Changing Partisan Coalitions in a Politically Divided Nation
Amid shifts in demographics and partisan allegiances, registered voters are now evenly split between the Democratic Party and the GOP.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Political Parties & Polarization
Most Americans say Republican and Democratic voters cannot agree on basic facts
Eight-in-ten U.S. adults say Republican and Democratic voters not only disagree on plans and policies, but also cannot agree on basic facts.
Americans see Republicans growing more comfortable, and Democrats less, with sharing their views
Four-in-ten U.S. adults say Republicans are very comfortable expressing their political views, and 36% say the same about Democrats.
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Political Parties & Polarization
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Liberals make up the largest share of Democratic voters, but their growth has slowed in recent years
About half of Democratic and Democratic-leaning registered voters describe their own political views as liberal.
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In a Politically Polarized Era, Sharp Divides in Both Partisan Coalitions
Partisanship remains the strongest factor dividing the American public. Yet there are substantial divisions within both parties on fundamental political values, views of current issues and the severity of the problems facing the nation.
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Across the Table: Would you share your views of Donald Trump over dinner?
Trump has evoked strong feelings as president – both positive and negative. How would you feel discussing him at a dinner party with a group of people who have opposing views from your own? In this interactive, see how your views compare with those of other Americans.
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Partisan Antipathy: More Intense, More Personal
Division and animosity between the two political parties in the U.S. has deepened. Most partisans view the other side as ‘closed-minded’; Republicans see Democrats as ‘unpatriotic.’
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Most Democrats Are Excited by ‘Several’ 2020 Candidates – Not Just Their Top Choice
A majority of Democratic voters who prefer one of the presidential candidates are excited about several candidates vying for the party’s nomination. Far fewer are enthused only by their first choice.
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46% of U.S. social media users say they are ‘worn out’ by political posts and discussions
Well before the 2020 election, many U.S. social media users are already exhausted by how many political posts they see on these platforms.
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6 facts about Democrats in 2019
Self-identified liberals make up a larger share of the Democratic Party than they once did. Democrats are united in their opposition to Donald Trump.
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How often people talk about race with family and friends depends on racial and ethnic group, education, politics
Most black and Asian adults say race or race relations come up in their conversations with family and friends at least sometimes.
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Republicans see a national political climate comfortable for Democrats, but less so for GOP
When Republicans assess the climate for political discourse, they see a more hospitable environment for Democrats than for members of their own party.
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Public Highly Critical of State of Political Discourse in the U.S.
Majorities of Americans say the tone of political debate in the country has become more negative, less respectful, less fact-based and less substantive in recent years.
