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Record-High 89% in U.S. Say Government Corruption Widespread (news.gallup.com)

586 points by karakoram · 3 days ago · 552 comments on HN

Article summary

A record-high 89% of US adults believe government corruption is widespread, according to a Gallup poll. This perception has increased across all party lines, with Democrats' views changing the most sharply since 2024. The US now has one of the highest levels of perceived government corruption among advanced economies. Perceptions of corruption in business have also increased, but to a lesser extent.

Main themes

  • government corruption
  • voter disillusionment
  • party politics
  • democracy
  • independent voters
  • corruption perceptions

What commenters say

  • Some people believe that identifying as an independent voter is meaningless because it does not necessarily translate to different voting behavior.
  • Others argue that voting for a third party is a viable option, but it may be ineffective in a system where the two main parties dominate.
  • A few commenters think that the increase in perceived government corruption is a result of the current administration's actions, while others believe it is a long-standing issue.
  • There is a concern that the rise of independent voters may be a sign of disillusionment with the current political system, which could lead to decreased voter turnout or increased support for extremist candidates.
  • Some argue that the Democratic and Republican parties are not significantly different, as they both serve the interests of capital and perpetuate a corrupt system.
  • Others disagree, believing that there are meaningful differences between the parties and that voting for one over the other can have a significant impact.
  • A few commenters suggest that the perception of government corruption is closely tied to which party is in power, with some people being more likely to perceive corruption when the opposing party is in control.
  • The increase in perceived government corruption has led some to question the health of democracy in the US and the ability of the government to represent the interests of its citizens.