Overview
- CNN analyst Harry Enten used Elon University data to show that 53% of Republicans named President Trump the president they most admire, far ahead of Ronald Reagan (18%) and Abraham Lincoln (8%).
- Enten said Trump’s endorsements have been exceptionally effective, with endorsed Senate candidates winning 100% of primaries this year and about a 95% win rate since 2022.
- Enten pointed to Darline Graham’s South Carolina primary win as a clear example, noting her odds on the Kalshi prediction market rose from about 14% to over 50% after Trump’s endorsement.
- The contrast with wider public opinion was highlighted by earlier August polling that showed Trump’s national approval in the low 30s, driven in part by economic worries tied to the war with Iran and higher prices.
- Coverage across outlets framed the same facts differently, and the immediate effect to watch is whether Trump’s control over GOP nominations can overcome his general‑electorate weakness in key Senate contests this fall.