Americans see Democrats much more positively than Republicans on various issues, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center.
The poll, reported by Aaron Blake in the Washington Post, conducted Jan. 15-19, shows that Americans identify Democrats as the party willing to work with the opposition. The lead over Republicans is 25 points — 52 percent to 27 percent.
Democrats hold a 20-point lead as the party “more concerned with the needs of people like me,” with a 10-point advantage in governing in an trustworthy and ethical manner.
In contrast, the GOP is seen as “extreme” on issues (54 to 35 percent) and as the party influenced by lobbyists (47-30 percent).
In each of the five measures, Democrats lead significantly.
As for being able to manage the government, Blake notes that both parties are tied; 41 percent say Democrats are better able to govern and 40 percent think the GOP is better.
When asked about a “generic ballot” –which party voters would favor in the next congressional elections—the two parties are extremely close.
