Do Americans Really Care About ‘Democracy’?

Do Americans Really Care About ‘Democracy’?

Introduction Ever thought about how much the average voter actually values democracy? Spoiler alert: it’s complicated. Recently, someone sent me an article from the Atlantic entitled “Only About 3.5 Percent of Americans Care About Democracy (gift link)”...
Affect, Not Ideology: Why We Loathe the Other Side (And It’s Not About Policy)

Affective Polarization and Misinformation Belief

So, you’re telling me that people get emotionally charged over politics? NO WAY! Next, you’ll tell me that Tom doesn’t like Jerry, and the sun rises in the east. But seriously, how does “affective polarization”—that gut-level emotional attachment where we love our...
Affect, Not Ideology: Why We Loathe the Other Side (And It’s Not About Policy)

Crisis Management – Inoculation and Bolstering

It’s that time of year again—oppo dumps, October surprises, and all the drama that comes with them! For years, we’ve been preaching to our clients: “Hang a light on your vulnerabilities before someone else does.” Every time, we hear the same protests:...