numbers are important and they can give us a breakdown on how each party views a certain issue, subject, policy. Also those whom do not affiliate with either party. But as you stated or implied, it can't get inside their heads. I suppose if enough questions are asked, one could determine why.
Independents are usually my gauge in determining where middle America stands. Usually around 80-90% of republicans and democrats will back their party's stance on any issue or one could also apply that to a president of their party. Nothing new there.
The border wall, 80% of republicans are for it, 77% of Democrats oppose it. Question 18. Very partisan and hard core stances when it comes to the two major parties.
https://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/f0al8raalq/econTabReport.pdf
Independents, 34% for 45% against. That's probably in my view as to where middle America stands. A Plurality against the wall. It's also interesting 21% answered not sure or just don't give a dang. If you go to
question 34A,B and C. Independents only, 39% blame Democrats in congress a lot, 38% blame Republicans in congress a lot, 56% blame Trump a lot. I left out a little, that kind of wishy washy. Trump's gets more of the blame, but every one gets some. That I think is what it should be.
One last thing with independents, middle America, the non-affiliated.
Question 36, Needs to compromise. 32% say Democrats in congress, 19% Republicans in congress and 56% say President Trump. Not surprisingly, 76% of republicans say the democrats in congress need to compromise. 80% of Democrats say Trump needs to compromise.
This makes me wonder,
what is a compromise between Trump and the Democrats, Schumer and Pelosi? Is it Trump gets his 5 billion and the Democrats nothing or is it Trump get nothing which is exactly what the Democrats want? Is there room to compromise between the two major parties? Are either willing to? 2.5 billion would split it right down the middle. Each side gives up 2.5 billion.
I think at the moment this is personal, between Trump, Pelosi and Schumer along with their supporters.
Reagan and Tip O'Neal were always able to work out compromises on whatever subject, issue or policy. Particular SDI. But
neither Tip nor Ronnie took political battles personal. Times have changed.