Research Shows Majority of Americans Share Moderate Political Views

Americans often assume their neighbors hold extreme views that clash with their own. New data suggests that assumption is wrong. A messy majority in the middle shares values that cross partisan lines, according to political researchers and a major survey.

The gap between perception and reality became clear in January when two friends, Shanna Berry and Alma Ong, discussed the U.S. capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. Berry, a Christian and Air Force veteran who supports President Trump, initially hesitated to share her opinion to protect their friendship. She eventually said the end of the regime was necessary but questioned the legalities and the focus on oil.

Ong, a liberal Buddhist who moved from London to the U.S. in the 1990s, was surprised by Berry's answer. "I agree with absolutely everything she just said," Ong said. "That was amazing!"

Kristin Laurin, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, notes that this exchange is common. People avoid political talk to prevent conflict. This silence leads them to overestimate their differences. Laurin stated, "Our perceived polarization far outstrips the actual polarization." She attributes this to politicians painting opponents as extreme and social media amplifying rage to drive engagement.

Recent events also show overlap across party lines. In April, the Department of Justice indicted former FBI director James Comey. The DOJ said a photo of seashells he posted constituted a death threat against the president. Both Democrats and many conservatives objected to the move. Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law professor at George Washington University Law School, told Fox News, "I must be in a parallel universe to be talking about the shell art of James Comey."

Stan Fletcher, a restaurateur near the Chesapeake Bay who voted for Trump in all three of his campaigns, also sided with Comey. "No one should be indicted for their opinion, ever," Fletcher said. He believes 95% of America falls under a bell curve of moderates, while the public hears only the extremes.

Pew Research Center data supports this view. The non-partisan group classifies Americans into nine groups based on values. One group, the "Pragmatic and Polite Right," includes 56% Republicans or Republican-leaning voters and 37% Democrats or Democratic-leaning voters. This group values civility and holds conservative economic views but moderate views on race and immigration.

Jocelyn Kiley, who leads politics research at Pew, said the messy political middle is larger than the ideological wings. Pew estimates this middle group makes up about 60% of the electorate. The groups farthest to the right, including the "No Apologies Right" and "Faith First Conservatives," make up just 21% of the population.