AMLO is Really Popular

Mexico's El Financiero reports their December poll showing AMLO as still highly popular. His approval is at 72%, with disapproval at only 27%, the lowest in months. Mexicans like his leadership, and think he's honest and capable. In particular, they like his work on public security and education.

This poll includes a great question I've never seen before, which asks people to rate AMLO according to baseball terms. A majority believe he is a single or a home run.

This is not what you'd expect reading U.S. accounts of his presidency. He is a populist opportunist and Mexico "deserves better." The U.S. left is skeptical of him. The U.S. right is skeptical of him. Maybe he's a potential threat to democracy. Financial analysts are skeptical of him.

The point is here is that framing matters. Stories in the U.S. would strongly suggest an unpopular president who displeases everyone. If they mention his popularity, it is almost grudgingly. Almost a year I asked whether AMLO's cautious foreign policy would satisfy Mexican public opinion, figuring it wouldn't, but the answer is obviously yes.