We Expect Better
Divided as we might be, large majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents expect more of ourselves and the politicians we elect.
So reveals a recent sample by Survey USA of an unbiased panel of 1,500 voters representative of the U.S. voting population. The survey conducted in January 2023 is the latest in a series of polls commissioned by Our Common Purpose that have canvassed a total of 12,000 voters representative of the U.S. voting population. The “credibility interval” for any of the answers you are about to see, according to Survey USA, is in the range of +/- 2%.
Please check out the highlights by scrolling down where necessary and clicking “next” on the screens that follow. You’ll be surprised, perhaps even inspired, by what they tell you.
We agree our country is divided
But we wish for something better
We as Americans should aim to . . .
Agree on basic values such as liberty, justice, equality, and democracy
Work together toward achieving our overall objectives
Agree on overall objectives for the country
Trust in each other to do the right thing
Accept our country’s rule of law
But this is a democracy. We won’t agree on everything.
Agree on most or all proposed legislation
A Starting Point
Republicans, Democrats and independents– in nearly equal numbers – “strongly agree” with a set of overall objectives for our country. Of those who don’t strongly agree, most everyone else somewhat agrees.
These objectives – some of them nuanced, some of them entirely straightforward – are written to balance viewpoints and bridge differences. They do not presto! solve the issues of the day. However, they do:
- Disprove the belief that in this divided society we can’t agree on anything. By making allowances for both sides, most of us can agree on some important basics.
- Offer a variety of starting points for deeper discussion. If we start by agreeing on any of the points you are about to see, then we can advance the conversation from there.
Most can agree on a set of overall objectives for our nation
We’re better united than divided
0 % strongly agree
Even with our flaws, we have much to cherish
0 % strongly agree
Our great democracy is only as good as we make it
0 % strongly agree
Give us liberty, though not to harm others
0 % strongly agree
We are a nation of laws – that need to be equally applicable to all
0 % strongly agree
Equal rights for all, responsibilities for all
0 % strongly agree
Government – at all levels – needs to be better at what it does
0 % strongly agree
Our military stands strong to deter, not to provoke
0 % strongly agree
New opportunities are needed in communities across the land
0 % strongly agree
Education is crucial to our future
0 % strongly agree
And what’s the comfort level with all 10 objectives put together?
0%
totally comfortable
0%
somewhat comfortable
0%
somewhat uncomfortable
0%
very uncomfortable
0%
not sure
Consistent across political parties:
Republicans:
67 % totally comfortable
Democrats:
68 % totally comfortable
Independents:
60 % totally comfortable
Consistent over time
The responses barely fluctuated in seven surveys (12,000 respondents) conducted amid the most anxious moments of the past three years.
Our country is best served when:
We wish our political leaders . . .
Would lead us to coming together
On contentious legislation, they should
Fight it out
Work it out
Individually, the answers to the preceding questions
Support my ongoing hope that we come together as a country
Support coming together more than I generally do
Support my ongoing commitment to all-out partisanship
THE RESULTS YOU HAVE JUST VIEWED COME FROM A NATIONWIDE “SCIENTIFIC” POLL CONDUCTED BY SURVEY USA IN JANUARY 2023. WE HAVE NOW MADE THE SURVEY AVAILABLE TO ALL.
PLEASE INVOLVE OTHERS BY COPYING, PASTING AND EMAILING THIS LINK Public Survey – Our Common Purpose TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY. ENCOURAGE THEM TO ALSO PASS IT ALONG TO OTHERS. THE MORE WHO TAKE THE SURVEY,THE BETTER WE’LL BE.