Hardly a day goes by without President Trump, Republicans, and the conservative media accusing the “Radical Left Democrats” of pursuing some “extreme” or “deranged” policy that goes against the will of the American people. They say Democrat policies and actions have ruined the country, leaving Americans worse off. Meanwhile, Trump and the Republicans are adopting common sense and majority-backed policies that are making America great again.

When we consider the plummeting favorability ratings of the Democratic party—currently 33.2% favorable versus 63% unfavorable—we might be inclined to believe these Republican narratives. But are the Democrats really that out of touch with the views of American people?  Is it really Trump and the Republicans who are pursuing policies backed by solid majorities of Americans?  Just where do the people stand when it comes to critical issues facing the country, approval or disapproval of our leaders, and political ideology in general?

These questions can be answered by taking a deep dive into public opinion research.  In particular, The Economist/YouGov Poll has weekly surveys that tell us where Americans stand on a host of issues, policy solutions, and beliefs. The work of this polling organization is highly respected, accurate, and minimally biased (see Media Bias/Fact Check, and All Sides). Also, since its surveys break out how Democrats, Republicans, and Independents stand on the matters we’re investigating, this allows us to assess how the views by political party align with the views of all Americans (all respondents). That is, for instance, do the views of Democrats on a particular policy conform to at least a majority of what all respondents are saying? Or, are the views of Democrats very different from wide majorities of respondents (all Americans) are saying?

I spent 25 or so hours combing through weekly Economist/YouGov surveys–and a few other recent polls–to find answers.  This research enabled me to determine whether those who identify as Democrats have positions that tend to be “radical” and “extreme,” as opposed to views that are shared by a majority or more of Americans.  In addition, I was able to determine whether those who identify as Republicans tend to have positions that are shared by a majority or more of Americans. The results, I believe, are compelling.  Let me share what I found.

1. On gun control reforms, positions of Democrats are not radical and extreme; instead, it is the views of Republicans that tend not to be supported by majorities of Americans.  

More strict laws: 55% of Americans (including 84% of Democrats and 53% of Independents) support making gun laws more strict; while only 31% of Republicans favor this option (Economist/YouGov, August 1-4). Only 14% of Americans say gun laws should be less strict.   

Expand background checks:  83% of Americans (including 87% of Democrats, 80% of Indepdendents and 82% of Republicans) favor requiring criminal and mental background checks for all those buying guns (Economist/YouGov Aug 1-4).

Enact red flag laws:  73% of Americans (including 87% of Democrats, 69% of Independents and 65% of Republicans) favor creating red flag laws that allow courts to temporarily remove firearms that present a danger to self and others (Economist/YouGov Aug 1-4).

Ban assault rifles: 60% of Americans (including  86% of Democrats and 57% of Independents) favor banning assault rifles, while only 39% of Republicans support this policy (Economist/YouGov Aug 1-4).

2. On abortion policies, positions of Democrats are not radical and extreme; instead, it is the views of Republicans than tend not to be supported by majorities of Americans.

Abortion legal, with some restrictions:  58% of Americans (including 84% of Democrats and 59% of Independents) say abortion should always be legal, or should be legal with some restrictions (such as for minors or late-term abortions).  Only 31% of Republicans agree with this policy.  Instead, 69% of Republicans said abortion should only be legal in special circumstances (e.g., life of mother in danger), or that abortion should always be illegal (Economist/YouGov July 4-7).

National right to abortion: 52% of Americans (including 84% of Democrats and 52% of Independents) support Congress establishing a national right to abortion; while 69% of Republicans oppose this policy (Economist/YouGov July 4-7)..

Allow travel for abortion: 65% of Americans (including 86% of Democrats and 68% of Independents) say that states restricting abortions should allow people to travel to states with less restrictive law. Only 41% of Republicans support this view (Economist/YouGov July 4-7).

3. On climate change policies, positions of Democrats are not radical and extreme; instead, it is the views of Republicans that tend not to be supported by majorities of Americans.

Climate change caused by human activity:  57% of Americans (including 86% of Democrats and 59% of Independents) agree the world’s climate is changing because of human activity.  Only 25% of Republicans hold this view.  Instead, 58% of Republicans believe climate change is either not occurring, or is not caused by human activity (Economist/YouGov July 11-14).

Global warming increases natural disasters:  54% of Americans (including 89% of Democrats and 55% of Independents) agree that global warming has increased natural disasters.  Only 18% of Republicans hold this view (Economist/YouGov July 11-14).

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: A 2024 survey from the University of Chicago found 50% of Americans (including 71% of Democrats) support reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while only 27% of Republicans support this action.

Expand the US clean energy industry: 53% of Americans (including 72% of Democrats) support expanding the US clean energy industry, while only 32% of Republicans support this policy (2024 University of Chicago survey).

Enforce clean air and water regulations: 56% of Americans (including 75% of Democrats) support enforcing clean air and water regulations, while only 36% of Republicans support this policy (2024 University of Chicago survey).

Regulations to limit emissions from power plants and vehicles: 59% of Americans (including 78% of Democrats) support regulations to limit emissions from power plants and vehicles, while 42% of Republicans support this policy (2024 University of Chicago survey).

Tax companies for carbon emissions:  58% of Americans (including 77% of Democrats) support taxing companies for their carbon emissions, while 40% of Republicans support this policy (2024 University of Chicago survey).

Funding for states to help communities adapt to climate change: 54% of Americans (including 75% of Democrats) support federal funding to help states adapt to climate change, while 33% of Republicans support this policy (2024 University of Chicago survey).

Tax credits and other incentives:  A December 2024 YouGov poll found 61% of Americans strongly or somewhat support keeping federal clean energy tax credits, compared to just 18% of voters who favor their repeal. 77% of Americans back home energy efficiency rebates, 72% back incentives for efficient appliances, 73% back investments in solar panel manufacturing, and 76% back initiatives to reduce pollution and improve air quality. Democrats strongly support all these incentives.

Strong Republican support for expanding US oil and gas production not embraced by a majority: While 67% of Republicans support expanding US oil and gas production, only 45% of Americans and 32% of Democrats support this policy (2024 University of Chicago survey).

4. On numerous policies related to taxes and government spending, positions of Democrats are not radical and extreme; instead, it is the views of Republicans that tend not to be supported by majorities of Americans.

Taxing the wealthy and corporations:  A March 2025 Pew Research report found 58% of Americans  (including 74% of Democrat/lean Democrat, and 43% of Republican/lean Republican) support raising taxes on those with household incomes over $400,000.  63% of Americans (including 81% of Democrat/lean Democrat, and 43% of Republican/lean Republican) say taxes on large businesses and corporations should be raised. 

Cuts and tax increases to address deficits and national debt:  A March 2024 American Compass study found 63% of Americans say the federal budget deficit and national debt should be addressed by a combination of cuts and tax increases, with at least 25% of the deficit reduction coming from each.

Extend Trump’s Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA): A March 2025 survey from the US Chamber of Commerce found 64% of Americans (including 53% of Democrats, 55% of Independents, and 81% of Republicans) supported extending the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

Increase or maintain funding for Medicaid: 74% of Americans say that Medicaid should be given more funding (49%) or the same level of funding (25%), while only 15% say Medicaid should be given less funding.  95% of Democrats, 74% of Independents, and 50% of Republicans say the funding level for Medicaid should be either be maintained or increased (Economist/YouGov, July 4-7).

Increase of maintain funding for Medicare:  84% of Americans say that Medicare should be given more funding (56%) or the same level of funding (28%), while only 15% say Medicare should be given less funding.  96% of Democrats, 83% of Independents, and 72% of Republicans say the funding level for Medicare should either be maintained or increased (Economist/YouGov, July 4-7). 

Increase or maintain funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAPS):  70% of Americans say SNAPS (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) should be given more funding (41%) or the same level of funding (29%), while only 16% say SNAPS should be given less funding.  94% of Democrats, 71% of Independents, and 46% of Republicans say the funding level for SNAPS should either be maintained or increased (Economist/YouGov, July 4-7).  

Disapproval regarding foreign trade (tariffs):  54% of Americans (including 87% of Democrats and 61% of Independents) disapprove of Trump’s handling of tariffs, while 78% of Republicans approve of his actions (Economist/YouGov. September 19-22).  An August 22-25 Economist/YouGov poll found 52% of Americans (including 89% of Democrats and 55% of Independents) say the Trump Administration has “gone too far” in imposing tariffs on foreign imports. 15% of Republicans share this view, while most Republicans (64%) say his tariffs are “about right” (Economist/YouGov August 22-25).

5. On numerous policies related to immigration, positions of Democrats are not radical and extreme; instead it is the views of Republicans that tend not to be supported by majorities of Americans.

Don’t deport law-abiding immigrants:  61% of Americans (including 89% of Democrats, 59% of Independents, and 37% of Republicans) say that undocumented immigrants who have lived in the country for many years without committing any crimes should not be deported.  Only 24% say these people should be deported (Economist/YouGov June 6-9).

Don’t deport those who came as children:  61% of Americans (including  90% of Democrats, 57% of Independents, and 36% of Republicans) say that undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children should not be deported.  Only 22% say these people should be deported (Economist/YouGov June 6-9).

Don’t deport those married to US citizens:  66% of Americans (including 87% of Democrats, 66% of Independents and 46% of Republicans) say that undocumented immigrants who are married to US citizens should not be deported.  Only 26% say these people should be deported.

Don’t deport those with children who are US citizens:  54% of Americans (including 85% of Democrats, 53% of Independents, and 26% of Republicans) say that undocumented immigrants with children who are US citizens should not be deported.  Only 26% say these immigrants should be deported (Economist/YouGov June 6-9).

Right to go to court:  59% of Americans (including 90% of Democrats, 57% of Independents, and 31% of Republicans) say undocumented immigrants should have the right to go to court to challenge their deportation.  Only 28% say they should not have this right (Economist/YouGov June 6-9).

Provide a path to citizenship:  78% of Americans (including 93% of Democrats, 79% of Independents, and 59% of Republicans) support allowing immigrants living in the U.S. illegally the chance to become U.S. citizens if they meet certain requirements over a period of time (Gallup July 11, 2025)

Hire significantly more border patrol agents:  In 2024, 76% of Americans (including 95% of Republicans, 69% of Independents, and 70% of Democrats) favored hiring significantly more border patrol agents (Gallup July 11, 2025).

Deport violent criminals:  A January 2025 AP-NORC poll found 83% of Americans (including 89% of Republicans, 79% of Democrats, and 77% of Independents) support deporting undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a violent crime. 

6. On matters related political violence, the views of Democrats are not radical and extreme; instead, the views of both parties are shared by substantial majorities of Americans.

Violence never justified:  78% of Americans (including 75% of Democrats, 72% of Independents, and 89% of Republicans) say it is never justified for citizens to resort to violence in order to achieve political goals, while only 10% say it can be (Economist/YouGov, September 15, 2025).

Elected officials should avoid heated language:  70% of Americans (including 83% of Democrat/lean Democratic, and 56% of Republican/lean Republican) say elected officials should avoid heated or aggressive language because it could encourage some people to take violent action (Pew Research, January 31, 2024).

7. When to comes to evaluating President Trump’s performance, the views of Democrats are not radical and extreme; instead, the views of Republicans tend not to be shared by majorities of Americans.

Disapproval on overall job performance:  54% of Americans (including 92% of Democrats and 60% of Independents) disapprove of Trump’s performance.  While 85% of Republicans approve of Trump’s performance, only 40% of Americans share this conclusion (Economist/YouGov, September 26-29).

Disapproval on handling of inflation and prices:  60% of Americans (including 92% of Democrats and 67% of Independents) disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation and prices.  While 68% of Republicans approve of his handling of this issue, only 32% of Americans share this conclusion (Economist/YouGov, September 26-29).

Disapproval on handling of immigration:  51% of Americans (including 91% of Democrats and 54% of Independents) disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration.  While 87% of Republicans approve of his handling of this issue, less than a majority of Americans (44%) share this conclusion (Economist/YouGov, September 26-29).

Disapproval on handling of health care:  53% of Americans (including 88% of Democrats and 60% of Independents) disapprove of Trump’s handling of health care.  While 72% of Republicans approve of his handling of this issue, only 35% of Americans share this conclusion (Economist/YouGov, September 26-29).

Disapproval on handling of the abortion issue:  50% of Americans (including 88% of Democrats and 52% of Independents) disapprove of Trump’s handling of the issue of abortion.  While 71% of Republicans approve of his handling of this issue, only 35% of Americans share this conclusion (Economist/YouGov, September 26-29).

Disapproval on handling free speech:  54% of Americans (including 89% of Democrats and 60% of Independents) disapprove of Trump’s handling of the issue of free speech.  While 74% of Republicans, approve of his handling of this issue, only 36% of Americans share this conclusion (Economist/YouGov, September 26-29).   In the same poll, 54% of Americans (including 89% of Democrats and 59% of Independents) said the Trump Administration was trying to limit free speech.  While 74% of Republicans said the Trump Administration was not trying to limit free speech, only 36% of Americans share this conclusion. 

8. When it comes to whether Trump is directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to attack political opponents, the views of Democrats are not radical and extreme; instead, the views of Republicans aren’t shared by a majority of Americans.

Trump is directing the DOJ to attack political opponents: 55% of Americans (including 84% of Democrats and 55% of Independents, and 28% of Republicans) think that Trump is directing the DOJ to attack political opponents. While 47% of Republicans say Trump isn’t directing the DOJ, only 25% of Americans share this conclusion (Economist/YouGov, September 26-29). 

Biden not seen as directing the DOJ to investigate opponents:  A YouGov poll of September 22, 2025 asked whether respondents thought that President Biden ever directed his Attorney General to investigate political opponents.  28% of Americans said “yes”, 32% said “no”, and 40% said they weren’t sure.  While far less than a majority of Americans (28%) thought Biden had directed the DOJ, 54% of Republicans thought this was the case.

Conclusion:  Public opinion poll evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that the positions of Democrats are not radical or extreme; instead, it is much more often the case that Republican positions aren’t embraced majorities of Americans.

Trump and the Republicans are flat out wrong when they paint the Democrats as radical and extreme.  As we have seen, the views and positions of Democrats are in large part consonant with the views of majorities of Americans.  Ironically, it is the Republicans who tend to have views that aren’t backed by majorities of Americans.  It’s okay for Republicans to dislike or disagree with positions of Democrats, But it’s simply wrong to say that a position embraced by a majority or more of Americans is radical or extreme.

Yet, while the evidence is overwhelming, many Americans continue to perceive of Democrats as radical, extreme, and out of touch.  The reasons are numerous and complex–possibly the subject of a separate post–but boil down to two. First, Trump and the Republicans have an effective messaging campaign that exploits aspects of the Democratic party platform related to cultural and identity issues, wokeness, elitism, and control by the progressive wing. Republicans present these aspects as the core of the Democratic agenda, and they often don’t let the facts or the truth get in the way. The Democratic party continues to struggle in rebutting this messaging campaign.  And second, the messaging by Democrats about the party is yet to be unified and strong, particularly in terms of communicating how it serves its core constituencies. 

The evidence presented in this post should serve both purposes.  It strongly rebuts the Republican narratives about Democrats being radical and extreme. And it also clearly documents that on issues important to the American people, the views and positions of Democrats are consonant with those held by majorities of Americans. The American people need to hear these truths.