---
title: "No Compromise"
description: "The public prefers political leaders who stick to their positions over those who make compromises."
date: "2010-09-29"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2010/09/29/no-compromise/"
---

# 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](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/1735/political-compromise-unpopular-neither-party-favored-on-economy-four-in-ten-say-cutting-tax-cuts-for-wealthy-hurts-economy)