CNN cites polling showing Iran war deeply unpopular, including among GOP-leaning independents
"Washington Post poll. Trump's Iran war net approval rating in early March. Look at this. It was way down there at minus 13 points. Very rare for a war to start off underwater on the net approval. That is approval minus disapproval. But look at how far down we are now. Right into the Red Sea. 40 points underwater according to the Washington Post poll."
About this episode
Breaking Points focuses on Donald Trump’s response to polling about the Iran war, after he argues that Americans are “not against the war” but oppose higher petrol prices. The hosts challenge that framing and cite a polling roundup they attribute to CNN analyst Harry Enten, including a claimed Washington Post poll showing Trump’s net approval on the Iran war moving from -13 earlier in the conflict to roughly -40.
They also cite figures they say show broad opposition to the war’s value: 68% of Americans calling it “not worth it”, including 77% of independents and 63% of GOP-leaning independents. Turning to attitudes inside the Republican coalition, they reference Politico-reported polling suggesting a majority of self-identified MAGA voters blame the war in Iran for gas-price increases, and describe growing price sensitivity among pro-Trump voters.
The segment then moves from public opinion to electoral consequences. The hosts mention an Emerson poll they say shows Democrats with an 11-point lead on the generic congressional ballot, and discuss potential Senate implications in races including Maine (Susan Collins) and Iowa, where they cite a Fox News poll as evidence of tightening contests. They close by referencing Fox polling comparisons on party trust across inflation, the economy and immigration, arguing that the Iran war and associated cost pressures are eroding Republican advantages on core issues.
Key takeaways
- Trump says Americans oppose high petrol prices but are “not against the war”.
- Hosts cite polling they attribute to The Washington Post showing Trump’s net approval on the Iran war at about -40.
- They say 68% of Americans view the Iran war as “not worth it”, including 77% of independents and 63% of GOP-leaning independents.
- They reference Politico-reported polling suggesting many MAGA voters blame the Iran war for gas-price increases.
- Hosts cite an Emerson poll they say gives Democrats an 11-point lead on the generic ballot.
- They argue higher oil and petrol prices could damage Republican incumbents, naming Maine’s Susan Collins and an Iowa Senate race.
- They cite Fox polling comparisons indicating Democrats have improved on issue trust measures including inflation, the economy and immigration.