53.8% of Americans view the Republican Party as unfavorable.
55.7% of Americans view the Democratic Party as unfavorable.
As the United States political field grows ever more polarized, what does this mean for the actual people? I spoke with LS students to learn about their opinions on the current system and what they think the U.S. should be focusing on right now.
To start, students were asked about their thoughts on the current Republican-led government.
Nate Harding, a Democrat, says, “Trump is the worst, most corrupt president in the history of the United States…The Republican congress is a group…that will do anything to get…Trump’s approval…the Supreme Court is doing mediocre at best.”
Another Democrat student provides his thoughts on immigration: “I don’t like how the nation is enforcing the terrorization of neighborhoods, especially in Minneapolis.”
On the other end of the spectrum, a Republican student who preferred to stay anonymous expresses his concerns, “I think it’s way too focused on foreign affairs when we should be trying to fix our stuff here.”
Joey Mazin, a Libertarian–a conservative party centered around a minimal government, seems to express pretty neutral views: “[Trump is] better than some, worse than others. The Supreme Court is decent. I heavily disagree with Trump on Israel, Epstein, and tariffs. I’m like the last person left without a particularly strong opinion on Trump.”
Another student who was independent believes that “Every government for the last 50 years has been corrupt…they have been controlled by foreign interests and…rich capitalist elites.”
Overall, responses varied from “better than some” to “the worst, most corrupt,” but leaned negative across the spectrum.
Next, they provided their opinions on the Democratic Party.
(D) Nate Harding: “The majority of the Democratic Party is not focused enough on climate regulation and social welfare.”
(R) [anonymous]: “I disagree with reproductive rights, and more of their liberal policies but I agree with their more accepting immigration policy.”
(L) Joey Mazin: “Most [policies] I disagree with, like Israel and guns and welfare.”
The Democrats’ immigration policy appears to have pretty broad support, but Democrat Nate Harding shares how he feels the Democrats have left behind major issues like climate change.
And then on Republicans.
(D) [anonymous]: “It’s good that they’re trying to preserve American culture, but I think part of that is just adapting to the present.”
(D) Nate Harding: “[I disagree with] everything.”
(R) [anonymous]: “One thing I disagree with about the Republicans is gun stuff and immigration kinda, but I generally agree with their policies.
(L) Joey Mazin: “Some views I agree with some I don’t. Like I agree with guns but not tariffs or Israel.”
Lastly, they were asked if the US should adopt a different system of representation.
(D) Nate Harding: “For starters, not the electoral college. Direct national popular vote probably.” And then for congress, “I think first past the post voting is problematic.”
(R) [anonymous]: “I think we should shift away from political parties as they divide the people too much firstly. And I think we should remove the electoral college system, just a popular vote.”
(L) Joey Mazin expressed his dissatisfaction with democracy in general.
Overall, sampled students from all ends of the U.S. political spectrum share complaints that they aren’t represented properly, with one idea being to abolish the Electoral College. In general, students continue to be upset with the current government to varying degrees.
