Areas of Common Ground
Despite partisan divides, most Americans agree on these key points:
- ✓Political discourse has become too hostile and unproductive
- ✓We need to listen more and assume good faith in others
- ✓Finding common ground is more important than winning arguments
+ 5 more areas of agreement below
What's the Challenge?
American democracy depends on our ability to engage constructively with those who disagree with us. Yet political polarization, echo chambers, and hostile rhetoric have made productive dialogue increasingly difficult. We've forgotten essential civic skills: listening to understand rather than to respond, finding common ground before debating differences, making persuasive arguments based on shared values, and compromising without compromising principles. Democracy isn't just about voting—it's about the daily work of engaging fellow citizens, building coalitions, and governing together despite our differences.
Where Most Americans Agree
Political discourse has become too hostile and unproductive
We need to listen more and assume good faith in others
Finding common ground is more important than winning arguments
Compromise is necessary for a functioning democracy, not a sign of weakness
Understanding different perspectives makes us better citizens
Local communities work best when people collaborate across differences
Teaching civic engagement skills should start in schools
We can disagree strongly while still respecting each other's dignity
Source: Pew Research Center, More in Common, Public Agenda (2023-2024)
Current Perspectives from Both Sides
Understanding the full debate requires hearing what each side actually argues—not caricatures or strawmen.
Progressive Perspective
- •Right-wing media and misinformation spread conspiracy theories and undermine democracy
- •Some issues involve fundamental rights where compromise means accepting injustice
- •Bothsidesism falsely equates legitimate policy with extremism and authoritarianism
- •Dialogue requires good faith, which is absent when one side denies basic facts
- •Civility politics can silence marginalized voices demanding necessary change
- •We must resist fascism and protect democracy, not just have polite conversations
Conservative Perspective
- •Left-wing cancel culture shuts down debate and punishes dissenting views
- •Universities and mainstream media create liberal echo chambers that exclude conservative perspectives
- •Political correctness prevents honest discussion of important issues
- •The left labels legitimate conservative positions as hate speech to avoid debate
- •Free speech is under attack from those who claim to value tolerance
- •Cultural elites look down on traditional values and ordinary Americans
These represent current talking points from each side of the political spectrum. Understanding both perspectives is essential for productive dialogue.
Evidence-Based Facts
87% of Americans say political debate has become less respectful in recent years
Source: Pew Research Center
67% believe compromise is necessary, but most say their own side should not have to compromise on key issues
Americans are increasingly living in politically homogeneous communities, reducing cross-partisan interactions
Structured dialogue programs have shown 40-60% improvement in participants' ability to engage across differences
77% of Americans rarely or never discuss politics with someone who disagrees with them
Learn More from Reputable Sources
Better Arguments: A Guide
Framework for having productive disagreements and finding common ground
The Aspen Institute
Bridging Differences Program
Research-backed methods for constructive cross-partisan dialogue
UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center
Hidden Common Ground Research
Studies showing Americans agree more than they realize on many issues
Public Agenda
National Institute for Civil Discourse
Resources for improving democratic dialogue and civic engagement
University of Arizona
Questions for Thoughtful Debate
The Four Cs of Democratic Engagement: How do we teach communication, collaboration, compromise, and case-making?
What conditions make people willing to listen to opposing viewpoints?
How can we create more opportunities for cross-partisan dialogue in communities?
What's the difference between principled compromise and abandoning core values?
How do we balance free expression with maintaining respectful discourse?
What role should social media platforms play in encouraging constructive dialogue?
How can we make political persuasion more effective and less divisive?
What civic education would best prepare young people for democratic participation?