Three Strategies to Help Americans Bridge the Deepening Partisan Divide

What can be done to lessen political polarization in the U.S.? A few nonprofit organizations are trying to amplify their methods to tone down the temperature

Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
The vast majority of people in the U.S. are concerned about the current state of polarization in the nation.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Share
Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
The vast majority of people in the U.S. are concerned about the current state of polarization in the nation.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Three Strategies to Help Americans Bridge the Deepening Partisan Divide
Copy

Is it possible to bridge America’s stark political divisions?

In the wake of a presidential election that many feared could tear the U.S. apart, this question is on many people’s minds.

A record-high 80% of Americans believe the U.S. is greatly divided on “the most important values”. Ahead of the election, a similar percentage of Americans said they feared violence and threats to democracy. Almost half the country believes people on the other side of the political divide are “downright evil.”

Some say that the vitriolic rhetoric of political leaders and social media influencers is partly to blame for the country’s state of toxic polarization. Others cite social media platforms that amplify misinformation and polarization.

There is, however, reason for hope.

Read the full article on The Conversation.

Rhode Island’s largest health system blamed insurance premiums for failing to keep pace with rising health care costs
GLP-1 medications and pricier COVID vaccines helped push spending up nearly 8% in 2023, prompting state regulators to call for greater investment in primary care and fewer barriers for doctors
Despite the state’s national ranking, superintendents warn of long-term academic and emotional setbacks from the pandemic, with full recovery expected to take up to a decade
Despite limited success in his first term, President Trump is again targeting the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, sparking fierce pushback from media leaders, lawmakers, and rural communities that rely on local stations
Low enrollment is cited as reason for discontinuing programs. Students, faculty and some lawmakers say process lacked transparency