Surprise! More Americans ID as Republicans today than Election Day 2016:
Bottom Line: Based on the media's depiction of the country, I'd imagine that you'll be fairly surprised by the outcome of the latest Party ID survey results from Gallup. For years on a near monthly basis Gallup has surveyed Americans on what political party, if any, they identify with at that particular time. I'd imagine that even many Republicans are surprised by the headline to my story. But that's the case and it isn't the only potential surprise this month. Let's start with how the country ID'd on Election Day last year:
- 31%: Democrats
- 36%: Independent
- 27%: Republican
- 6%: 3rd Party
And it's notable that with the political make up more Republicans were elected to political office top to bottom than at any other time since the 1920's. So given the media's depiction of Trump's Presidency thus far, and the clear failures of the Republicans in Congress to pass meaningful reforms - naturally there are more Republicans today. If that doesn't seem to make sense I'll explain it in a minute. First, here's where we are today (Gallup's August survey):
- 28% Democrats (-3%)
- 41% Independents (+5%)
- 28% Republicans (+1%)
- 3% 3rd Party (-3%)
So what the heck's going on? There are three key issues at play here. The first is the media itself. Remember that if the mainstream news media were as relevant as they'd like to think they are there's now way in hell Donald Trump would be President and there'd be more Republicans today than at any point in 90 years. Second, what have Democrats done to win over support? Democrats to date have only organized a message of "resist" and they've otherwise been playing to the most extreme factions of their base, rather than proposing real solutions to make healthcare more affordable, lower the tax burden, protect the country and improve wages (which are the four most important issues to Americans right now). Third, Despite the failure of Congress to pass meaningful reforms on the biggest issues, many smaller reforms have taken place. Over thirty pieces of legislation have passed improving regulation on business, addressing VA issues and expanding benefits for veterans. In part aided by regulatory reform the economy has grown meaningfully stronger as compared to the same period last year and record corporate profits have led to record stock prices. 52% of Americans still have stock market based investments. A better economy and record stock prices matter.