Kathrine Frich
Many citizens are looking at the future with serious doubts.
National milestones usually offer a moment for citizens to pause and celebrate shared history. But as a massive birthday approaches, a new survey reveals deep gloom.
A divided birthday
The United States will mark its 250th anniversary next month. It should be a time of joyful national unity. Instead, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows deep fractures in how Americans view their own country according to Digi24.
About 38 percent of respondents said they do not believe the United States will exist as a single country 250 years from now. This skeptical group includes 40 percent of Democrats and 26 percent of Republicans.
Still, a clear majority remains hopeful. The survey found that 62 percent of participants believe their nation will survive long into the future.
Fears for the future
The online poll gathered responses from 1,537 adults over four days. It quickly uncovered widespread anxiety about the current political climate.
Two thirds of respondents agreed that American democracy is at risk of failing. That number has jumped from 57 percent last August, according to the poll data.
The worry stretches across party lines. It captures 85 percent of Democrats and half of all Republican voters. Physical safety is another major concern, with 77 percent of surveyed people expecting political violence to increase over the next five years.
Fading global prestige
Confidence in American influence abroad is also dropping rapidly. Only about 30 percent of respondents currently view the country as a global leader.
That marks a noticeable dip from November 2017, during President Donald Trump’s first term. Back then, 38 percent of voters held that optimistic view.
The drop is largely driven by Democrats. Only 11 percent of them currently see the country as a top world power, while Republican confidence held steady at roughly 60 percent.
Partisan party plans
The upcoming celebrations themselves are causing intense friction. Most Americans feel the 250th anniversary events are already “too politicized”, according to the Reuters report.
President Trump recently announced he will be the main attraction at a July 4 event in Washington. News agency Reuters notes this gathering will double as a political rally ahead of the November midterm elections.
Even basic holiday habits reflect the national divide. The poll shows that 52 percent of Republicans plan to wear red, white, and blue clothing, compared to just 20 percent of Democrats.
Sources: Reuters, Ipsos, Agerpres, Digi24
