Surveys Show Majority of Republicans Believe Government Must Tackle Student Loan Debt

Updated October 2022 Many Americans see the benefits of a college degree, such as opportunities for well-paying jobs. Yet over the years, college costs have become extremely high, both from private and public colleges . This increase has led to more and more debt -- a total of about $1.75...
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It’s Not Just Them: Research Suggests Irrational Biases Across the Political Spectrum

In our increasingly polarized age, it has become commonplace to attribute our political opponents’ beliefs to their irrationality. Advancements in psychology seem to validate this view: we are prone to confirmation bias, engage in motivated reasoning, and become self-insulated in social...
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Story of the Week: Debate Surrounds Biden's Infrastructure Bill, Democrats Prepare to Pass Through Reconciliation

Sign up here to receive the Story of the Week in your inbox every Thursday. Debate surrounds President Joe Biden's “ American Jobs Plan ," which would alot $2.2 trillion over the next 8 years to fix roads and bridges, expand broadband internet access, invest in America's manufacturing...
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When Biden Channels His Inner FDR

From the Center This viewpoint is from a writer rated Center. When Joe Biden ran for president last year, there were times when it sounded like he was campaigning for Barack Obama’s third term in office. But at this early stage of his own presidency, Biden has decided that he would prefer...
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Surveys Show Republican Voters Actually Support Increasing the Minimum Wage, Just Not to $15/Hour

U.S. Congress will consider a $15 minimum wage for the second time soon. Joe Biden and most congressional Democrats want to more than double the minimum hourly wage from its current level of $7.25. Although Democrats have this policy goal, survey data (see below) show that the majority of...
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Surveys Say Republicans and Democrats Both Support International Cooperation, Alliances

In terms of foreign policy, there are misleading stereotypes of Democrats and Republicans. Supposedly, Democrats are strongly supportive of international cooperation, while Republicans are nationalistic, wanting to focus on America before other countries. Yet surveys of Republicans...
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Are Republicans or Democrats More Compassionate? Research Says It May Be a Trick Question

We know the stereotypes of “bleeding heart” liberals, compared with conservatives who are supposedly less caring. But what does academic research say on the topic of which party is more compassionate? According to research published by Dr. Meri Long of the University of Pittsburgh,...
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Surveys Show that Democrats — Not Just Republicans — are Proud to be American

From the Left This view is from a writer rated Lean Left. Surveys show majorities of Democrats and Republicans are proud to be American, preferring life in the U.S. to any other place. Many people agree on key aspects of what it means to be a “true American.” A false narrative popular...
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Reducing Polarization: Research Says Typical Republicans and Democrats are Moderate, Only Talk Politics Occasionally

Animosity towards members of an opposing political party has substantially worsened in recent years. But much of what we know about polarization and citizens’ attitudes to their political opponents may be wrong. \When Democrats and Republicans say they reflexively dislike each other, they...
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