CNN anchor Kate Bolduan appeared visibly uncomfortable during a recent segment when her colleague, senior data reporter Harry Enten, presented a set of facts that many in the left-leaning media might find inconvenient.
The exchange revolved around former President Donald Trump’s historic political resilience, a reality that is reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Enten highlighted Trump’s sustained influence over the Republican Party and his consistent standing in polls, despite unprecedented legal and political challenges. His comments, based on recent polling data and historical analysis, directly counter the narrative often perpetuated by liberal media outlets that Trump’s political career is nearing its end.
Enten’s Remarks and Bolduan’s Unease
During the segment, Enten shared that Trump continues to command impressive approval ratings within the Republican Party, despite facing multiple indictments. According to Enten, Trump’s polling numbers remain robust compared to past presidential candidates under similar scrutiny.
“Donald Trump is not just surviving but thriving politically,” Enten noted. He emphasized that Trump’s approval ratings among Republicans remain in the high 80s to low 90s, which is virtually unheard of for a candidate who has faced as much adversity as Trump.
Bolduan’s reaction, however, was telling. As Enten delivered his analysis, she appeared visibly uncomfortable, fidgeting in her seat and struggling to interject. Critics have suggested that her demeanor reflected a broader issue within CNN and other liberal media organizations—an inability to reconcile with facts that challenge their preferred narratives.
NEW: CNN's Harry Enten on Trump's +6 net approval rating:
"That’s up nine points. To borrow a Donald Trump phrase, this is big league. This is a sign that the American people, at least initially, like what they’re seeing … And that is very much, very much unlike what we saw… pic.twitter.com/N6ygSMFdwU
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) January 24, 2025
The Historic Nature of Trump’s Resilience
Enten’s analysis underscores the historic nature of Trump’s political staying power. Few politicians have endured as many legal challenges and as much media scrutiny as Trump, yet his base remains not only intact but energized.
This resilience is partly attributable to Trump’s ability to connect with middle-class and working-class Americans who feel left behind by the political establishment. His America First policies, coupled with his unapologetic approach to addressing issues like immigration, trade, and national security, continue to resonate with millions.
Moreover, Trump’s legal battles, often framed as politically motivated by his supporters, have seemingly galvanized his base further. Many see him as a martyr of the establishment’s attempts to undermine a candidate who threatens their status quo.
Conservative Critics Call Out Media Bias
The incident with Bolduan has reignited conservative criticisms of media bias, particularly within CNN. Critics argue that the network’s struggle to objectively report on Trump is emblematic of a broader issue among liberal media outlets.
“The media’s relentless focus on Trump’s supposed downfall has blinded them to the reality that he’s not going anywhere,” said one conservative commentator. “Kate Bolduan’s reaction is a perfect example of how difficult it is for liberal media figures to confront the facts about Trump’s enduring popularity.”
This sentiment is echoed by viewers who feel that CNN, along with other major outlets, continues to prioritize partisan narratives over objective reporting. Bolduan’s visible discomfort during Enten’s segment only serves to reinforce this perception.
Trump’s Momentum Heading into 2024
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s continued dominance within the Republican Party is a fact that even his detractors cannot ignore. While his legal challenges may dominate headlines, they have yet to significantly diminish his standing among Republican voters.
This reality has significant implications for the broader political landscape. Trump’s base remains energized, and his ability to rally support across key battleground states makes him a formidable contender for the presidency.
For many conservatives, Trump’s resilience is a testament to his effectiveness as a leader and a champion for policies that put America first. Despite relentless opposition from the media, political elites, and even elements within his own party, Trump continues to defy expectations and rewrite the rules of American politics.
CNN’s Credibility in Question
Bolduan’s apparent discomfort during the segment raises questions about CNN’s ability to adapt to a changing political landscape. As Trump’s influence grows, media outlets that continue to dismiss his popularity risk alienating a significant portion of their audience.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of objective journalism. For networks like CNN, acknowledging Trump’s resilience is not just a matter of journalistic integrity but also of relevance in an era where trust in mainstream media is at an all-time low.
While Enten’s analysis provided a rare moment of factual reporting on Trump’s political standing, Bolduan’s reaction highlighted the ongoing struggle within liberal media to come to terms with a reality that challenges their preconceived narratives.
