This is part one of a two-part series on polarization in America. This post focuses on Americans’ views on, and roles in, polarization. Part two addresses the systemic causes of polarization that result from our country’s political structure. School shootings? Check. Pandemic? Check. Insurrection? Check. In America 2022, just about every issue is a partisan […]
Biden’s Job Approval Rating & the Midterm Elections
President Joe Biden’s job approval rating is at 44% among Americans, marking a three-month upward swing in perceptions of the president’s job performance. Biden has regained support among his Democratic base but continues to struggle among independents. Democrats edge their Republican opponents nationally for Congress. However, their advantage has narrowed and is now at 3 points among voters who say they definitely plan to vote.
The 2022 Elections in Arizona
Democrat Mark Kelly is ahead of Republican Blake Masters among Arizona registered voters in the state’s U.S. Senate race. Kelly’s lead narrows among those who say they definitely plan to vote. In Arizona’s gubernatorial contest, only one point separates Kari Lake and Katie Hobbs among the statewide electorate. Among those who say they will definitely vote in November’s elections, Lake edges Hobbs.
The 2022 Elections in Pennsylvania
In the race for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, Democrat John Fetterman has a 10-point lead over Mehmet Oz among registered voters statewide. Fetterman’s lead narrows to 7 points among those who say they definitely plan to vote. In the governor’s race, Democrat Josh Shapiro is ahead of Republican Doug Mastriano by double-digits among registered voters. Shapiro also has a strong advantage among those who say they definitely plan to vote.
The U.S. Labor Force, Sep 2022
American workers are on the move. 38% of workers who receive a paycheck have changed jobs in the last two years, marking an increase from almost five years ago. Better pay and opportunity are the leading reasons workers have changed jobs. Many American workers also report receiving a pay increase in the past year. Notable demographic differences are present, especially when it comes to income.
The 2022 Elections in Ohio
In the U.S. Senate contest to fill retiring Senator Rob Portman’s seat, Democrat Tim Ryan and Republican J.D. Vance are in a statistical dead heat, among Ohio registered voters, including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate. A nearly identical scenario plays out among these voters who say they will definitely vote. In the race for Ohio governor, Republican incumbent Mike DeWine leads Democratic challenger Nan Whaley by 18 points among registered voters in the state. DeWine has a comparable lead against Whaley among voters who say they will definitely cast a ballot. DeWine was elected by less than 4 points in 2018.
The 2022 Elections in Georgia
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (47%) leads his Republican challenger Herschel Walker (42%) by five percentage points among Georgia registered voters, including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate. However, Warnock’s lead narrows among registered voters who say they definitely plan to vote. In Georgia’s gubernatorial contest Republican incumbent Brian Kemp leads Stacey Abrams by six points among the statewide electorate, a lead which widens to double digits among those who say they definitely plan to vote. Kemp narrowly defeated Abrams for governor in 2018.
Personal Family Finances, Sep 2022
Nearly four in ten Americans are feeling financially strapped. 37% report their family finances have gotten worse over the past year, an 8-point jump since February. More than one in four U.S. residents say they have had to use their savings a great deal or good amount to meet their monthly expenses. And, to compound matters, nearly three in four are doing at least one of the following to meet monthly expenses: cutting back on going out to eat, driving less to save gas, cutting back on groceries, changing vacation plans, or skipping medical appointments or prescriptions. Nearly one in five are skipping or delaying, at least, one payment on bills such as their rent or mortgage, credit cards, or medical bills.
The 2022 Midterm Elections, Sep 2022
Democrats have a four-point advantage over the Republicans, among registered voters, in this November’s midterm elections despite concerns about the U.S. economy. With two months to go until Election Day, inflation is the issue that’s top of mind when it comes to casting a ballot. The proportion of Americans concerned about inflation, though, has declined, and abortion is a key issue for the campaigns especially for Democrats. In fact, a majority of Americans say the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will motivate them to go to the polls this November. As the campaigns wage on, the White House will need to fend off the image of being weak on the economy. Yet, a small glimmer of hope exists for President Joe Biden; his job approval rating is on an upswing.
Trump’s Possession of Government Documents, Sep 2022
Many Americans think former President Donald Trump did something either illegal or unethical in housing government documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort. However, not all Americans who perceive wrongdoing in Trump’s actions think he should be charged with a crime. Consistent with NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll data released in December 2020, more than six in ten Americans do not want Trump to run, again, in 2024. However, among his most ardent supporters, there is still support for his candidacy even if he faces criminal charges.