FiveThirtyEight Politics
American Politics Has A Respect Crisis
Aug 1, 2024
Jeff Spinner-Halev and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse, political scientists and authors, delve into the crisis of respect in American politics. They discuss how partisans often struggle to respect opposing views and highlight the stark divide among Democrats and Republicans. The conversation explores the critical distinction between tolerance and respect, the generational impacts on political attitudes, and the growing polarization affecting personal relationships. The episode also reflects on the clash between social justice and national unity, amplifying the discussion on mutual respect in democracy.
30:01
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights that mutual respect between partisans has deteriorated, with 60% of Democrats and Republicans struggling to respect one another.
- It emphasizes the distinction between civic respect and tolerance, advocating for a more constructive engagement with differing political views.
Deep dives
The State of Respect in American Politics
Respect is increasingly viewed as lacking in American political life, which can be attributed to rising polarization. Data shows that a significant majority of Americans experience negative emotions about politics, with many feeling exhausted and angry. The findings reveal that around 60% of Democrats struggle to respect Republicans, while Republicans exhibit similar feelings toward Democrats. This lack of mutual respect is compounded by the perception that opposing partisans are often seen as ignorant or misled, highlighting a broader failure to recognize the validity of differing political views.
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