Trump is a dangerous dictator – according to most Americans
The surveys on Trump and the election keep rolling in. And there is one common factor – they are all getting worse.
The 17th annual American Values Survey by the Public Religion Research Institute (20/10) in partnership with the Brookings Institution found that 58% of Americans see Trump as a threat to democracy with six in 10 Americans saying: “President Trump is a potentially dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy.”
Where is the sense of urgency on climate?
As we wait in vain for our Prime Minister to energise Australians about the threat of climate change, the new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has made it a central issue in his approach to what he deems “the climate crisis threat.”
Writing in The Guardian (17/9) he says “British people understand the climate crisis threat. Today I’m empowering them to tackle it.”
Hyperactive poll reporter gets even more hyperactive
Whose got the best economic record?
For a long, long-time conservatives around the world have railed at progressives as dangerous radicals who drive their country into massive debts and deficits.
Donald Trump has gone beyond that in his unceasing hyperbole about his supposed achievements and economic successes.
“When will I ever get credit for having created, with No inflation, perhaps the Greatest Economy in the History of our country, “he has said.
Americans think their country is corrupt
Donald Trump has achieved yet another amazing milestone.
According to a Gallup poll across the 38 member countries in the OECD has found that 89% of Americans say government corruption is widespread with substantial majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents agreeing.
Gallup said American’s perception of government corruption in the US is at its highest level in 20 years – up 10% since last year and well above readings in the 72% to 79% range between 2010 and 2025.
A mystery about to be solved?
Among the many wonderful museums and galleries around the world we all have our favourites – just as we have our favourites among the exhibits in them.
In Berlin there are two which the blog has always found compelling.
The first is the bust of Nefertiti in the Neues Museum and the other is the sunken library in the Bebel Platz.
An amazing development
News readers and political pundits tend to be portentous. Yet CNN commentators have just provided an astonishing – and very animated – report on the state of US politics and Trump.
See it here – and enjoy.
An addendum: What the odds are saying
James Mahoney one of Australia’s most distinguished public relations academics and practitioners reminded the blog today that pundits on elections ought not ignore the betting odds.
He cited Siladitya Ray, a Forbes Staffer, writing on September 23 2026, who reported that The Election Betting Odds tracker which consolidates numbers from popular prediction markets, shows that Kalshi bettors believe Democrats have a 63.8% chance of taking control of the Senate .
How low can you go?
In the very unlikely event that Donald Trump took up limbo dancing (although that would be a sight to see) he would exemplify the limbo cry – how low can you go?
In the latest G. Elliott Morris analysis Trump’s approval rating has a hit a new low of 33% while Democrats lead the House vote by 10%.
Morris’ new polling says 63% of Americans disapprove of the job Trump is doing. He finds that Trump has lost significant support among non-college educated white voters, independents and non-voters.