In search of common ground: Is there a road back?

When I hear that neighbors no longer talk to one another, because of their political differences, it makes me wonder: Was it always like this? 

 

Is it notably worse than decades ago? And is this just a passing trend, given the higher-than-usual political polarization?

 

One can only hope.

 

Polarization Trends

A recent Gallup survey confirms the obvious: “Over the past seven U.S. presidential election years, Republicans and Democrats have gravitated toward opposite sides of the political spectrum.

 

As a result, from 2000 to 2024, conservative Republicans have increased from 24% of the population to 30%, while the moderate/liberal Republican share has dwindled from 18% to 15%.

 

Simultaneously, the percentage of Americans identifying as liberal Democrats has risen from 14% to 22%, while moderate/conservative Democrats have shrunk from 33% to 22%.”

 

The polarization itself, of course, is notable, but it’s not the problem. The problem is the way in which we approach those with whom we hold different beliefs. And it comes from both sides, and is far more intense than decades ago.

 

Clearly, if desired, the politicians could lower the political temperature and, rather than rake their opponents over the coals, they could explain their policies, the reasoning behind them, and how their approach differs from one another. I know, I know, how naïve. 

 

Equally clear is that conflict entrepreneurs, i.e. those who profit from stoking fear and conflict, have the ability – though currently, not the desire – to do the same. 

 

Our Core Values

So for now, it seems, it’s left to us – to the people who live here, to the people who the legislators serve – to take the next step.

 

Step one might begin by examining how aligned we are on America’s core values; among them: the right to vote, the right to privacy, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, equal protection under the law, and the right for people to assemble peacefully.

 

An April 2024 survey by the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center, an independent, nonpartisan research organization, asked participants whether these core values were “extremely/very important,” “somewhat important,” or “not to, not at all important” to the identity of the United States.Percentages below indicate “extremely/very important.”

 

 ● Right to vote: 91% 

● Right of everyone to equal protection under the law: 91%

● Freedom of speech: 90%

● Right to privacy: 88%  

● Freedom of religion: 84%

● Right of the people to assemble peacefully: 83%

 

 Michael Albertus, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, said, “If you get a bunch of normal people at random and put them in a room together and chat about issues, there’s a lot more convergence than you might imagine.”

 

Is There Someone You Know?

Is there someone you know that plans to vote for a different candidate than you? If so, do you know why they plan to do so? If you’re up for asking them why, give it a go.

 

Certainly, it’s wise to choose the person wisely – one who’s willing to listen and consider another point of view.

 

The hope, of course, is that you’ll not just learn more about their decision, preferences, and views, but you two may indeed find some common ground.

 

It has to begin somewhere.