Our research below provides messaging guidance for progressives to win key policy debates.
Independents, people of color and older Americans give Trump low marks for his handling of the pandemic at a time when perception of the economy reaches new lows in our daily tracking and protests are doing little to sway overall public opinion on social distancing.
Americans continue to trust state and local governments more than Trump; the public reports more comfortability interacting with friends if the country reopens soon rather than going to restaurants or large gatherings.
Americans support safely opening the government over reopening prematurely; more than two-thirds agree that fixing the health crisis is the key to restarting the economy.
Americans support governors when it comes to stay-at-home orders instead of those protesting social distancing measures; Trump’s approval continues to decline as Americans worry about an economic recession.
Ratings of how Trump is handling the pandemic decline with fewer Americans viewing him as “serious” in his response, and most Americans continuing to prefer social distancing despite recent protests.
Trump’s approval ratings continue to drop as the share of Americans who know someone sick with coronavirus continues to grow. Most Americans support continued social distancing and believe life won’t return to normal for several months or more.
As the public reports serious concerns about the economy and loved ones getting sick from coronavirus, Americans across party lines trust Dr. Fauci to tell the truth when it comes to the pandemic.
More than 20% of Americans know someone who has been infected with coronavirus and a vast majority still support current social distancing measures or want more aggressive measures.
As three-quarters of the public rates the economy negatively, Americans regardless of party report similar levels of concern about a possible recession. A majority feel that Trump’s coronavirus response favors the wealthy.
Feeling the adverse economic impacts of the pandemic, the public is demanding strong, sustained federal action to combat the financial challenges ahead.
Progressives should keep structural problems front and center when framing popular policy ideas; Americans are concerned with Trump’s approach to Iran; a majority continues to support removing Trump from office.
Americans unsettled by Trump’s recklessness and concerns about the rising costs for everyday goods
Americans see potential issues ahead with the status quo on the economy and political transparency
Americans are eager for action to address challenges facing the planet; find counterpoints to “socialism” attacks more persuasive
Americans believe Washington is broken, the economy benefits the rich, and are concerned about a cover-up
