In a compelling segment from her MSNBC show, Rachel Maddow addressed the sharp decline in Donald Trump’s approval ratings. She emphasized the widespread opposition to his leadership, using vivid language to illustrate the depth of public discontent.
Maddow stated, “The people stand in opposition to Trump. His approval ratings have fallen through the floor and then down into the basement then through the basement floor into the bedrock.”
She concluded by noting, “He is just despised as a political leader in this country in almost unprecedented terms.” This quote captures the essence of the video clip, highlighting her direct and emphatic delivery.
The video, shared on Facebook, features Maddow speaking against a typical news studio backdrop. Her tone is serious yet engaging, with gestures that underscore her points without overt dramatics.
Visual elements include on-screen graphics likely displaying poll data, though the clip focuses primarily on her monologue. No additional speakers appear, keeping the spotlight on Maddow’s analysis.
This segment exemplifies Maddow’s signature style: thorough, fact-based commentary delivered with rhetorical flair. She builds her narrative step by step, drawing viewers into the implications of the data.
Rachel Maddow, born in 1973 in Castro Valley, California, has built a career as a prominent liberal commentator. After earning a degree from Stanford and a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford, she earned a PhD in politics.
Her dissertation focused on HIV/AIDS and health care reform in prisons, reflecting her early activism in AIDS advocacy. Maddow transitioned from radio hosting on Air America to MSNBC in 2008.
“The Rachel Maddow Show” debuted that year, making her the first openly gay host of a prime-time news program in the US. It quickly boosted ratings, establishing her as a key figure in cable news.
Maddow’s presentation style is characterized by extended commentary infused with humor and intellectual depth. She avoids righteous rants, opting for smart snark and clear explanations of complex issues.
In this video, her use of metaphorical language—like ratings falling “through the floor into the bedrock”—demonstrates her storytelling prowess. It makes abstract poll numbers vivid and memorable.
She delivers the news with a drone-tone seriousness at times, but enlivens it with body language and pauses for emphasis. This actor-like sensibility sets her apart from more static anchors.
The clip likely dates to around 2017, during Trump’s first term, when his approval ratings were notably low. Historical data shows Trump’s average approval at 41%, with lows at 34%.
For context, presidential approval ratings have been tracked since the 1930s by Gallup. They gauge public support for a leader’s handling of the job, influencing political strategies.
Trump’s ratings fluctuated, peaking at 49% but often dipping amid controversies. Compared to predecessors, his were among the lowest, never exceeding 50% for sustained periods.
In his second term starting 2025, net approval stands at -19%, with 37% approving and 56% disapproving as of early 2026. This continues a pattern of polarization.
Maddow’s commentary ties into broader anti-Trump sentiment during his first presidency. Protests and public opposition were rampant, as seen in events like the “No Kings” rallies.
She often frames stories around what the public will tolerate from leaders, emphasizing democratic accountability. This approach resonates with progressive viewers seeking in-depth analysis.
The video’s setting is the MSNBC studio in New York, where Maddow broadcasts weekly. The controlled environment allows her to focus on narrative without distractions.
Audio in the clip is clear, with Maddow’s voice steady and authoritative. Subtitles reinforce her words, ensuring accessibility and emphasis on key phrases.
No background music or sound effects are evident, maintaining a journalistic tone. This simplicity highlights her verbal delivery as the core element.
Maddow’s rise began in radio, where she honed her explanatory skills. At Air America, she co-hosted shows before launching her own, building a loyal audience.
Her MSNBC debut followed guest appearances that showcased her debating prowess. The show became the network’s most successful launch, doubling viewership in its slot.
Critics praise her for making politics accessible through contextual narratives. She starts broad, narrowing to specifics, much like in her books on military power and corruption.
In this segment, the “who” is Trump as the subject, with Maddow as the analyst. The “what” is the analysis of his low approval and public disdain.
The “when” aligns with early Trump era, amid policy controversies like tariffs and immigration. These drove ratings down, as polls reflected economic and social unrest.
The “where” is national, as approval ratings encompass the entire US. Maddow speaks from a New York studio, but the implications are countrywide.
“Why” delves into reasons for the decline: opposition to policies, scandals, and leadership style. Maddow implies a rejection of authoritarian tendencies.
“How” refers to polling methods, like Gallup’s surveys since Truman. Trump’s ratings were tracked daily, showing volatility tied to events.
Maddow’s style avoids sensationalism, focusing on facts. Viewers appreciate her reasoned voice amid chaotic media, though some find it dramatic.
Her influence extends beyond TV; podcasts like “Bag Man” and “Ultra” explore historical parallels to current events, earning awards including Grammys.
In 2025, Maddow received the Walter Cronkite Award, recognizing her journalistic excellence. This underscores her status as a trusted figure in news.
Trump’s historical rankings place him low among presidents. His first term ended at 34% approval, lower than most predecessors at exit.
Comparisons show Bush at highs post-9/11, Obama averaging higher. Trump’s polarization is evident in state-by-state nets and issue-specific polls.
Maddow’s segment reflects a time when public sentiment was shifting. Protests in cities like Portland highlighted resistance to federal actions.
She often connects dots between policy and public reaction, as in critiques of tariff plans rooted in advisor influences.
The video’s impact lies in reinforcing narratives of accountability. Maddow urges viewers to consider what they allow from leaders.
Approval ratings serve as a barometer for democracy. Low numbers can signal policy failures or eroded trust, influencing midterms and legacies.
In Trump’s case, they underscored divisions. Maddow’s analysis amplifies this, encouraging informed discourse.
Her work remains relevant in 2026, as Trump’s second term faces similar scrutiny. Ratings continue to fluctuate amid ongoing challenges.
Maddow’s commitment to “explaining stuff” stems from her activist roots. She views journalism as mental health work, sorting reliable info amid noise.
This segment, though brief, encapsulates her method: factual, engaging, and pointed. It contributes to broader conversations on leadership.
Ultimately, Maddow’s delivery in the video reinforces her role as a voice for progressives. Her style ensures complex topics resonate widely.
As media evolves, figures like Maddow maintain objectivity while providing depth. This clip endures as a snapshot of political commentary at its best.