Poll: Republicans and Democrats agree on 1 big election issue
Politics — 2026-05-09 09:00:00 — www.politico.com
Overview of Political Spending Concerns
A recent POLITICO poll highlights a widespread concern among Americans regarding the influence of money in politics. According to the poll, a significant 72 percent of respondents believe there is too much money involved in the political system, a sentiment that spans across party lines. This concern is amplified by projections that spending for the upcoming midterms will break previous records, with an estimated $10.8 billion in advertising spending alone.
Deepening Partisan Views on Political Influence
The poll reveals a deep-seated unease about the role of wealth in politics, with a majority of Americans perceiving that billionaires and special interest groups have an excessive influence over political outcomes. This view is more pronounced among Democrats, with 75 percent of Harris voters concerned about billionaire influence compared to 55 percent of Trump voters. Additionally, about half of the poll respondents feel that voters have too little power in influencing political processes.
Emerging Industries and Political Contributions
The influx of money from emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency is a notable trend, with new groups pouring millions into competitive primaries. This surge in spending from outside groups, often through channels that allow unlimited contributions, is seen by many as a distortion of the democratic process.
Calls for Reform
The poll indicates a strong desire for reform, with many Americans advocating for stricter regulations on political spending. Michael Beckel, the Money in Politics Reform Director at Issue One, emphasized the need for changes to curb what he describes as "astronomical" and potentially corrupt spending that undermines public trust in the government.
What’s Unclear / What to Watch
- The specific impact of new regulations on reducing political spending.
- The role of non-voters and their perspectives in future polls.
- Long-term effects of increased political spending on public trust and policy making.
How This Sits Against Verifiable Accuracy
The claims about public concern over political spending are supported by the poll results showing a large majority of Americans worried about the influence of money in politics. Normally, such claims would be supported by independent polling data, which in this case is provided by The POLITICO Poll conducted with Public First. The excerpt does not provide counter-evidence or corrections to these findings.
What the Excerpt Shows About Verifiable Lies
Based on the information provided, there are no statements from Donald Trump or claims about him that are shown to be false within the excerpt itself. The excerpt focuses on general public opinion and does not delve into individual statements or claims that require external verification or correction.
Targets and Tone
The excerpt does not include any direct disparagement or hostile speech from Donald Trump towards specific individuals or groups. It focuses on the broader public opinion and concerns regarding political spending, without singling out specific entities or individuals in a negative light.
In summary, the POLITICO poll underscores a significant concern among Americans about the role of money in politics, with a call for stricter oversight and regulation to ensure a healthier democratic process.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/09/poll-americans-say-too-much-money-in-politics-00912455