Republicans and Democrats have very different perceptions about coronavirus and its effect on the nation. About the only thing they do agree on is that the pandemic is having a terrible effect on the the U.S. economy, according to a substantial and wide-ranging poll of over 12,000 people conducted by the Pew Research Center.
It found that 84% of U.S. adults say the coronavirus pandemic is a “major threat” to the economy, with 83% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats agreeing with that.
But perceptions differ when it comes to other aspects of the situation:
• 73% of Americans overall say it “bothers” them when people in public places don’t wear masks; 55% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats agree.
• 64% overall say the virus is a “major threat” to public health; 43% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats agree.
• 60% overall say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if one was available; 50% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats agree.
• 53% overall are “very” or “somewhat” concerned about getting a serious case of coronavirus; 37% of Republicans, and 66% of Democrats agree.
Source: A Pew Research Center poll of 12,648 U.S. adults conducted Nov. 18-29.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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