“I think some people’s situations are challenging, and no matter how hard they work, they can’t get ahead. That’s why I don’t like the Republican Party. They don’t want to help. I think some kinds of people need help, and the government should help them.”
73-year-old woman, Texas, Traditional Liberal
Traditional Liberals reflect the liberal ideals of the Baby Boomer generation. They maintain idealistic attitudes about the potential for social justice in America, yet they are less ideological than Progressive Activists. They also are not as intolerant of conservatives. They have strong humanitarian values, and around half say that religion is important to them. Traditional Liberals are significantly more likely to say that people “need to be willing to listen to others and compromise.” They are the most likely group, along with Progressive Activists, to handle conflict by “getting to the heart of the disagreement.” Overall, Traditional Liberals respond best to rational arguments and are inclined to place more faith in the viability of American institutions, even if they are disillusioned with the country’s current direction.
Leadership and Division in Society
Thirty-six percent more likely to disapprove of President Trump (93 percent v. 57 percent)
Eleven percent more likely to handle conflict by “getting to the heart of the disagreement” (68 percent v. 57 percent)
Twelve percent more likely to say, “The people I agree with politically need to be willing to listen to others and compromise” (73 percent v. 61 percent)
Seventeen percent more likely to say, “We need to heal as a nation” (77 percent v. 60 percent)
Eight percent more likely to say that to be American it is very important to “believe in freedom and equality” (75 percent v. 67 percent)
Eight percent more likely to be over the age of 65 (28 percent v. 20 percent)
Seven percent more likely to be white (76 percent v. 69 percent)
Nineteen percent more likely to have graduated college (48 percent v. 29 percent)