SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

Fascinated with the destructive power of politics

Jun 24, 2019, 4:21 PM

A new poll from the Wall Street Journal and NBC News shows Americans are slightly schizophrenic in their attitude toward politics. More people than ever before say they’re interested, even absorbed, with the politics of the moment, but less than a third believe in government’s power to address “long term challenges.”

An amazing 87 percent say “politics is important to them,” including 44 percent who say it’s “very important”—three times the percentage expressing similar sentiments in 1990. Why are people so intrigued when they have so little confidence that our leaders can solve problems?

Time to proclaim: ‘Family first!’

It could be that they’re afraid of government’s destructive potential, worrying more about its capacity to hurt than they hope for its ability to help. Another poll from Pew Research shows 85 percent agree “the tone and nature of political debate” has become more negative in recent years, and any honest observer should recognize the depressing, downward trajectory.

In this photo taken with a smart phone, Rep. Marcy Kaptur, left, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem...

Associated Press

Jeffries likes Democrats’ chances in race for the House as he campaigns in Ohio

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Associated Press

Massachusetts GOP lieutenant governor candidate suspends campaign after arrest in car crash

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Police tape runs across a crime scene. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)...

Tom Brock

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Associated Press

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Associated Press

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Troy Jackson (D) directs a question to Sen. Susan Collins (R) during the final Maine U.S. Senate de...

Associated Press

Jackson doesn’t regret telling Collins to ‘shut up’ after protester interrupted Maine Senate debate

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Fascinated with the destructive power of politics