Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll:
"More than a month after schoolyards fell silent, restaurant tables and bar stools emptied, and waves from a safe distance replaced hugs and handshakes, the country largely believes restrictions on social interaction to curb the spread of the virus are appropriate.
"Only 12% of Americans say the measures where they live go too far. About twice as many people, 26%, believe the limits don’t go far enough. The majority of Americans — 61% — feel the steps taken by government officials to prevent infections of COVID-19 in their area are about right."
This is good, encouraging, news. I want to make sure we all remember this fundamental fact: the overwhelming majority of Americans support the social distancing and safer at home measures that right-wing agitators are trying to turn into a culture war issue (rather than the public health issue it is), to help Trump’s reelection campaign.
When we see irresponsible media giving the impression that these tiny Trump rallies, disguised as protests, are sweeping the nation, we need to remember that public opinion is not with the few people who are putting themselves and everyone in their families and communities at risk.
I take great comfort knowing that over 80% of Americans are listening to science, and public health experts, and choosing to stay home and stay safe. This should not be a culture war issue. It should be a public health issue, and I’m so relieved to know that 8 in 10 Americans sees it that way.
Maybe things are not entirely as dark as they seem.