Reference News Network, October 4 report. According to the website of the U.S. "New York Times" on October 2, a public opinion survey conducted jointly by the "New York Times" and Siena University shows that Americans' confidence in their country's political system's ability to solve problems has significantly declined compared to five years ago, and most people now believe that the United States is unable to overcome its deep divisions.

The report states that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the entire country was struggling with mask regulations and forced to consider issues of racial inequality, most voters still believed that the United States had the ability to solve its political problems. Now, only 33% of voters still feel this way.

The report believes that the sharp rise in pessimism reflects a significant change in the public's view of national issues. The survey found that, apart from economic issues, Americans are most likely to regard problems in the political culture field as the most urgent issue. Compared to immigration, inflation, or crime, they more often mention polarization and the state of democracy.

The report states that this survey was conducted between September 22 and 27. The timing of the survey coincided with a particularly tense moment, about two weeks before right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Shortly after the survey, the U.S. government began to shut down on October 1. This development may have intensified American voters' negative perceptions of political division and dysfunction.

"There's just no way to have policy discussions now," said Amber Young, a 37-year-old Boston resident working in finance and identifying as a Democrat. She said that this polarization has permeated all aspects of life, making running a business and raising a family complicated.

The report points out that the survey found that despite the nationwide gloom, Americans still hold some hope and goodwill toward the other side. Only a small portion of voters seem willing to demonize opponents. When Democrats were asked whether they considered Republicans as "enemies" or "fellow citizens" with different opinions, only 10% chose the harsher description. And 14% of Republicans said they considered Democrats as "enemies," a slightly increasing proportion.

However, overall, this survey reflects serious doubts among current voters about the vitality of American democracy. 55% of Americans say they would describe the United States as a "democratic country." But a considerable portion (41%) disagree, including 52% of Democrats and 40% of independents.

The survey also shows how deeply entrenched partisan struggles have become. Half of voters say Trump is a unique threat to the U.S. government system. The other half believe that Trump's leadership is improving or stabilizing the economy and that he has performed exceptionally well in fulfilling his campaign promises. (Translated by Lu Di)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7557196125963403791/

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