Republicans And Democrats Are Nearly Completely Divided In Whether They Think Worst Is Yet To Come

TOPLINE

The widening political divide over the future of coronavirus in the U.S. was apparent in a CNN poll released Tuesday, where 71% of the Republicans responded that the worst of the virus had passed, with 74% of Democrats saying the worst is yet to come.

KEY FACTS

KEY BACKGROUND

Most of the models used by the CDC suggest the death toll from coronavirus in the U.S. will be near 100,000 by the beginning of June, with the agency noting thatof its forecasts that “all indicate an increase in deaths in the coming weeks.”

Speaking to the Senate Health Committee on Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the coronavirus death toll was “almost certainly” higher than what has been reported.

Many states across the U.S. have begun the process of reopening, with 39 having either already begun the process or expected to soon, according to The New York Times
NYT
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Of the 11 states that haven’t started a reopening process, only one — Maryland — has a Republican governor.

The decision not to reopen has led to protests in many areas, some involving far-right militia groups, most notably on April 30 when armed protesters made their way into the Michigan state house to demonstrate against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency declaration.

That protest came after Trump tweeted “LIBERATE MICHIGAN,” urging supporters to “liberate” Michigan and other states with strict stay-at-home guidelines.

BIG NUMBER

81,650 – As of Tuesday, that’s how many Americans have died of coronavirus, according to data from Johns Hopkins. On Monday, Johns Hopkins reported there were 1,156 new deaths in the U.S.

SURPRISING FACT

The poll showed President Donald Trump’s overall approval rating at 45% — matching a high point in CNN’s polling since the beginning of his term, even as his approval rating when it comes to handling the virus dropped for a second straight month. Around 55% of Americans now disapprove of Trump’s handling of the virus, according to CNN.

FURTHER READING

CNN Poll: Negative ratings for government handling of coronavirus persist (CNN)

Cumulative Cases (Johns Hopkins)

See Which States Are Reopening and Which Are Still Shut Down (New York Times)

Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index, Week 8: Second-guessing the death toll (Axios)

COVID-19 Forecasts (CDC)

Armed Protesters Storm Michigan State House Over COVID-19 Lockdown (Forbes)