Americans are divided on ‘culture war’ issues, a new CNN poll finds. Republicans are trying to leverage that in the midterms
Americans Are Split on ‘Culture War’ Topics, New CNN Poll Reveals
Americans are divided on culture war issues – In the lead-up to the midterms, the cultural divide in the United States has become a central theme in political discourse. A recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS highlights that public opinion remains sharply divided on core issues of identity, gender, and societal values. While the economy dominates most voters’ priorities, Republican candidates are actively mobilizing against perceived liberal overreach, framing these debates as critical to their electoral strategy. This dynamic is evident in the strategies of figures like James Talarico, a Texas state representative whose evolving stance on social issues reflects the broader tension within the political landscape.
From Progressive Statements to Political Vulnerability
Before running for the U.S. Senate, James Talarico made headlines for his advocacy on gender and climate change. He publicly endorsed the idea of six sexes, asserted that “God is nonbinary,” and argued that reducing meat consumption was essential to addressing climate change. These statements, once seen as forward-thinking, have since become points of contention for Republican critics, who label them as “woke” and overly progressive. Talarico, however, has since distanced himself from some of these remarks, calling them “cringey” in a CBS News interview last month. This shift underscores the pressure political figures face to align with party narratives, even as their personal views evolve.
While Talarico’s comments may be emblematic of the cultural debates, the broader public’s stance on these issues is more nuanced. The CNN poll reveals that just under half of Americans believe society has moved too far in embracing diverse identities and perspectives, while slightly more than half disagree. This split is not evenly distributed across demographics, with Republicans and independents showing a notable increase in support for the “too far” view. Over the past year, the share of voters who see society’s acceptance as excessive has risen by six percentage points, reflecting growing concerns among those who feel traditional values are being sidelined.
“Things you’d never think twice about saying 2, 3, 4, or 5 years ago, now people are suddenly saying, ‘Oh you can’t say that,’” remarked Ed Shedlock, a Republican from Louisiana who participated in the survey. “Some people will cancel people for something so insignificant it’s not even worth having a conversation with them.”
These findings highlight how the culture war has become a tool for political polarization. Republicans are not only using these issues to rally their base but also to target opponents in a way that maximizes their strategic advantage. For example, Talarico is now a focal point for GOP ads, which aim to paint him as a symbol of ideological liberalism. His former statements, once seen as progressive, are now weaponized to question his credibility. In one ad, his Republican opponent, Ken Paxton, criticized him for “intentionally clipping my cringey comments to distract from” his own vulnerabilities, illustrating how opponents are quick to seize on any perceived misstep.
Party Lines and the Woke Narrative
The “woke” label has taken on a powerful role in Republican messaging, particularly in states where cultural issues are hotly contested. Candidates are increasingly emphasizing this rhetoric in their campaigns, portraying the left as an overzealous force that threatens American values. This strategy is not limited to Texas; it is part of a national trend. For instance, in South Carolina, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has framed her campaign around the idea of resisting the “woke mob,” referencing her disinvitation from a state university after student protests. Her ads promise that if liberal institutions cancel conservatives, they will “take nothing” from them, signaling a broader effort to reclaim public trust through ideological confrontation.
Similarly, in Nevada, GOP primary winner David Flippo has attacked his rival, James Settelmeyer, by accusing him of being a “woke liberal pretending to be a Republican.” The ad highlights Settelmeyer’s voting record as a state senator, implying that his support for progressive policies is a liability. These examples demonstrate how the culture war is being used to attack opponents on both ideological and personal levels, with the goal of undermining their credibility in the eyes of voters.
Democratic Perspectives and Internal Divides
On the other side of the aisle, Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents present a contrasting view. The CNN poll found that 60% of this group believes society has not gone far enough in accepting differences in gender, race, and culture. Only 18% of them agree with the idea that acceptance has exceeded reasonable bounds. This perspective is rooted in the belief that progress on social issues is essential to addressing inequality and protecting marginalized communities. Danny Minaya, a Democrat from New York, encapsulated this sentiment: “The best part about being an American is that we stand up for each other. You fight for the little guy, you stand up for the person being shitted on, you stand up for the person that needs their rights protected. Right now, it doesn’t seem like we’re doing that.”
However, even within the Democratic ranks, there are notable differences in opinion. Women, for instance, are more likely than men to view offensive speech as a significant problem and to argue that society has not embraced diversity sufficiently. The poll shows that women are 8 points more likely than men to see an issue with offensive statements, and 14 points more likely to believe that acceptance has been insufficient. These findings suggest that while the party as a whole leans toward progressive values, its base remains divided on how far these values should extend.
The cultural divide is also evident in the way political parties frame their messages. For Republicans, the focus is on reclaiming traditional values and challenging what they see as liberal excess. For Democrats, the emphasis is on continued progress and safeguarding rights. This divergence is particularly stark in the context of the GOP primaries, where candidates often cater to a more conservative electorate primed for backlash against cultural shifts. The Trump administration, for example, made rolling back diversity initiatives a key part of its agenda, setting the stage for a national debate that continues to shape midterm politics.
As the midterms approach, the culture war is likely to remain a central battleground. Whether through ads, debates, or public statements, political figures will continue to use these issues to gain an edge. For voters, the challenge lies in navigating a landscape where issues of identity and acceptance are as much about ideology as they are about personal conviction. The CNN poll serves as a reminder that the public is not united on these matters, but rather split between those who believe in pushing boundaries and those who fear they have gone too far.