Washington Monthly article says Americans want connection, fairness and less division

A new Washington Monthly article by Dr. Gail C. Christopher argues that Americans are frustrated with politics but still want belonging, trust and shared purpose. The piece draws on NCHE’s Heart of America survey to show broad support for unity, honest history and policies that ease everyday economic strain.

Why it matters: - Dr. Gail C. Christopher says the country’s 250th anniversary is not just a moment to reflect on division, but to measure how many Americans still want fairness, belonging and shared responsibility. - The article argues that public anxiety is tied to daily costs, family strain and a sense that national ideals are not being met. - The survey suggests the appetite for repair is broad, not limited to one party or one demographic.

What happened: - Washington Monthly published “The Heart of America Still Beats for Connection,” an article by Dr. Gail C. Christopher, executive director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity. - The piece draws on NCHE’s 4th Annual Heart of America Survey, released as the United States marks its 250th anniversary. - Christopher describes the public mood as “ambivalent patriotism,” meaning loyalty to the country alongside growing doubt that the country is keeping its promises. - The article says 62% of Americans are proud to be American, down from 72% a year earlier. - Only 36% say the country is living up to its ideals of freedom, fairness and equal opportunity.

The details: - The survey found 52% of Americans say the American Dream is out of reach. - Cost pressures are widespread: 81% cite grocery costs, 75% say wages are not keeping up with the cost of living, 72% cite health care costs and 71% cite housing costs. - Elder care has become a bigger source of strain than childcare for families, with 53% citing elder care and 44% citing childcare. - Christopher writes that the American Dream has never been only about individual success. She says it is about whether families can care for one another across generations. - 89% say the country needs leaders who are “transformers” who can see through labels and political tricks. - 83% would support a leader who tries to unite people across disagreements. - 84% believe faith, kindness and empathy can help America overcome its differences. - 71% remain hopeful that the country can find lasting common ground. - 85% say Americans are hungry to belong, connect and trust one another again. - The article says the dominant public narrative since the 1990s has centered on polarization and division, but that the survey captures a quieter desire for connection. - Christopher points to Martha Raddatz’s book, The Hero Next Door, as an example of stories that can shift people away from politics and toward empathy for soldiers and their families. - She links relentless culture-war framing to chronic anxiety and fear, and says those forces are tied to chronic illness. - The article argues that “culture wars” can mask a longer history of racial hierarchy. - Christopher says Indigenous peoples, enslaved and free African Americans, Chinese and Mexican immigrants, and women resisted that hierarchy. - She cites Minneapolis residents who stood outside in sub-zero temperatures to support immigrant neighbors during ICE-related violence. - The survey found 82% say promoting workplace diversity matters to racial healing, including 74% of Republicans, 79% of Independents and 92% of Democrats. - 80% say reducing racial segregation in housing matters. - 92% support teaching the full history of America, including slavery and racism. - Support for reparations has risen to 56% from 46% in 2023. - NCHE says the survey included 1,322 adults ages 18 and older, conducted online from May 28 to June 3 by pollster Shannon-Janean Currie of Empirica Advisors. - The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.70 percentage points. - The full article is available here. - Full poll results are available here. - NCHE says its Heart of America surveys are archived at the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research.

Between the lines: - Christopher is pushing back on a familiar story about an irreparably split electorate. - The survey data suggests many Americans are frustrated, but not disengaged. - The strongest through line in the article is that people want relief from conflict and practical help with the pressures shaping everyday life. - The piece also frames racial healing, historical honesty and cross-sector change as connected rather than separate goals.

What’s next: - Christopher calls for four priorities: tell a truer story, teach honest history, demand transformational leadership and make healing a cross-sector project. - She says education, public health, media and technology all shape the conditions that either deepen division or support repair. - The article ends by arguing that America’s 250th anniversary should be a starting point for civility, solidarity and fairness rather than more polarization. - Christopher says the country can replace “culture war” with “cultural peace.”

The bottom line: - The article’s core claim is simple: Americans may be divided in politics, but many still want the same things — dignity, trust, fairness and connection.