A startling new poll revealing the Democratic Party’s declining popularity has stunned even the most veteran CNN reporters.
The May 5 to May 26 CNN/SRSS poll [PDF] found that less than a fifth (16%) of Americans believe that the Democratic Party has strong leadership, leaving CNN reporters Manu Raju and David Chalian in disbelief. “That’s how Americans see the parties.
Which party is better described as the party with strong leaders? Look at this,” said Chalian, to which Raju responded with “Wow.” “16% of Americans say Democrats, 40% say that of the Republican Party. Now, overall, no party is doing great. Lots of Americans say neither of these qualities apply to either party,” Chalian added.
CNN POLL CONDUCTED BY SSRS
May 5-26
Which Party Is:
Party With Strong Leaders?
Republicans 40%
Democrats 16%
Neither 43%
Which Party Is:
Party That Can Get Things Done?
Democrats 19%
Republicans 36%
Neither 44%https://t.co/VrQ1LIS90Y pic.twitter.com/3hf5AWZAEm
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) June 1, 2025
Nonetheless, most Americans (43%) believe that both parties lacked strong leadership. However, the Republican Party fared much better, with more than twice as many Americans believing it had strong leadership. Even Democratic voters do not believe that their party has strong leadership.
Barely a third (32%) of Democrat