Unexpectedly, despite these trends, Americans report no greater satisfaction with their wages than in the recent past. In fact, middle-income people are less satisfied than they were in 1994. A diminished appetite for political change is apparent, along with the moderating political attitudes we observed. However, the survey also found less interest in national affairs and Washington politics than did previous polls in this series. If there is one theme in public concerns, however, it is a worry about the nation's moral health.
Respondents mention family values, teen violence, crime, and other moral shortcomings.
But, when these same people are asked about priorities, moral concerns get highest priority only from Staunch Conservatives and Populist Republicans. Improving education is the top priority of the pivotal New Prosperity Independents as well as Liberal Democrats, while the more conservative Democratic groups place more emphasis on dealing with entitlements. Surprisingly, Republican groups are more divided on the specific policy questions than are Democrats. Staunch Conservatives express opposition to a minimum wage hike, HMO reform and gun control, whereas Populists and Moderates back these proposals. Democrats are divided on abortion.