Why Do Voters Stick with Their Party, Even When It Goes Against Democratic Principles?

In her TED talk, Sarah Longwell explores the intricate dynamics of political tribalism and its profound impact on voter behavior, particularly focusing on the challenges of encouraging individuals to vote against their political party.

Longwell's observations stem from her extensive experience with focus groups, where she delved into the reasons behind American voters' steadfast loyalty to their partisan tribes, even when faced with anti-democratic behavior from their leaders.

Longwell's journey began in 2018, amidst her growing concerns over Donald Trump's influence on the Republican Party.

Her initial attempts to find a viable Republican challenger to Trump revealed a startling truth: voters were largely indifferent to Trump's authoritarian tendencies, valuing his non-traditional approach and perceived business acumen over democratic principles. This indifference persisted despite Trump's numerous controversies, underscoring the depth of partisan tribalism.

The breakthrough came when Longwell discovered that voters were more receptive to messages from individuals they identified with - "members of their tribe" who shared their disillusionment with Trump but retained their Republican identity.

This led to the formation of "Republican Voters Against Trump," a platform for like-minded Republicans to express their opposition without abandoning their tribal affiliations.

Longwell's talk illuminates the complexity of American democracy, where voter allegiance often overshadows democratic values. It suggests that to safeguard democracy, efforts must go beyond merely invoking its principles.

Instead, fostering a broader, inclusive sense of identity that transcends partisan divisions is crucial. By engaging trusted messengers and building coalitions, Longwell advocates for a strategy that reinforces democracy through collective action and shared values.

What do you think are the best strategies to overcome political tribalism and strengthen our democratic institutions?

Watch her TED Talk

Why Do Voters Stick with Their Party, Even When It Goes Against Democratic Principles?

In her TED talk, Sarah Longwell explores the intricate dynamics of political tribalism and its profound impact on voter behavior, particularly focusing on the challenges of encouraging individuals to vote against their political party.

Longwell's observations stem from her extensive experience with focus groups, where she delved into the reasons behind American voters' steadfast loyalty to their partisan tribes, even when faced with anti-democratic behavior from their leaders.

Longwell's journey began in 2018, amidst her growing concerns over Donald Trump's influence on the Republican Party.

Her initial attempts to find a viable Republican challenger to Trump revealed a startling truth: voters were largely indifferent to Trump's authoritarian tendencies, valuing his non-traditional approach and perceived business acumen over democratic principles. This indifference persisted despite Trump's numerous controversies, underscoring the depth of partisan tribalism.

The breakthrough came when Longwell discovered that voters were more receptive to messages from individuals they identified with - "members of their tribe" who shared their disillusionment with Trump but retained their Republican identity.

This led to the formation of "Republican Voters Against Trump," a platform for like-minded Republicans to express their opposition without abandoning their tribal affiliations.

Longwell's talk illuminates the complexity of American democracy, where voter allegiance often overshadows democratic values. It suggests that to safeguard democracy, efforts must go beyond merely invoking its principles.

Instead, fostering a broader, inclusive sense of identity that transcends partisan divisions is crucial. By engaging trusted messengers and building coalitions, Longwell advocates for a strategy that reinforces democracy through collective action and shared values.

What do you think are the best strategies to overcome political tribalism and strengthen our democratic institutions?

Watch her TED Talk

Why Do Voters Stick with Their Party, Even When It Goes Against Democratic Principles?

In her TED talk, Sarah Longwell explores the intricate dynamics of political tribalism and its profound impact on voter behavior, particularly focusing on the challenges of encouraging individuals to vote against their political party.

Longwell's observations stem from her extensive experience with focus groups, where she delved into the reasons behind American voters' steadfast loyalty to their partisan tribes, even when faced with anti-democratic behavior from their leaders.

Longwell's journey began in 2018, amidst her growing concerns over Donald Trump's influence on the Republican Party.

Her initial attempts to find a viable Republican challenger to Trump revealed a startling truth: voters were largely indifferent to Trump's authoritarian tendencies, valuing his non-traditional approach and perceived business acumen over democratic principles. This indifference persisted despite Trump's numerous controversies, underscoring the depth of partisan tribalism.

The breakthrough came when Longwell discovered that voters were more receptive to messages from individuals they identified with - "members of their tribe" who shared their disillusionment with Trump but retained their Republican identity.

This led to the formation of "Republican Voters Against Trump," a platform for like-minded Republicans to express their opposition without abandoning their tribal affiliations.

Longwell's talk illuminates the complexity of American democracy, where voter allegiance often overshadows democratic values. It suggests that to safeguard democracy, efforts must go beyond merely invoking its principles.

Instead, fostering a broader, inclusive sense of identity that transcends partisan divisions is crucial. By engaging trusted messengers and building coalitions, Longwell advocates for a strategy that reinforces democracy through collective action and shared values.

What do you think are the best strategies to overcome political tribalism and strengthen our democratic institutions?

Watch her TED Talk

Why Do Voters Stick with Their Party, Even When It Goes Against Democratic Principles?

In her TED talk, Sarah Longwell explores the intricate dynamics of political tribalism and its profound impact on voter behavior, particularly focusing on the challenges of encouraging individuals to vote against their political party.

Longwell's observations stem from her extensive experience with focus groups, where she delved into the reasons behind American voters' steadfast loyalty to their partisan tribes, even when faced with anti-democratic behavior from their leaders.

Longwell's journey began in 2018, amidst her growing concerns over Donald Trump's influence on the Republican Party.

Her initial attempts to find a viable Republican challenger to Trump revealed a startling truth: voters were largely indifferent to Trump's authoritarian tendencies, valuing his non-traditional approach and perceived business acumen over democratic principles. This indifference persisted despite Trump's numerous controversies, underscoring the depth of partisan tribalism.

The breakthrough came when Longwell discovered that voters were more receptive to messages from individuals they identified with - "members of their tribe" who shared their disillusionment with Trump but retained their Republican identity.

This led to the formation of "Republican Voters Against Trump," a platform for like-minded Republicans to express their opposition without abandoning their tribal affiliations.

Longwell's talk illuminates the complexity of American democracy, where voter allegiance often overshadows democratic values. It suggests that to safeguard democracy, efforts must go beyond merely invoking its principles.

Instead, fostering a broader, inclusive sense of identity that transcends partisan divisions is crucial. By engaging trusted messengers and building coalitions, Longwell advocates for a strategy that reinforces democracy through collective action and shared values.

What do you think are the best strategies to overcome political tribalism and strengthen our democratic institutions?

Watch her TED Talk

Why Do Voters Stick with Their Party, Even When It Goes Against Democratic Principles?

In her TED talk, Sarah Longwell explores the intricate dynamics of political tribalism and its profound impact on voter behavior, particularly focusing on the challenges of encouraging individuals to vote against their political party.

Longwell's observations stem from her extensive experience with focus groups, where she delved into the reasons behind American voters' steadfast loyalty to their partisan tribes, even when faced with anti-democratic behavior from their leaders.

Longwell's journey began in 2018, amidst her growing concerns over Donald Trump's influence on the Republican Party.

Her initial attempts to find a viable Republican challenger to Trump revealed a startling truth: voters were largely indifferent to Trump's authoritarian tendencies, valuing his non-traditional approach and perceived business acumen over democratic principles. This indifference persisted despite Trump's numerous controversies, underscoring the depth of partisan tribalism.

The breakthrough came when Longwell discovered that voters were more receptive to messages from individuals they identified with - "members of their tribe" who shared their disillusionment with Trump but retained their Republican identity.

This led to the formation of "Republican Voters Against Trump," a platform for like-minded Republicans to express their opposition without abandoning their tribal affiliations.

Longwell's talk illuminates the complexity of American democracy, where voter allegiance often overshadows democratic values. It suggests that to safeguard democracy, efforts must go beyond merely invoking its principles.

Instead, fostering a broader, inclusive sense of identity that transcends partisan divisions is crucial. By engaging trusted messengers and building coalitions, Longwell advocates for a strategy that reinforces democracy through collective action and shared values.

What do you think are the best strategies to overcome political tribalism and strengthen our democratic institutions?

Watch her TED Talk