Crisis of Confidence
Our confidence in government and politicians has taken a hit in recent years, and last week’s election did nothing to make that situation any better.
A group called Not Free America recently gathered some web search data and analyzed more than 1,700 terms and keywords related to government distrust to find the most common government distrust search term in each state. They also surveyed more than 2,000 Americans to learn more about Americans current distrust in their elected officials.
Among their findings:
- “Deep State” was the most common search term in 15 states, followed by terms related to distrust in President Trump, which were most common in 8 states.
- Several states show a high level of distrust in elected officials within their own state and party. “Bernie Sanders corrupt”, for example, was the most searched term in his home state of Vermont.
- However, “Biden corrupt” was the most searched term in three states this year—Louisiana, Minnesota, and Nevada.
- In a sign that Iowa has the first in the nation caucuses, “Elizabeth Warren lies” was the most searched term here in our state.
- 54% of Americans say they have very little to no trust in the federal government. In a somewhat encouraging note, however, levels of trust increase at the state and local level.
- 33% of Americans said they do not have faith and trust in the 2020 election process…and keep in mind, the survey was conducted before all the allegations of fraud and the delayed vote count.
It’s sort of a shame to have so much attention paid to elections…only to have this sentiment, a bad taste in our mouths, one week after the vote.News/Talk 1540 KXEL · Iowa Politics — Tue. Nov. 10, 2020
