Most Americans Say Wealth Inequality Is a Huge Issue

An improving economy has done little to distract Americans from an issue sure to be a the forefront of the 2016 presidential contest: inequality.

A new poll by The New York Times and CBS News found that a majority of respondents—66%—said wealth should be more evenly distributed. 67% percent of respondents said the gap between the rich and the poor was getting larger, and 65% said the divide needs to be addressed now.

A smaller chunk of respondents—57%—said the government should do more to close the gap between rich and poor, though they split sharply along partisan lines with one-third of Republicans supporting a more active government role, versus eight in 10 Democrats, according to the Times. When asked if they wanted to raise taxes on Americans who earn more than $1 million, 68% said they were in favor of such hikes.

Democrats are trying to capitalize on Americans’ belief that the economic recovery has been uneven, benefiting high-earners the most. But inequality is far from a partisan issue. The Times reports inequality is a concern for almost half of Republicans and two-thirds of independents, which suggests it’s an issue that will persist through and beyond this election cycle. Considering these findings, it’s no surprise that both Democratic and Republican politicians are exercising their populist muscles.

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