A majority of Americans are supportive of impeachment, but how can we talk about it in a way to convince more people that it is necessary and the best next step for our country?
Thankfully, we have a wonderful resource on our side called The Navigator. They do in-depth surveys on topics of the day to dig into what type of language resonates. And they just published their report about impeachment.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
- Although the numbers of Americans who support the impeachment, or don’t, roughly mirror the president’s approval ratings, there is evidence that indicates that opinion could shift further on Trump. The Navigator found that 23% of Americans are what they call “Impeachment Skeptics.” Essentially, “they oppose impeachment now, but they also are not ready to say Trump did nothing wrong.”
- Keep the simple facts of the scandal simple and clear. Respondents found this section of the whistleblower complaint the most compelling:
“In the course of my official duties, I have received information from multiple U.S. Government officials that the President of the United States is using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 U.S. election. This interference includes, among other things, pressuring a foreign country to investigate one of the President’s main domestic political rivals.”
- Beyond impeachment, Americans are concerned about Trump when it comes to corruption and the “rule of law.” Some statistics:
The public trusts Democrats in Congress more than Trump on the issue of “rule of law” by a 14-point margin (49% to 35%).
By 62% to 38%, Americans believe Trump “thinks he’s above the law.” The margin is 71% to 29% among independents and 54% to 46% among Impeachment Skeptics.
By 60% to 40%, people believe Trump puts his own interests ahead of what’s best for the country.
- We must emphasize that “no one is above the law, including the president.”
- Another important message is to stress that there is bipartisan support among leaders for the inquiry.
- The most compelling language to use, especially if you need to keep it short, is that what Trump did was “an abuse of power.”
- When talking about Republicans in Congress, Americans were most concerned that they were putting the party over country by protecting a president instead of the best interests of America.
- It’s critical to keep reminding people that impeachment is happening because of Trump’s actions. Don’t let the blame move somewhere else.
You can dive into the details and the exact polling information by reading the full Navigator report on impeachment HERE.
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Originally posted at Political Charge. Re-posted with permission.