How Much Do Trump's Attacks Hurt His Opponents?

Breaking Down The Data 2016 vs. 2022

During the 2016 election, Trump’s attacks on fellow Republicans became legendary. From “Lying Ted” to “Little Marco” to “Low Energy Jeb!,” his endless insults seemed to paralyze his opponents and increase their disapproval among Republican voters. Trump and his team seem to be applying that same strategy to Governor Ron DeSantis, who’s called everything from “DeSanctimonious” to “Meatball Ron.”

That tactic of making opponents look stupid or weak worked in my mind. What else could explain their demise?

Yet it’s been six months since Trump first attacked DeSantis, and his favorable numbers among Republicans remain strong as ever.