Political Parties & Polarization

When Republicans assess the climate for political discourse, they see a more hospitable environment for Democrats than for members of their own party.

Republicans and Democrats set higher standards for politicians in the other party than in their own when it comes to respect and compromise.

Majorities of Americans say the tone of political debate in the country has become more negative, less respectful, less fact-based and less substantive in recent years.

Republicans who did not agree with the tea party during Obama era were somewhat less likely to remain affiliated with GOP years later. Republicans who had positive views of the tea party movement in 2014 or 2015 were among Trump’s most enthusiastic backers during the 2016 campaign.

Partisan divides in America are as wide as they’ve ever been in the modern political era. But what about those who identify as independents?

Most independents are not all that “independent” politically. And the small share of Americans who are truly independent stand out for their low level of interest in politics.

Partisans have moved apart not just in political values and approaches to addressing issues, but also on the issues they identify as top priorities.

Among GOP House incumbents who lost their re-election campaigns, 23 of 30 were more moderate than the median Republican in the chamber.

Partisan loyalty and dislike of the opposing party and its candidates were major factors for voters’ choices in this month’s midterms.

Many Americans say their family is OK with talking about politics when they gather, and a majority has at least some common ground politically with family.