More of those surveyed looked outside the political system for changes that might improve their lives. The poll offered respondents a list of seven possible systemic changes in American life that might benefit people like them (including unified party control in Washington or greater bipartisan cooperation). Two options clearly topped the list: 62 percent said “U.S. companies investing more money in America and hiring more Americans” would make life a lot better for people like them. Sixty percent said the same about “more Americans taking the responsibility to work hard, improve their skills and education, and provide for their families.”
Lobato was one of many who placed more weight on business than government decisions. “We need to keep jobs here,” she said. “I don’t think we need to be shipping them overseas. We need to build our own nation up, instead of finding cheaper labor elsewhere in other countries. I think that’s one of the biggest problems that we have. People are willing to work.”
More compromise between the parties ranked third (54 percent a lot better), followed by greater voluntarism from average Americans (36 percent), and more support from U.S. companies for community groups and charitable organizations (30 percent); unified political control for Democrats and Republicans finished last.
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