New research suggests Americans agree on more issues than they realize

Political scientists argue that the American electorate is less divided than public discourse suggests. Researchers point to a large group of voters who hold views that cross traditional party lines. This finding contradicts the widespread belief that the nation is split into two rigid, opposing camps.

Kristin Laurin, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, cited a recent interaction between two friends in Houston and Edgewater, Maryland. Shanna Berry, a retired hairdresser and Air Force veteran, supports President Trump. Her friend Alma Ong is a Buddhist who leans liberal. Both women are in their early 50s.

The pair initially avoided discussing the U.S. capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in January. Berry eventually shared her view that the end of the regime was necessary. She expressed doubt about the legal process and the role of oil but noted that many Venezuelans were happy. Ong, who typically dislikes the president, agreed with every point Berry made.

Laurin says this exchange illustrates a common pattern. People often avoid political conversation to prevent conflict. This silence leads individuals to overestimate how different their neighbors are from them. "These two friends were making assumptions about each other that turned out to be totally wrong," Laurin said.

Laurin attributes the perception gap to politicians and social media. Elites often portray opponents as extreme to energize their base. Social media platforms amplify outrage to drive engagement. "Our perceived polarization far outstrips the actual polarization," Laurin said.

A similar pattern appeared after former FBI director James Comey was indicted in April. The Department of Justice claimed a photo he posted of seashells constituted a death threat against the president. Many conservatives, including those close to the administration, shared the surprise of Democrats. Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law professor at George Washington University Law School, called the incident a sign of a parallel universe.

Stan Fletcher, a restaurateur in Maryland who voted for Trump three times, supports the first amendment. He believes 95 percent of Americans are moderates. "What you hear is the wackos on the left and the wackos on the right," Fletcher said.

Pew Research Center data supports this view. The nonpartisan group classifies Americans into nine groups based on values. One category, the Pragmatic and Polite Right, includes 56 percent of Republicans or Republican-leaning voters and 37 percent of Democrats or Democratic-leaning voters. This group values civility and holds moderate views on race and immigration. Pew estimates that the messy middle, or moderate center, accounts for about 60 percent of the electorate. The far-right groups, including the No Apologies Right and Faith First Conservatives, make up just 21 percent of the population.