Joe PittsA new poll commissioned by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reveals that most voters believe private businesses make a positive contribution to American life, and they also support pro-growth, pro-enterprise policy that leads to job creation.
A strong majority of members of both parties and independents believe that businesses of all sizes are good for the country, doing things like supporting the economy, creating jobs and strengthening the economy.
“These poll numbers confirm that Americans believe business is a force for good,” Texas Association of Business President and CEO Glenn Hamer said. “The positive contributions of business aren’t just chamber of commerce talking points. Americans across the political spectrum understand that a thriving, successful business community means a stronger, more prosperous country.”
The poll also revealed that voters have greater doubt towards the government compared to businesses. Those surveyed indicated that they consider small businesses and their own employers to be particularly trustworthy.
On specific policies, voters also hold views similar to businesses, supporting efforts to expand international commerce and to enable businesses to conduct their work more efficiently by making permitting less onerous and by reducing their exposure to frivolous lawsuits.
“Growth, prosperity, and the free enterprise system are in the interests of business and in the interest of voters,” Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “Voters support business. Smart candidates, regardless of party, should take the findings of this poll to heart as they consider their 2024 campaigns.”
The poll found:
- Large majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents support permitting reform to speed up the construction of critical infrastructure projects.
- Large swaths of all three groups support international trade deals “so it is easier for our country to sell its goods and services abroad.”
- 80% or more of Republicans, Democrats, and independents support tort reform, “including stopping frivolous lawsuits by trial lawyers, and ensuring workers have access to fair and impartial arbitration with their employers.”
- A majority of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are more likely to support a candidate who is described as “pro-business.”
- 77% of Republicans, and 57% of Independents prefer the free market to government management of the economy.
The poll also found that, when given the choice, voters prefer a candidate who believes government micromanagement of business is a bad idea and that the market is a better arbiter of business decisions and strategy, rather than the government attempting to steer a business’ agenda.
The findings of the U.S. Chamber poll were consistent with recent polling from the New York Times/Siena and Echelon Insights on Republican voters’ views on whether the government should attempt to regulate individual business decisions.
“Businesses don’t want the government telling them ‘you must’ or ‘you can’t’, and voters across the political spectrum agree,” Seiden said. “Voters understand that the more the government involves itself in a business’ operations, the less innovative and creative a business can be, which leads to fewer jobs created and a less vibrant economy. When a candidate says they’re going to get more involved in business decisions, voters rightly become skeptical.”
U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President Neil Bradley says the data offers better insight into voters’ views on the preferred role of government than the loudest partisan voices.
“It turns out voters aren’t interested in government dragging business into the culture wars or micromanaging business decisions. Letting consumers decide and the market work isn’t just good business sense, it is good political advice,” he said.
The U.S. Chamber poll of 1,327 registered voters across the country was conducted by North Star Opinion Research June 17-22.
Joseph Kavetsky
Guest Contributor
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