Politics may dominate discussion on cable news, talk radio and life itself to many in Washington, but most Americans are not joining the conversation. In a late May poll, only a quarter of the public (27%) said that political campaigns and elections come up frequently in conversation. In fact, political campaigns and elections rank last on a list of 11 news topics people discuss frequently with family and friends. Among partisans, Republicans are the most likely to say they often discuss politics; 40% say political campaigns and elections come up frequently in conversation. Both Democrats (23%) and independents (26%) are much less likely to bring up campaigns and elections around the water cooler. Those who agree with the Tea Party movement (51%) are also far more likely to be talking campaigns and elections with friends and family than are those who disagree (31%). Read More
