In what can only be described as a political circus act, CNN is grappling with a whirlpool of its own making. Once considered the gentle giant of news networks, it now finds itself knee-deep in turmoil, losing viewers faster than a toddler loses interest in a shiny toy. With viewership down significantly, CNN seems to be spiraling into the realm of absurdity, forced to cover stories that revolve around peculiar topics such as ‘big balls,’ metaphorical, of course, unless one considers their headline choice to be anything but a desperate cry for attention.
Enter stage left, President Trump’s approval ratings, a twist in the tale that CNN might not have been prepared for. Trump finds himself basking in approval ratings, something as rare as a solar eclipse in the world of media analysis. It’s like they say, even a broken clock is right twice a day. According to recent perceptions, more Americans now view Trump as a steadfast leader sticking to his campaign promises, unlike the political shape-shifters we often see.
Trump’s accomplishments, or at the very least perceived accomplishments, include sealing promises like wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve. No more are the chants of “build the wall” falling on deaf ears. We seem to have entered a realm where many believe Trump is doing what he pledged to do. Call it a miracle, call it a shift in the wind, but whatever it is, it has left the lads and lasses at CNN seemingly at a loss for words, or more succinctly, at a loss of viewers.
Strikingly, media outlets accustomed to the comfort of their high horses seem perturbed at Trump’s popularity. With the chaos of past polling—where negative ratings were about as common as political scandals—now shifted, the unprecedented dawn of Trump’s political renaissance is upon us. Pundits are left gaping at numbers that resemble a surreal painting. One might say the once-gray landscape of polling has turned Technicolor with approval highs reminiscent of a melodious high note in an otherwise chaotic orchestra.
So, where does this leave us, the amused audience of this democratic production? With a changing news narrative, a dose of humor, and a dash of reality, we’re reminded that, much like a high school dance, politics is unpredictable and occasionally entertaining. We sit, popcorn in hand, watching as networks scramble and reshuffle their narratives in a bid to reclaim their former clout. However, the American public seems to have grown weary of the old drama. Instead, they’re tuned in to the newest performance: the Trump encore, which clearly resonates louder than ever before.
