Trendspotting: The Policies Both Sides Agree On

NewsWire: 10/29/21

• Though Trump and Biden voters are deeply divided on the issues, they also support some common policies. According to a new survey, more than half of both groups at least somewhat support policies like universal pre-K and taxing the richest Americans. (UVA Center for Politics)
• NH: America is a polarized country. And it often can feel like there's no common ground between red and blue voters. But according to a new survey by UVA’s Center for Politics, there are policies both sides support.
• What did the poll find?
• Majorities of both Biden and Trump voters support many projects funded by the infrastructure and reconciliation bills. Over 80% of voters in both parties at least "somewhat" support improving the electrical grid, water systems, and “hard infrastructure” (roads, bridges, etc.). Smaller majorities also support increased funding for rural internet, funding universal pre-K, and raising the income tax on those making more than $400K. 
• Most of these policies are in the infrastructure bill. And it’s no wonder it passed the Senate with 19 GOP votes. A bit more surprising is that both sides support higher taxes on the rich. That reflects the growing populist direction of Republican politics. 
• But don’t sing Kumbaya just yet. Over 80% of both Biden and Trump voters at least "somewhat" agree that politicians belonging to the opposing party are a danger to democracy. (See "American on the Verge of a Civil War?") That's not all: 56% of Biden supporters at least "somewhat" believe Republicans are fascists; and 76% of Trump supporters at least "somewhat" believe Democrats are socialists. 
• America may agree on repairing its roads, but trusting the other side? Not a chance.