On the Media On the Media

The Story Behind Trump’s Terrible Approval Rating

Aug 7, 2026 · 50m

Summary

This episode analyzes recent election polling errors, highlighting Abdul El-Sayed’s surprise primary win in Michigan and Donald Trump’s declining approval ratings. The hosts discuss FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s transformation into a combative ally of Trump, using regulatory power to target legacy media. Finally, the show examines Iran International’s role in shaping public opinion within Iran, critiquing its pro-war coverage of U.S. and Israeli military actions.

Topics discussed

Michigan primary results and pollster misfires Trump's low approval ratings compared to Nixon and Bush Polling on immigration, mental fitness, and voter loyalty Analysis of El-Sayed's win and polling reliability David Ellison's media merger and FCC connections Brendan Carr's rise from bureaucrat to MAGA ally FCC's 'public interest' power and media regulation Iran's media landscape and BBC Persian history Iran International's pro-war and pro-monarchy bias Politicization of casualties and diaspora sentiment
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