Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

No Compromise

Many may see Washington as broken and divisive, but most of the public is not looking for politicians who are willing to work together. A 49%-plurality of Americans most admire political leaders who stick to their positions without compromising. Just 42% admire political leaders who make compromises with people they disagree with. Democrats (54%) are far more likely than Republicans (33%) to most admire political leaders willing to compromise; fully 62% of Republicans want leaders who will stick to their positions. Those who identify with the Tea Party movement are even more anti-compromise. Among Tea Party supporters, 71% say they most admire politicians who stick to their positions without compromising. Political independents roughly mirror the public as a whole; a 53%-majority prefers leaders who stick to their positions while 40% admire leaders willing to compromise with the other side. Read More