The Sunday Interview: The War on Empathy, Gen Z, and America’s Political Divide with Dr. Melissa Deckman
Straight White American JesusSummary
A recent survey from the Public Religion Research Institute reveals a growing sense of disillusionment among Americans regarding the state of the country and its leadership. Over 70% of respondents believe the nation is heading in the wrong direction, a significant increase from the previous year. Notably, the survey indicates that 58% of Americans now view former President Donald Trump as a threat to democracy, reflecting a shift in public perception since he took office.
The survey also highlights a fracturing of Trump's support among key demographics, particularly among Latino voters and young men. While Trump previously made inroads with these groups, recent data shows a significant preference for Democratic candidates, with a 20-point gap among Hispanic voters and a 10-point gap among Gen Z men. This trend suggests that the coalition that once supported Trump may be weakening, raising questions about the Republican Party's future electoral prospects.
Despite dissatisfaction with both major parties, the survey indicates a notable enthusiasm gap favoring Democrats, with 46% of Democrats expressing excitement about voting compared to just 31% of Republicans. This enthusiasm may play a crucial role in the upcoming midterm elections, as Democrats appear to be capitalizing on economic concerns that resonate across party lines. The findings underscore a complex political landscape where traditional party loyalties are increasingly challenged by economic realities and shifting voter sentiments.
Show Notes
In this episode of the Straight White American Jesus Sunday Interview, host Leah Payne speaks with political scientist Melissa Deckman about 2026 PRRI’s American Values Survey and what it reveals about religion, political power, and American identity. With Americans increasingly pessimistic about the economy and concerned about threats to democracy, Deckman examines whether dissatisfaction is fracturing Trump’s coalition—and whether it will translate into changes at the ballot box.
Melissa Deckman is CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and a political scientist who studies how gender, religion, and age shape American public opinion and political behavior. She is the author of The Politics of Gen Z and Tea Party Women.
For Subscribers
Payne asks Deckman what religious stories she would advise each party to tell. They discuss the appeal of biblical language rooted in compassion, the rise of pastor-candidates, and the opportunities and constraints facing religious messaging across the political spectrum.
Find Dr. Melissa Deckman at Melissa Deckman.com, or on Bluesky and find Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) at PRRI.org
Find Dr. Leah Payne at drleahpayne.com, subscribe on Substack, follow her on most social media platforms at @drleahpayne, listen along at Spirit & Power: Charismatics & Politics in American Life and Rock that Doesn’t Roll: The Story of Christian Rock, and read along: God Gave Rock and Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music.
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Books mentioned:
📕 American Caesar: How Theocrats and Tech Lords Are Turning America into a Monarchy by Brad Onishi — out September 15: https://static.macmillan.com/static/essentials/american-caesar-9781250427922/
📗 Defying Tyrants: Following Jesus in a World of Christian Antichrists by Matthew D. Taylor — out October 6: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9798341900370/Defying-Tyrants
Full tour dates: https://axismundinetwork.substack.com/p/the-american-caesar-book-tour
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