Giving Compass' Take:

· Sara Atske explains that Americans are disappointed with the current state of political discourse in the US, believing is has become less respectful and fact-based. 

· How can we provide a safe and civil environment for political discussion? What is the role of philanthropy in improving political discourse? 

· Learn how truth decay and fact-less claims affect policymaking and democracy.

Majorities of Americans say the tone of political debate in the country has become more negative, less respectful, less fact-based and less substantive in recent years.

The public renders a harsh judgment on the state of political discourse in this country. And for many Americans, their own conversations about politics have become stressful experiences that they prefer to avoid.

Large majorities say the tone and nature of political debate in the United States has become more negative in recent years – as well as less respectful, less fact-based and less substantive.

Meanwhile, people’s everyday conversations about politics and other sensitive topics are often tense and difficult. Half say talking about politics with people they disagree with politically is “stressful and frustrating.”

When speaking with people they do not know well, more say they would be very comfortable talking about the weather and sports – and even religion – than politics. And it is people who are most comfortable with interpersonal conflict, including arguing with other people, who also are most likely to talk about politics frequently and to be politically engaged.

Read the full article about the current state of political discourse in the U.S. by Sara Atske at Pew Research Center.