SUMMARY
A new report from the Pew Research Center says American politics are not as simple as red versus blue. Pew surveyed more than 10,000 people and split the public into nine distinct groups along political and cultural values. Despite a polarized political environment, the report finds a minority of Americans are truly all-in for either party.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about? You can also make a Google doc copy of these general discussion questions.
News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching and see the Google doc above for discussion questions.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who is Jocelyn Kiley?
- What is the number of "tuned-out middle" voters who voted in 2024?
- Where have most Americans oriented themselves politically, based on the chart?
- Why have group names for Republicans and Democrats changed in the survey over the years?
- Why might some voters not identify strongly with either major political party, according Kiley?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- How do politicians use voter data like this Pew Research poll to appeal to different types of groups?
- Do you think the American political landscape is more complex than a simple Democrat-versus-Republican divide? Why/why not?
Media literacy: Surveys can provide insights into public opinion, but they also have limitations. As you watch the video or read the poll, consider how researchers define categories such as "Faith First Conservatives" or the "Loyal Liberals." How might the wording of survey questions, i.e. the sample of respondents or the labels assigned to groups, influence how the public interprets the survey?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Step 1: Read the full Pew Research Center report.
Step 2: Imagine you are advising a political candidate. Choose one of the voter groups discussed in the article and develop a campaign strategy to appeal to that group. What issues would you emphasize? What challenges might you face in attracting their support?
In your strategy, consider the following questions:
- Which issues are most important to this group?
- What messages or policy proposals would resonate with them?
- What forms of outreach would be most effective (social media, television ads, town halls, community events, etc.)?
Present your strategy in the form of a campaign memo, advertisement, speech outline or presentation, and explain why you believe it would be effective.
Written by Jackalyn Karamanougian, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern, and News Hour's Victoria Pasquantonio
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