Americans want civility and end to gridlock, says survey

A new survey obtained by The Hill shows that voters on both sides of the political spectrum are eager for a return to civility and an end to partisan gridlock.

The poll conducted in late May by Emerson College and commissioned by The Common Good — a nonpartisan, pro-democracy organization — highlighted voters’ frustration with the current political climate. 

Of the 1,000 registered voters polled, the survey concluded voters have lost their hope in effective governing with 69 percent saying the government is so divided that it is no longer serving the best interest of Americans. 

Three-quarters of those polled also said most politicians today promote and encourage national division out of political self-interest.

The survey also detailed an overarching cynicism about the “American Dream,” revealing that only 44 percent said they believe the American Dream still exists. 

“It’s really an issue. Americans are very dissatisfied. There’s a real concern that it is hurting our ability to govern” Patricia Duff, the organization’s founder, said in an interview, adding that there is “a level of cynicism that I’m not sure we’ve seen before.” 

“The American public is looking for a better way,” Duff said. “And there is a way out of this morass.” 

The survey, which highlights a number of issues including the popularity of protecting women’s rights, comes five months before Election Day during a presidential campaign that is in a near dead heat between President Biden and former President Trump. 

Both Biden and Trump face an enthusiasm gap, with a number of polls showing voters are not excited about either choice. As a result, some voters have considered third-party alternatives like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has sought to get on the ballot in key battleground states. 

The Common Good survey also reported that 68 percent of Americans were looking for a candidate willing to compromise to move the needle on legislation. And they said they wanted lawmakers who put issues ahead of their own electability. According to the survey, 89 percent of those polled said “political courage” or making a tough decision even when it puts a lawmaker’s career in jeopardy is important to them when they choose a candidate.  

“The willingness to make a tough decision is something they admire and want reflected in their leaders,” Duff said.