Dustin Olson on Newsmax: Biden’s Autopen and Dem Leadership Crisis
Jul 16, 2025Byline: American Pulse Staff
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Dustin Olson, pollster for American Pulse Research & Polling, joined Newsmax’s National Report to discuss former President Joe Biden’s autopen controversy and broader implications for leadership within the Democratic Party.
The “Wizard of Oz” Moment That Changed Everything
When asked about infighting in the Democratic Party, Olson pointed to a pivotal moment in public opinion—last year’s presidential debate.
"It was a Wizard of Oz moment where the curtain was pulled back and people realized that the party didn’t have a leader—they didn’t even have a president."
Democrats Still Without a Clear Leader or Substance
Olson argued that the current Democratic Party lacks a central figure, with the most prominent voices representing radical points of views and empty rhetoric.
"There’s really no leader of the party. Zohran Mamdani is the closest thing to that right now."
Polling Reflects the Party’s Struggles
Citing recent polling, Olson emphasized the Democratic Party’s declining favorability compared to Republicans.
"In the most recent Harvard-Harris CAPS poll, the Democrat Party’s favorability is at 40%, which is one of the lowest numbers it’s been in a very long time. Republicans are at 48%."
Now, over the weekend, the new Wall Street Journal Poll came out showing an even steeper decline for Democrats at 33% Favorability, 63% Unfavorable—a negative 30% Net Favorable Rating and a historic low.
Advice from Unlikely Sources Goes Unheeded
Despite advice from figures like Barack Obama and Mark Cuban, Olson suggested Democrats have gaslit their base for so long that they are going to have a hard time getting them to come back to reality.
"While Barack Obama and Mark Cuban have good advice… trying to get Democrats back on the field, actually playing a winning game… They’ve gaslit their audience for so long that they’re not going along with them.”
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