Public’s view of politics slipping, now ‘unrelentingly negative’

NEWS AND OPINION:

None other than the Pew Research Center sums up the alarming state of politics in and around the nation at this time. It is “dismal,” the pollster advised.

“Americans have long been critical of politicians and skeptical of the federal government. But today, Americans’ views of politics and elected officials are unrelentingly negative, with little hope of improvement on the horizon,” according to the wide-reaching survey, which was released Tuesday.

“Majorities say the political process is dominated by special interests, flooded with campaign cash and mired in partisan warfare. Elected officials are widely viewed as self-serving and ineffective,” the survey analysis said, adding that there was no single “focal point” in politics that is troubling the public.

Anger and exhaustion permeate the political process.

“There is widespread criticism of the three branches of government, both political parties, as well as political leaders and candidates for office. Notably, Americans’ unhappiness with politics comes at a time of historically high levels of voter turnout in national elections. The elections of 2018, 2020 and 2022 were three of the highest-turnout U.S. elections of their respective types in decades,” the poll analysis advised.

“But voting in elections is very different from being satisfied with the state of politics — and the public is deeply dissatisfied,” it said.

Find evidence of this, plus the poll particulars, in the Poll du Jour at column’s end.

THE BIG DEBATE

The presidential race is about to get real, so to speak. The second Republican debate will be broadcast live on Wednesday evening from the gorgeous Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. So get the snack tray ready.

The regular cast of White House hopefuls is ready to roll, its talking points and calculated gestures carefully choreographed. The host Fox Business Network has revealed its cast for the big night, both “pre- and post-debate.”

The event will be co-moderated by Fox News anchor Dana Perino, Fox Business anchor Stuart Varney and Univision’s Ilia Calderon.

Early coverage begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time with a two-hour edition of “The Bottom Line” with Dagen McDowell and Sean Duffy. At 8 p.m., Fox Business host Larry Kudlow will present “Countdown to the Debate.” The hourlong preview of the event boasts a cast that includes Ms. Perino and Mr. Varney — along with Martha MacCallum, Bret Baier, Sean Hannity, Brit Hume, Harold Ford Jr., Karl Rove and Kellyanne Conway.

But wait, there’s more to follow.

After the two-hour main event, Mr. Hannity will present a live edition of “Hannity” at 11 p.m. with post-debate analysis and “real-time candidate reaction” from the analysts. And at midnight, “Fox News @ Night” with Trace Gallagher will continue the network’s coverage.

FOR THE LEXICON

“Agenda 47.”

This noteworthy title was introduced by former President Donald Trump’s campaign in mid-July as a catchall term for his reelection agenda. It was met by some vigorous press coverage.

“Be very afraid. Trump’s ‘Agenda 47’ is no joke,” Salon.com said when the online feature made its debut.

Mr. Trump has since released 43 of these specific agenda items, which cover energy, immigration, taxes, the pharmaceutical shortage, the “depleted military” and “Marxist maniacs” — to name a few of the offerings.

The topics include both a video of Mr. Trump and a transcript of what he says in the spot.

The latest installment includes Mr. Trump’s promise to “serve as a champion for American homeschooled families.”

Curious? Find the array of videos and transcripts at Donaldjtrump.com/agenda47.

YOUNGER CANDIDATES?

Some wonder whether entering politics has lost its appeal among young Americans. Kerry Haynie, a political scientist at Duke University, has a thought or two.

“One of the things that is keeping younger folks from jumping in politics is a development we have seen in recent years — which is that politicians are under threat. The number of politicians with security details has gone up. And why would anybody want that, right? Even if you’re willing to serve, why would you want to take that on?” Mr. Haynie asked in a written statement shared with Inside the Beltway.

“The legal challenges, the threats of impeachment. Why would you want to subject yourself and your family members to this? And the financial burden that comes with these challenges is something that may be keeping folks away,” Mr. Haynie said.

Deondra Rose, also a political scientist at Duke, said in the same statement that “running for office is challenging for anyone, and that’s why we do tend to see certain professions over-represented in elected office. Oftentimes people who are lawyers, for example, have more latitude to run because they have more control over their schedules.”

“There are quite a few organizations that offer candidate training and recruit candidates. In many cases, young people are not prioritized as the candidates who are recruited,” she said.

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POLL DU JOUR

• 65% of U.S. adults always or often feel “exhausted” when they think about politics; 25% sometimes feel that way, 9% never or rarely feel that way.

• 55% of U.S. adults always or often feel “angry” when they think about politics; 34% sometimes feel that way, 11% never or rarely feel that way.

• 10% of U.S. adults always or often feel “hopeful” when they think about politics; 33% sometimes feel that way, 56% never or rarely feel that way.

• 4% of U.S. adults always or often feel “excited” when they think about politics; 18% sometimes feel that way, 78% never or rarely feel that way.

SOURCE: A Pew Research Center poll of 8,480 U.S. adults conducted July 10-16 and released Tuesday.

• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin.