Barack Obama holds a substantial lead in public favorability over Donald Trump, according to analysis by CNN data journalist Harry Enten. Enten noted that Obama's net favorability rating stands at +20 percentage points, while Trump's is -18 percentage points, describing the figures as "basically inverse pictures of each other."
The disparity is even more pronounced among independent voters, with Obama's favorability at +19 percentage points compared to Trump's -38 percentage points. Enten suggested this difficulty with independent voters has been a persistent issue for Trump throughout his presidency and a key factor in competitive states.
When Americans were asked who they believe has been the better president, Obama received 55% support, while Trump garnered 37% in polling conducted earlier this year. Enten indicated that this gap may have widened since the poll was taken.
The analysis was presented on CNN's "News Central," with Enten remarking, "My goodness gracious," regarding the data.
In recent campaign appearances, Obama has renewed his criticism of Trump's administration. Trump, meanwhile, has acknowledged challenges facing Republicans, particularly in certain states.