How Much Can Leaders Shape or Lead Mass Opinion?
Published June 6, 2023
Leaders can’t shift the view of “doorstep” issues— what is relevant to a voter’s day-to-day experience—but they can shift the saliency of these issues. Unpopular presidents obviously can reduce support for domestic policy, but even popular presidents have a difficult time shifting public opinion.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think is the driver of political party polarization?
- If you could change the US political system, how would you change it and why?
Additional Resources: