Is America Really So Divided?

A Polarized Nation?

Political scientist Morris P. Fiorina says no evidence supports the popular idea that the United States is deeply divided. Instead, the majority of Americans are moderate even on what are thought to be the most controversial issues, such as abortion. However, he says it’s the political candidates and the political class in general – the 1 percent of the population actively involved in politics day to day – who are so polarized. Fiorina says their passion for one extreme or the other gives the false impression that the general public feels that way. He suggests that the change is due to changes in government beginning in the 1960s that resulted in fewer personal benefits from political corruption. That, he says, led to a decrease in the number of politicians motivated by greed who were focused only on winning. Instead, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of political activists on either side of the debate who are motivated by sincere beliefs – which they feel strongly.

A Polarized Nation?

Wagner says he wants to continue examining what it is that explains people’s ideology, potentially going beyond political questions and looking at how personal traits may drive their positions on issues. “There’s a greater diversity of opinion than we’re led to believe,” Wagner says. “People’s political differences come from deeply held and honestly held positions.”

Though Republicans are the anti-abortion party, writes Chapman, one-third of Democrats are closer to the GOP position than to that of their own party. “Another reason for the acidic climate is the rise of cable TV networks that thrive by taking ideological sides, day in and day out. Twenty years ago, they didn't exist. Today, watching Fox News, you get the impression that huge numbers of Americans regard Obama as a Stalinist. Switch on MSNBC, and you would assume that most people want Dick Cheney sent to Guantanamo.

You would be mistaken, writes Chapman. America is still a nation of moderates.