‘Divisive,’ ‘corrupt,’ ‘messy’ among the words used most frequently to describe U.S. politics today

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September 15, 2023

11. Americans’ feelings about politics, polarization and the tone of political discourse

‘Divisive,’ ‘corrupt,’ ‘messy’ among the words used most frequently to describe U.S. politics today

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‘Divisive,’ ‘corrupt,’ ‘messy’ among the words used most frequently to describe U.S. politics today

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11. Americans’ feelings about politics, polarization and the tone of political discourse
Asked to describe U.S. politics these days, about 8 in 10 Americans respond with a negative word or phrase
Majorities of Americans are always or often exhausted and angry when thinking about politics
Exhaustion and anger over politics are highest among the most politically engaged adults
Overwhelming majorities say political debate in the U.S. has become less respectful, fact-based in past few years
Majorities in both parties say disagreements between Republicans and Democrats get too much attention
Americans increasingly say political conversations with people they disagree with are ‘stressful and frustrating’
Majorities in most demographic and political groups say it’s more stressful than interesting to talk politics with those they disagree with

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11. Americans’ feelings about politics, polarization and the tone of political discourse

‘Divisive,’ ‘corrupt,’ ‘messy’ among the words used most frequently to describe U.S. politics today

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