Staff Reports
As 2025 approaches, a new poll reveals a stark contrast between the hopeful attitudes of conservatives and the gloomy outlook among Democrats. A CBS/YouGov survey indicates that a significant number of Americans are looking forward to the upcoming year with optimism, predominantly due to an expected Donald Trump presidency. This newfound hope has left many on the left distraught and gnashing their teeth as they contemplate what the future holds.
The poll shows a notable jump in optimism from last year’s sentiments. While only 47% expressed hope heading into 2024, a healthy 57% now feel positively about what 2025 might bring. Topping the list of reasons for this optimism is the anticipated return of Trump to the Oval Office, which certainly seems to be more invigorating than pondering personal finances or relationships. For many Americans, the prospect of Trump’s policies outweighs the depression of their personal woes, a bold statement about the political climate in the country.
Heading into 2025, Americans are more hopeful than discouraged — and more outright hopeful than they were heading into 2024, CBS News polling shows. Among those who say they're generally hopeful about 2025, their top reason is that Donald Trump will be president.… pic.twitter.com/T7ZDRh8iTc
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 22, 2024
However, the poll shines a colorful light on party affiliations, revealing an interesting divide. A hefty 60% of the overall hopeful respondents attribute their feelings to Trump becoming president, while a lamentable 85% of those feeling discouraged cite the same impending presidency. The numbers are particularly eye-opening when broken down by party: 85% of Republicans are hopeful, while only 38% of Democrats can muster an optimistic outlook. This begs the question—who are those 38%? They might just be the same folks renewing the push for Kamala Harris’s candidacy in 2028, which wouldn’t entirely hurt conservatives looking forward to future election cycles.
As for Joe Biden, he continues to tumble down the approval ratings, standing at a dismal 39% approval against 61% disapproval. Clearly, many Americans have given up on the current administration and are eagerly anticipating a refuge in the form of Trump’s return. It seems the nation is ready for a change, even if a portion of the populace is still languishing in denial over the past few years. It raises eyebrows that any percentage of respondents would still be on board with Biden’s leadership given the evident struggles seen under his reign.
While these polls may seem merely academic or trivial, they reflect a national consensus that energizes conservatives while leaving the left in shambles. Speculating about New Year’s resolutions adds little value to the broader picture; the waves of discontent among Democrats highlight a party in distress, reeling from the prospect of a resurgent Trump. As polls sharpen the focus on who stands where in terms of optimism, the upcoming year appears set to be a rollercoaster, leaving the left to brace themselves for a challenging ride.
