CEOs Face Tough Choices In a Polarized Political World. Most People Think They Should Address The Cost Of Living

CEOs face a public worried about affordability and increasingly skeptical that the American dream is achievable.

A poll by Brunswick Group and Echelon Insights asked people about their biggest concerns and about their views on corporate America. Cost of living was the biggest issue on people's minds, with 23 percent naming it.

The report adds that, with the midterm elections fast approaching, and the strong possibility of divided government as Democrats are favored to win the House, CEOs will face three big questions: do they charge people fairly, whose side are they on, and credibility - can they be trusted?

Affordability was the top concern among respondents, regardless of their political leanings. The survey found that 26 percent of those who leaned right were concerned about the issue, while 22 percent of those who leaned left were worried about it.

"The affordability story is clear," the report states. "But what you may have missed is Americans' growing skepticism. Fifty-four percent of voters with household incomes below $75k say the American Dream is NOT achievable for most Americans."

On the issue of whose side companies are on, the vast majority of Americans believe companies should stick to business and stay out of politics. The poll found that 65 percent believe companies should stay "neutral" and "focus on serving their customers."

Only 27 percent of respondents said companies should take a public stance that aligns with their "values."

The poll also found that many Americans believe companies already have a bias. For example, the poll found that 60 percent of respondents believe that oil and gas companies favor Republicans.

Other sectors perceived as right-leaning included crypto, private equity, AI, and banking and finance.

The survey noted that people viewed social media companies and the media as being left-leaning. The biggest sector viewed as left-leaning was college and universities, with 47 percent of respondents believing higher learning institutions leaned left.

In terms of trust, the most trusted sectors by the public according to the poll were large nonprofits, colleges and universities, and renewable energy companies.

The least trusted sectors were data center companies, prediction market companies, cryptocurrency companies, and online sportsbooks.

The report advises corporate leaders to resist fads and chasing the moment.

"Companies and corporate leaders that react to every election or news cycle risk losing credibility. Long -term trust is built through consistency, not constant course correction," it stated.

The poll surveyed 1,001 registered voters from June 25 through June 28 and had a margin of error of 3.5 percent.