Americans Want Politicians To Be More Civil To Each Other, New Poll Shows

As we close the books on another Christmas, most Americans are asking for a gift that even old Saint Nick may not be able to deliver: more civility in politics. Recent data indicates that an overwhelming majority of Americans are fed up with the partisan rancor in every branch of government, and want to see a more civil civics in 2020.

According to a recent survey conducted by Weber Shandwick, nearly 70 percent of Americans feel that the country has a serious problem with civility, but that it’s possible for politicians on both sides of the aisle to take the high road a little more in 2020. While it's a slight drop from the last two years, it still indicates a deep division in the country.

The survey also shows that social media plays a significant role in perpetuating the lack of civility and that 63 percent of Americans think that the impact of social media on civility has been more negative than positive. Only nine percent say otherwise. Negativity decidedly outweighs positivity by large margins regardless of gender or generation. Social media played a significant role in stoking partisan fires not only in the United States but abroad as well.

Perhaps the most illuminating part of the survey is the factors that Americans believe are responsible for the lack of civility. Even as we cry for more unity, we can’t seem to reach a consensus regarding what’s causing the tensions in the first place. When asked what factors they thought inflamed national tensions, the top five causes among respondents include:

• Social Media/The Internet – 57 Percent
• The White House – 50 Percent
• Politicians in General – 47 Percent
• The News Media – 40 Percent
• Conservative or Liberal Political and Social Activists – 38 Percent

Other causes included Hollywood celebrities, the Congress, demonstrators or protestors, liberals, America's youth, professional athletes or sports figures, average Americans, conservatives, college students, police or law enforcement officials, religious leaders, corporate America and the military.

With 2019 seeing a bitter impeachment battle and too many standoffs to name between The White House and the Legislature, it’s questionable whether the 70 percent of Americans who are crying out for more civility will get their wishes in 2020.