Discussion on polling data and election results, examining attitudes towards political violence, cultural priorities in American politics, public sentiments on history teaching and abortion, exploring the deep acceptance of a narrative in evangelical churches, and a survey on American political behavior.
Republicans prioritize preserving American culture, while Democrats focus on managing the economy.
Americans express general pessimism, with half believing American culture has worsened since the 1950s.
Support for public school teachers and teaching both good and bad aspects of American history is strong among Americans.
Deep dives
Americans Share Concerns Over Democracy
The survey reveals that about three-quarters of Americans, including Republicans and Democrats, believe that the future of American democracy is at stake in the 2024 election. However, there is a significant divide in priorities, with Republicans showing a preference for a candidate who can protect and preserve American culture and way of life, while Democrats prioritize a candidate who can manage the economy. There is a notable generational gap, with older Americans and Republicans expressing more concern about American culture, while younger Americans and Democrats focus more on the economy.
Widespread Pessimism and Cultural Divides
The survey highlights a general pessimism among Americans, with about half of all respondents believing that American culture and way of life have changed for the worse since the 1950s. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among older Americans and Republicans. The concept of American culture is closely tied to ideas of preserving traditional order, race, religion, and gender roles. Democrats, on the other hand, express concerns about issues such as climate change, healthcare, income inequality, and the gap between rich and poor, reflecting a more progressive and inclusive vision of American democracy.
Support for Public Schools and Balanced History Education
Despite recent controversies surrounding public schools, the survey reveals a strong consensus among Americans in support of public school teachers and librarians. An overwhelming majority (94%) believe that children should be taught both the good and bad aspects of American history to learn from the past. Only a small percentage (4%) thinks that uncomfortable or guilt-inducing history should be excluded from education. These findings demonstrate general trust in the education system and a rejection of efforts to ban certain teachings or revise history education.
Increasing Acceptance of Political Violence
The survey reveals a concerning increase in acceptance of political violence among Americans, with 23% agreeing that resorting to violence may be necessary to save the country, up from 15% in 2021. The support for violence is higher among Republicans, with a third of them agreeing, compared to 13% of Democrats. The wording of the question may have affected the responses, but the worrying trend is that the overall approval of violence has increased over time. It is important to address these attitudes and provide context to prevent further escalation.
Correlations with Extremist Beliefs
The survey highlights correlations between extremist beliefs and attitudes, such as Christian nationalism, approval of Trump, belief in the great replacement theory, anti-feminism, denial of systemic racism, and endorsement of violence. These attitudes are predominantly found among the conservative right-wing spectrum. Additionally, support for harmful deterrence measures against immigrants, such as razor wire and floating barriers, is alarming. The rise in QAnon believers, reaching 23% of all Americans, suggests a concerning spread of conspiracy theories. It is crucial to address these correlations and the influence they have on political discourse.
We start with a reflection on the results in Tuesday’s elections, and how they relate to polls that indicate Joe Biden is not just unpopular, but actually trailing Donald Trump in key swing states. What can and can’t we take away from such polling, one year out from the presidential election?
We then dive deep into a very different kind of polling and survey data: the 2023 American Values Survey – arguably the most in-depth attempt to capture the values, ideas, and attitudes that shape American society and politics. What do American think of democracy, political violence, authoritarianism, and all the many issues – from abortion and history education to trans rights and QAnon – that define the political conflict? On the basis of this major survey, we try to take the temperature on where things currently stand in America. The results is… mostly not very encouraging.
“What Do Americans Think About the Health of Our Democracy and the Upcoming Presidential Election?” Panel discussion on the findings of the 2023 American Values Survey, with Lily Mason and others: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbeuG-lGiyU
