A new poll obtained by The Hill finds that voters across the political spectrum are eager to see civility restored and an end to partisan conflict.
The poll, conducted by Emerson College in late May and commissioned by The Common Good, a nonpartisan democracy promotion group, highlighted voter dissatisfaction with the current political situation.
Of 1,000 registered voters surveyed, 69% said government is too divided and no longer serves the best interests of Americans, concluding that voters have lost hope in effective governance.
Three-quarters of those surveyed said most of today’s politicians promote and encourage national division out of political self-interest.
The survey also detailed a general skepticism towards the “American Dream,” revealing that only 44% believe the American Dream still exists.
“This is a real problem. The American people are very unhappy. There are real concerns that it’s undermining our ability to govern,” the group’s founder, Patricia Duff, said in an interview, adding that “there’s a level of cynicism we’ve never seen before.”
“The American people want a better way,” Duff said, “and there is a way out of this quagmire.”
The survey, which shed light on several issues including the popularity of women’s rights protections, was conducted five months before Election Day in a closely contested presidential race between President Biden and former President Trump.
Both Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump face an enthusiasm gap, with many polls showing voters unenthusiastic about either option. As a result, some voters are considering third-party candidates such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has sought bids in key battleground states.
The Common Good poll also reported that 68% of Americans want candidates who are willing to compromise to move legislation forward. They also want lawmakers who will put issues above their own electability. According to the survey, 89% of respondents said “political courage” — the willingness to make tough decisions even if it means putting their careers at risk — is important when choosing a candidate.
“The willingness to make tough decisions is something they respect and want to see reflected in their leaders,” Duff said.
