polling on Americans' approval of Hunter Biden's pardon?
According to YouGov, 34% of Americans approved of the pardon, while 50% disapproved, with 35% strongly disapproving.
How has the House Republican majority changed since the 2024 election?
Republicans won 220 seats, and Democrats won 215, making it the narrowest majority in the House since the 1930s. This leaves little margin for error for House Speaker Mike Johnson.
What are the implications of the narrow House majority for Trump's agenda?
The narrow majority means any Republican defection could result in a tied vote, potentially stalling legislation. This adds pressure on Republicans to deliver tangible accomplishments early in Trump's term.
How do Americans generally feel about political violence?
A Reuters Ipsos poll from August 2023 showed that only 8% of Americans think it's acceptable for someone in their political party to commit political violence. Studies suggest support for political violence is significantly lower than some polls indicate.
What are the key differences in Trump and Biden's responses to the developments in Syria?
Biden responded with strategic strikes on ISIS targets in Syria, while Trump advocated for the U.S. to stay out of the conflict, emphasizing that it's not America's fight.
How do Americans view U.S. involvement in Syria?
Polling from 2014-2017 showed most Americans believed the U.S. should stay out of the Syrian conflict. However, when asked about involvement against ISIS in 2019, more Americans felt the U.S. had a responsibility to act.
What is the significance of the recent developments in South Korea for U.S. politics?
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yool's declaration of martial law and subsequent rebuke by the National Assembly highlights potential instability in a key U.S. ally, which could impact American foreign policy decisions.
- 34% of Americans approved of the pardon, 50% disapproved
- Democrats' approval of the pardon increased after Biden's announcement
- Public opinion often follows cues from trusted political elites
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