Political Parties & Polarization

Increasingly, Republicans and Democrats view not just the opposing party but also the people in that party in a negative light. Growing shares in each party now describe those in the other party as more closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent than other Americans. Nearly half of younger adults say they "wish there were more parties to choose from."

Joe Biden’s political standing is at the lowest point of his presidency. Yet Biden is hardly the only focal point of the public’s political discontent: Americans express unfavorable views of both major parties and a range of leading Republican and Democratic political figures, including Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump.

55% of journalists surveyed say that every side does not always deserve equal coverage in the news. 22% of Americans overall say the same.

61% of U.S. adults say they have heard at least a fair amount about the phrase “cancel culture,” up from 44% in September 2020.

On average, Democrats and Republicans are farther apart ideologically today than at any time in the past 50 years.

Americans who hold less consistently liberal or conservative views tend to be less engaged in national politics.

When Republicans take stock of the national climate for political discourse, they see a much more hospitable environment for Democrats.

Nearly six-in-ten U.S. adults (59%) see a great deal of difference between the two major political parties, up from 55% just two years ago.

The share of Americans who say having political conversations with those they disagree with is “stressful and frustrating” has increased.

Republicans and Democrats differ substantially over several sources of meaning in life, including faith, freedom, health and hobbies.