Oct 29, 2017

Trump approval sinks to new low of 38%, poll finds

Photo: Evan Vucci / AP

President Trump's approval rating stands at 38% according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, a drop of 5% since September and the lowest mark of Trump's presidency so far. 58% of Americans disapprove of Trump's performance.

The splits: Democrats (7% approve/89% disapprove), Republicans (81%/17%), Independents (34%/57%).
The trend: The biggest drops came among independents, whites and, more specifically, whites without college degrees — a key element of Trump's base.
The surprise low point: Among all the issues surveyed (hurricane responses, North Korea, health care, etc.), the highest percentage (59%) disapproved of Trump's stance on NFL players protesting during the anthem.

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Mike Allen

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Postal slowdown threatens election breakdown

In 24 hours, signs of a pre-election postal slowdown have moved from the shadows to the spotlight, with evidence emerging all over the country that this isn't a just a potential threat, but is happening before our eyes.

Why it matters: If you're the Trump administration, and you're in charge of the federal government, remember that a Pew poll published in April found the Postal Service was viewed favorably by 91% of Americans.

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Axios

Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 21,280,608 — Total deaths: 767,422— Total recoveries: 13,290,879 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 5,335,398 — Total deaths: 168,903 — Total recoveries: 1,796,326 — Total tests: 65,676,624 — Map.
Health: The coronavirus-connected heart ailment that could lead to sudden death in athletes — Patients grow more open with their health data during pandemic.
States: New York to reopen gyms, bowling alleys, museums.
Podcasts: The rise of learning pods — Special ed under pressure — Not enough laptops — The loss of learning.

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Mike Allen

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

USPS pushes election officials to pay more for mail ballots

Protesters gather in Kalorama Park in D.C. today before demonstrating outside the condo of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Photo: Cheriss May/Reuters

The Postal Service has urged state election officials to pay first class for mail ballots, which Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says could nearly triple the cost.

Why it matters: Senate Democrats claim that "it has been the practice of USPS to treat all election mail as First Class mail regardless of the paid class of service."