It is somewhat surprising that Republicans and Democrats list the same top five national problems. They just have them in a different order. The top issue for Republicans is immigration. Of course, they are not talking about real reform -- just closing the Southern border. The top issue for Democrats is the dysfunctional government in Washington -- mainly the obstruction that Republicans have engaged in since the election of President Obama.Both sides also list the economy, unemployment, and healthcare/hospitals as important problems.
Then there's a huge difference when you get below the top five problems -- with each party listing totally different issues. For the Republicans, issues 6-8 are ethical/moral decline, foreign aid/focus overseas, and federal deficit/debt. For the Democrats, these issues are poverty/hunger/homelessness, education, and the income/wealth gap.
These results are from the recent Gallup Poll -- done between July 7th and 10th and August 7th and 10th of a random national sample of 2,001 adults, with a margin of error of 2 points.
