#23: Trump-mania

“Kristen is on the road and Margie’s still in the closet but we head right into the eye of the Trummania storm. Four questions about Trump polling: is this bump real? What’s driving it? Will it last? Is this just a “fling”? What will this do to the GOP brand?…”

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Trump-mania: Episode #23 Recap

Kristen is on the road, Margie’s still in the closet, but nothing’s stopping us from diving headfirst into the storm that is Trump-mania. From polling questions to the GOP’s identity, let’s break it all down.

Four Questions About Trump Polling

Margie: “The Trump bump is the big story in polling, but is it real? The data is complex. While NBC/Marist polls show Trump leading in Iowa and New Hampshire, Politico suggests this might just be a temporary fling.”

Kristen: “Exactly. It’s not just about whether the bump is real—it’s about what’s driving it. Immigration, the GOP brand, and even grassroots activism are all at play. And as Nate Silver’s analysis points out, the Trump phenomenon is polarizing, even evoking Nickelback comparisons!”

Cuba Moves

Kristen: “On the policy front, Pew and CBS polling highlight shifting attitudes on Cuba. With candidates staking out positions, public opinion shows cautious optimism about a changing relationship with Cuba.”

Margie: “This issue is a microcosm of how foreign policy plays into domestic campaigns—complicated, emotional, and nuanced.”

Pot, Alcohol, Coffee, and More

Margie: “Now let’s shift gears to personal habits. Gallup’s data reveals fascinating trends on what Americans are consuming—or avoiding. Marijuana use is up, alcohol consumption is highest among the educated, and coffee remains king. Meanwhile, gluten-free diets and exercise trends are shaping how we think about health.”

Kristen: “It’s amazing how much these lifestyle trends reflect broader cultural shifts. Food, fitness, and even vices tell us a lot about what matters to Americans.”

Book Banning: Summer Reads Under Fire

Margie: “Planning to curl up with a good book this summer? Better hurry—Harris polling reveals growing support for censorship and ratings systems. It’s a surprising twist in an era of supposed freedom of expression.”

Kristen: “And yet, it’s another example of how polarized our culture is becoming.”

Summertime Overtime

Kristen: “Finally, let’s talk vacations. Roper Center data shows that Americans can’t seem to unplug—even on vacation. Emailing the office has become the new norm, but hey, we’re guilty of it too!”

Key Findings

The Trump bump is real—or is it? Polling raises questions about its longevity and impact on the GOP brand.
Cuba’s changing relationship with the U.S. reflects cautious optimism among Americans.
Lifestyle habits like marijuana, alcohol, and coffee consumption reveal broader cultural trends.
Censorship and ratings systems for books are gaining traction, reflecting cultural polarization.
Americans are working harder than ever—even during summer vacation!