Pollster Steven Kull told IndyFest 2024 attendees that the public thinks elected office holders have the “most negative professions” because of the current state of political discourse in the US.

Kull, director of the Public Consultation Program at the University of Maryland, said Nevada Independent CEO and publisher Jon Ralston and reporter Gabby Birenbaum that mapping the left and right spectrum of Congress would form a U-shaped curve.

“If you map the American public, it’s a normal curve. Most people are kind of in the middle,” Kull said. “That’s why they find political discourse frustrating. What is the right balance?”

He added that the public is “upset” because elected leaders have to make a choice, but the process is becoming frustrating to watch.

Kull suggested creating more structures for elected leaders to engage with and listen to their constituents. He said his program did a study to find out why Americans are dissatisfied with government and why trust in elected leaders has declined.

“There is a widespread perception that government is dominated by special interests, (which) do not serve the common good,” Kull said. “People have very little influence and there is tremendous frustration. It goes both ways. So what they’re looking for is a way for them to have more of a voice.”

Watch the full discussion here: