Whoever wins November’s presidential election will confront a myriad of challenges.
Inflation continues to burden everyday Americans, the Middle East is in turmoil and the Russian leader continues to claim territories not rightfully his.
Here at home, a significant divide persists between red and blue states, with political rancor reaching unprecedented levels— especially on social media. Now more than ever, bipartisan leadership is essential to address the nation’s pressing issues.
Before delving into policy, the next president must be prepared to mend the wounds inflicted by years of political division. Amidst this deep polarization, a new poll reveals that most Americans share foundational beliefs about national identity. Conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, the survey found that approximately 9 in 10 U.S. adults deem the right to vote, equal protection under the law and the right to privacy as extremely or very important to the United States’ identity.
Furthermore, 84% hold the freedom of religion in similar regard.
The findings, which encompass perspectives on various freedoms and rights, indicate minimal differences between Republicans and Democrats, except concerning the right to bear arms— Republicans are more inclined to view this as central to the nation’s identity.
These results are striking given the current climate of extreme partisanship, where political agreements are scarce and concerns about potential violence during a volatile presidential election year are heightened.
Simply put, we still seem to agree on the basic values that make us Americans.
Conversely, the same poll reveals that only about 3 in 10 Americans believe the nation’s democracy functions well. Approximately half perceive the U.S. as a poorly functioning democracy, while 14% assert that the U.S. is not a democracy at all. This juxtaposition between broad consensus on fundamental values and dissatisfaction with governmental functionality may not be surprising.
The AP-NORC poll also uncovered widespread agreement on key values integral to the U.S.’s identity. So, though we agree on our democratic values, many of us don’t think this whole democracy thing is working well right now.
About three-quarters of U.S. adults believe a democratically elected government is extremely or very important, and around 8 in 10 feel similarly about the opportunity for residents to secure good jobs and achieve the American dream.
However, there’s divergence on what realizing that dream entails and which values are most fundamental to American culture. Democrats are more likely than Republicans—71% to 38%—to view the ability for individuals to immigrate to the U.S. to escape violence or seek economic opportunities as core to the country’s identity. In contrast, a majority of Republicans (58%) believe a culture rooted in Christian values and beliefs is essential, compared to just 18% of Democrats.
Generational differences also emerge. While divisions on democracy as a theoretical system are minimal, younger Americans (18-29) are less likely than those 60 and older to regard the U.S. as a well-functioning democracy. They’re also less inclined to believe certain characteristics, such as having a democratically elected government, are essential to the nation’s character. About 6 in 10 younger adults see this as important, compared to about 9 in 10 older adults.
So, I’ve spent a little more than 500 words telling you— in pollster terms— what we already know:
-Most folks agree our basic tenets of fair elections, freedom of religion, the right to privacy and achieving the American dream are steadfast.
-There are some things on which both sides don’t agree, including guns, which religion is the truest and immigration.
-Young people view the world differently than older folks.
None of this should serve as a shock to anyone, so let’s try this: Let’s focus on our agreements. Let’s seek to find common ground. Let’s build consensus. Let’s discuss what makes us Americans and celebrate what makes us different.
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee once said, “I think people forget that bipartisanship is really the burden of the victor, not the loser.”
I agree. Whoever wins in November should reach across the aisle, find consensus and start with what we have in common.