In recent times, America’s brand appears to be fading from within, as a deep sense of division permeates the nation. A staggering two-thirds of Americans believe it is at least probably true that the government often deliberately lies to the people. This pervasive distrust spans across partisan lines, with strong majorities of both Donald Trump voters (64 percent) and Kamala Harris voters (70 percent) agreeing with this sentiment. According to the POLITICO Poll by Public First, nearly half of the population—49 percent—feels that the best times for the country are firmly in the past. This statistic starkly contrasts with the 41 percent who believe the best days lie ahead, highlighting a widespread unease regarding both personal futures and the nation's trajectory.
This article is part of an ongoing initiative by POLITICO and Public First, an independent polling company based in London, aimed at capturing public opinion across various policy areas. For those interested in continuous updates, new surveys and analyses are available each month at politico.com/poll. The latest poll, conducted nearly one year after Trump's reelection, underscores a troubling trend of pessimism that is particularly pronounced among Democratic voters. Individuals who backed Harris are twice as likely as Trump supporters to assert that the best times for the United States are behind them.
When asked about the "best times" in the United States, only a small fraction of respondents indicated that the present moment holds promise. Almost two-thirds of Harris voters contend that the finest times in U.S. history are past events, compared to only a third of Trump voters who share this belief. A notable 55 percent of Trump voters, however, maintain that the best days still lie ahead. This contrast likely reflects a partisan pattern where individuals express optimism when their party occupies the White House and pessimism when it does not. Political scientist Jennifer McCoy from Georgia State University observes that Americans’ perceptions of the country fluctuate based on their party affiliation and who holds power.
The disparity in views is further highlighted by the belief in the functionality of American democracy. Over half of Harris voters—51 percent—claim that the United States is not a functioning democracy, while 52 percent of Trump voters assert the opposite. The outlook among Democrats is notably bleak, with 70 percent of Harris supporters believing that the quality of life in the U.S. has deteriorated since five years ago—a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest. Conversely, a 42 percent plurality of Trump voters argue that life has improved over the same timeframe.
On a more personal level, faith in the American Dream is experiencing a significant decline. This concept, once viewed as an integral part of the national ethos, has been challenged by recent polling that indicates nearly half—46 percent—of Americans believe that the American Dream no longer exists. This sentiment is echoed by 51 percent of Harris voters, whereas opinions among Trump supporters are split, with 38 percent agreeing and 38 percent disagreeing. McCoy notes that the diminishing belief in the American Dream reflects a growing pessimism about the economy, particularly among younger individuals who face challenges such as student debt and housing affordability.
The prevailing pessimism about the future coincides with a growing awareness of political polarization in the U.S. According to the survey, 59 percent of adults perceive that political divisions have worsened over the past five years, with older Americans more likely to hold this view. Furthermore, 61 percent of Americans report that most of their friends share their political beliefs, indicating a troubling trend of social segmentation. Notably, 41 percent of respondents do not have a close friend who votes for a different party, which is more pronounced among younger Americans and those who supported Harris.
Political figures, including Senator Rand Paul, have expressed concern over the degradation of American politics, attributing it to the internet and a culture of anonymous hostility. Senator Chris Murphy has commented on the crisis of connection and meaning in the country, asserting that this divide is symptomatic of a broader issue. He emphasizes that Americans inherently seek a sense of common purpose, yet contemporary societal dynamics often isolate individuals from their communities.
In summary, the findings of the POLITICO Poll illuminate a complex landscape of pessimism, polarization, and a fading belief in the American Dream. As Americans grapple with these sentiments, the call for radical change becomes increasingly relevant. The future of America's identity hinges on addressing these divisions and restoring faith in the ideals that once united the nation.
