October 8, 2019

As more details have emerged over the past week regarding President Trump’s conversation with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, the White House has confirmed that Trump asked the leader of a foreign country to investigate the man who, at the time, was considered the greatest obstacle to his reelection.

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The president’s willingness to release a rough transcript of the call without much of a fight appears to reinforce his belief that he did nothing wrong. He seems to be saying, “I had to endure a two-year investigation; why did Joe Biden get off so easily.” Given his approach to governance, this miscalculation is understandable. His behavior, however, is deeply troubling.

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Coupled with the obstruction of justice strongly implied – but not directly alleged – in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report, Trump’s admitted behavior is arguably worse than the misdeeds that brought down Richard Nixon. They are clearly worthy of an impeachment investigation.

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So why are the American people equally split on the idea of starting such an inquiry? One key reason is the level of polarization among the U.S. electorate. A large percentage of Americans now define themselves in opposition to one of the major political parties. Clearly, if the Democrats want it, it must be wrong – whatever “it” happens to be. Conversely, many Americans have the same reaction to anything that helps the Republicans.

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An even more powerful, but related, force may be lurking underneath – particularly for the growing plurality of Americans who don’t identify with either political party. In polling completed in December of last year by Caddell & Associates, 85% of Americans believe... Continue Reading.

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