Thread: USA fed up with political incivility

Poll: USA fed up with political incivility

Updated 4m ago
By Susan Page, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — Americans are fed up with incivility in politics.
A new study by the Center for Political Participation at Allegheny College finds that Americans overwhelmingly say civility is important to democracy and possible to achieve, even when people disagree.

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But most don't see those qualities at work in Washington. More than two-thirds in a nationwide poll taken for the study said Americans "should be ashamed of the way elected officials acted" during the recent health care debate. Half said the tone of politics has declined since President Obama was elected; just 10% said it has improved.

More than three in four agreed with the statement: "Right now, Washington is broken."

"Americans believe in civility … and in compromise; they believe in middle-ground solutions," says Daniel Shea, who directs the center at Allegheny College, which is in Meadville, Pa. "Those are two issues that I think Americans believe are not well-reflected in the media — in talk radio, television programs, the Internet."

Those surveyed were split over whether it was more important for a politician to be willing to stand firm in support of principles or be able to compromise to get things done.

When asked about seven specific issues, however, solid majorities said elected officials should find compromise solutions on all but one of them, abortion. About two-thirds thought compromises should be found on immigration and climate change legislation, two of the most contentious issues now being debated.

There were significant differences by ideology, however. Liberals by 59%-36% favored the ability to compromise. Conservatives' views were a reverse of that: By 60%-34%, they preferred a willingness to stand firm.

The telephone survey of 1,000 people, taken by Zogby International March 24-29, has a margin of error of +/— 3.2 percentage points.

Among other findings:

• Where you get your news affects your perception of the state of politics: 57% of those who get most of their news from radio said civility has declined compared with 37% of those who get most of their news from newspapers.

• Asked who is to blame for politics becoming less civil, Americans blame the parties themselves as well as TV news programs and radio talk shows. Six in 10 cite "changes in American culture."

• A majority, including nearly six in 10 women, say they're "turned off" when politics becomes "rude and nasty." Just one in five say it prompts them to become more active in politics.

The study identified some forces pushing toward harder-edged politics. Those Americans who report being "much more enthusiastic" about voting in this year's primary elections were much more likely to be voters who favor standing firm on principle over seeking compromises.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington ... poll_N.htm

I could sure do without all of the name calling, finger pointing and blame game all over the internet.

Me too! It's exhausting and counter-productive.

But on the article clamoring for "middle-ground". Truth be told, there are some things that are just not negotiable and amnesty and illegal immigration are 2 such issues.

For one I don't want or care for a democracy. I want a Republic. But I think that politicians should be "required" to post their positions and state facts as to what their plans are and let people vote.



The rest...let the news have a chance at mud slinging and keep the back stabbing off the stump speeches. Maybe a few good slander suites would be good.



If you can't stand for something then sit the F down and let someone else stand up...