Recent public opinion polls indicate a growing discontent among Americans with the nation’s political leadership and policies. A December 2023 survey by Rasmussen Reports revealed that 75% of likely U.S. voters believe the overall quality of America’s political leaders has declined over their lifetimes. Only 5% think political leaders have improved, while 15% feel the quality has remained the same.
Similarly, a September 2023 Pew Research Center report found that just 14% of U.S. adults believe most elected officials care about the thoughts of people like them. Only 15% think that all or most elected officials ran for office out of a desire to serve the public; a majority believe they are motivated by the desire to “make a lot of money.” Additionally, only 26% see the quality of candidates for political office over the past several years as good, down 21 points from five years ago.
A December 2023 joint survey by U.S. News and The Harris Poll found that 86% of American respondents are “largely disappointed” by leaders in society, with 47% strongly disappointed. Notably, 84% agree that there is a leadership crisis in the U.S. government today, and nearly 75% believe politicians care more about their own power and influence than their constituents.
These findings suggest a widespread perception of declining political leadership quality and a desire for systemic reform among the American public.
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