TOPLINE
The Republican governors of three states—Georgia, Texas and Florida—that pushed their states to reopen quickly face low marks in their handling of the outbreak, a new poll finds, while governors from both parties that took a more cautious approach to easing restrictions have won praise.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp speaks to the media during a press conference at the Georgia State ... [+]
KEY FACTS
The poll, conducted by the Washington Post and Ipsos in a survey of over 8,000 adults, shows that a governor’s approach to reopening transcends politics, despite the partisan politics playing out over President Trump’s handling of the virus.
The poll found Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who was slow to shut down his state and one of the first to reopen, with the lowest approval rating at 39%, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis earned the second- and third-lowest marks at 57% and 60%, respectively.
The highest mark was given to Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine at 87% approval, who has been heralded for his measured approach to opening the state; New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and California Governor Gavin Newsom, both Democrats, earned the next highest approval with approval from about eight in ten adults.
Overall, 71% of Americans approve of their governors’ performances, with majority bipartisan approval.
Trump, who has been criticized for his response to the virus, received much lower marks, at 43% in the new poll.
The president pushed back on the governors’ high approval ratings in a tweet Tuesday morning, saying they “could in no way have gotten those numbers, or had that success” without his help.
Crucial quote
Further reading
Many governors win bipartisan support for handling of pandemic, but some Republicans face blowback over reopening efforts (Washington Post)
