While extreme differences exist, surprising areas of
agreement offer hope and a way forward.
NEW
YORK, June 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey
by The Common Good demonstrates a strong desire for a return to
civility and an end to government gridlock while highlighting areas
that can unite our divided nation.
The Common Good has been tracking national division and working
to identify ways to return to greater civility and effective
governance. While the results of this study demonstrate great
cynicism and frustration with the status quo, it also identifies a
strong desire for ending political gridlock and provides a
foundation of shared values and commonalities around which
Americans can agree and unite.
The American Dream is Dead
- 56% of Americans believe the American Dream (that if you work
hard, you can achieve success) was never true or, if it was once,
it is now gone (Dems 57%, Reps. 50%, Ind 62%). Only 44% believe the
American Dream is still alive.
- 69% Say government is so divided that it is no longer
effective.
(Dems 67%, Reps. 77%, Ind 62%)
- 75% Believe most politicians today promote and encourage
national division out of political self-interest. (81% in the
Northeast)
- 62% say movies, TV, and popular culture sometimes demonstrate a
social and political view that is offensive to them. (Dems 52%,
Reps. 76%, Ind 60%)
- 48% believe efforts to protect LGBTQ rights have gone too
far.
- 46% believe Colleges and Universities are too liberal.
- 46% believe Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) policies
are no longer needed.
- 43% give the Federal Government a grade of "D" or "F."
Ending divisions and uniting the country
There are growing areas of agreement and shared values that
offer hope for a more united America and offer a foundation for
rebuilding a constructive national dialogue.
- 89% say political courage (making a tough decision even when it
puts your career in jeopardy) is important when they choose a
candidate. (Dem 92%, Rep 91%, Ind 83%)
- Creating a nationwide civics education program in all schools
focused on American history, principles, and responsibilities of
citizenship is widely supported by 82% nationally, including over
80% in every region and by both Democrats (82%) and Republicans
(88%).
- 83% agree that it is important to maintain "separation of
church and state" keeping religion separate from government.
Support is strong across all parties and regions. (Dems 92%, Reps
77%, Ind, 77%, Northeast 86%, South 79%, West 87%, Midwest
80%).
- 68% of Americans are looking for a candidate willing to
compromise to get things done.
- Democrats (32%) and Republicans (31%) both cite "Equality" as
the Strongest American core value shared by most Americans. Second
is "Liberty: Freedom of religion, speech & press" at 27%
nationally.
- Asked what is most likely to unite us as a nation, the majority
of Americans say "a national crisis" or "shared American Values"
both tied at 37%.
- Protecting reproductive rights are broadly supported by 69% of
Americans with majority support across every region.
"While our nation remains dangerously divided, we are starting
to see a path forward as we focus on the issues and the shared
values that unite us." said Patricia Duff, founder of The
Common Good. "We must focus on our areas of agreement and shared
values to rebuild trust and return our national political discourse
to civility and effective governance."
This national study included 1,000 US voters and was conducted
May 24-27, 2024
Survey Details:
https://emersoncollegepolling.com/the-common-good-index-survey
About The Common Good
The Common Good strives to inspire broad participation in our
democracy through the free exchange of ideas and civil dialogue and
seeks to find ways to bridge the growing divisions that threaten
our nation. https://www.thecommongoodus.org
Media Contact:
Patricia Duff
917-331-0123
379481@email4pr.com
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SOURCE The Common Good