Political polarization remains consistently high in the U.S. before, during, and after elections, challenging the belief that tensions decrease post-election.

A study conducted by researchers from the Annenberg School for Communication analyzed a dataset of 66,000 interviews to assess partisan animosity around the 2022 midterm elections. The findings revealed that support for actions undermining democratic norms, as well as general feelings of animosity between party affiliates, remained stable regardless of the electoral climate. This persistent polarization implies that the effects of campaign exposure may contribute to a lasting division rather than a temporary spike in tensions. Furthermore, the research suggests that efforts to incite hatred or division during campaigns may be ineffective, as the entrenched nature of political animosity appears to be a long-standing characteristic of American political life.

Key Insights

• Durability of Polarization: Political animosity is not merely a reaction to election campaigns; it is embedded in the fabric of American society.
• Stable Partisan Affect: The study found no significant change in partisan feelings before and after elections, indicating that animosity is not a short-term response to electoral competition.
• Implications for Campaign Strategies: Candidates may need to reconsider tactics that rely on stoking division, as the enduring nature of polarization suggests such strategies may not yield the desired impact.

These findings highlight the complexities of political dynamics in the U.S., emphasizing that polarization is a persistent issue that transcends electoral cycles.