Key facts
- Democrats now lead Republicans on economic stewardship, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
- President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 35%.
- Liberal Democrats, now a majority within the party, prioritize universal healthcare, abortion access, and higher taxes on the wealthy.
- The poll indicates a significant leftward shift among Democrats since 2012.
- A majority of Democrats oppose military and economic support for Israel.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates a significant shift in American political sentiment, with Democrats now leading Republicans on economic stewardship for the first time in a decade. President Donald Trump's approval rating has also declined to 35%.
The poll highlights a leftward movement within the Democratic party, with liberal Democrats comprising a clear majority and prioritizing universal healthcare, expanded abortion access, and increased taxes on the wealthy as essential political positions. This trend is reflected in the primary victories of insurgent left-wing candidates over more centrist Democrats.
In Michigan, a key battleground state for the upcoming midterm elections, left-wing doctor Abdul El-Sayed is challenging incumbent U.S. Representative Haley Stevens for the Democratic nomination. El-Sayed, endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, advocates for Medicare for All, while Stevens supports strengthening private health insurance subsidies. The race has also seen divisions over support for Israel, with a majority of Democrats opposing military and economic aid to the country.
Conversely, Republicans have shown a more stable self-identification as conservative, though they are less unified on specific policy goals. Key issues for conservative Republicans include restricting immigration and reducing the size of the federal government.
The poll, which surveyed 4,505 U.S. adults, has a margin of error of 2 percentage points for all respondents and 3 points for liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans.