Based on polling from over 2500 US adult citizens, including 500 veterans, this report explores Americans’ views towards veterans and veterans’ issues. The survey findings suggest that veterans could play a unique role in disrupting the cycle of polarization and division in the U.S.
October/November 2022 Survey
Polling Firm: Morning Consult
Sample Size: n=2,004 US Citizens (nationally representative)
Fieldwork Dates: October 28-November 1, 2022
Margin of Error: +/- 2.0 for US avg.
October/November 2022 Veteran Survey
Polling Firm: Morning Consult
Sample Size: n=500 US Military Veterans
Fieldwork Dates: October 28-November 1, 2022
Margin of Error: +/- 4.0 for US military veterans avg.
of Americans believe that it is important for nonveterans to engage with veterans in their local communities.
of Americans have never or rarely talk with a veteran.
of Americans do not recall ever speaking to a veteran about their service.
Veterans Day this year comes just a few days after a divisive and polarizing election. For months, Americans have been inundated with news coverage and political ads dividing us into red and blue camps. Most Americans are exhausted and fed up with the worsening polarization and toxicity in our politics yet see few avenues for hope.
Encouragingly, our research suggests veterans could play a unique role in disrupting this cycle of polarization and division. Overwhelmingly, Americans trust veterans to do what is right for the country and see them as role models for citizenship.
This confidence in veterans holds true for Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike, underscoring the significant potential veterans have to reach across our ideological divides.
But for veterans to play a larger role in bringing Americans together, we first must do more to connect veterans with the broader society. Over 50 percent of Americans say they rarely or never talk with veterans and over a quarter say they have never talked with a veteran about his or her service. These findings underscore that the warmth and trust Americans feel towards veterans lack a robust foundation.
Explore the depth of our research at your fingertips. Get the complete insights by downloading the full report today.
What unites and divides Americans today? This newsletter takes a closer look at issues pressing on America’s social and political fabric and provides recommendations for how to strengthen ties to keep us bound together.
