July 29, 2021: Looking back over the past year or so, 55% of voters agree that, “Despite good intentions, shutting down businesses and locking down society did more harm than good.” A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 38% disagree, and 7% are not sure.[1]
Those totals include 34% who strongly agree and 20% who strongly disagree.[1]
Like other pandemic-related topics, there is a partisan divide. Most Republicans (76%) and independents (51%) agree that the lockdowns did more harm than good. However, most Democrats (57%) disagree.[1]
There is, however, a divide within the Democratic Party. White Democrats, by a 65% to 32% margin, reject the idea that lockdowns did more harm than good. Black Democrats and other Democrats are evenly divided.[1]
During the pandemic, government officials exercised emergency powers to enact lockdown and stay-at-home orders, mask mandates, and other restrictions on businesses and individuals. The survey found that 62% are worried that many government officials will try to continue exercising such powers.[1]
Once again, there is a partisan divide and a divide within the Democratic Party. White Democrats, by a 57% to 39% margin, are not worried about government officials keeping too much power. Black Democrats, by a 64% to 27% margin, are worried.[1]
Scott Rasmussen is founder and president of the Rasmussen Media Group. He is a political analyst, author, public speaker, independent public opinion pollster and columnist for Creators Syndicate. Read Scott Rasmussen's Reports — More Here.
Footnotes:
- ScottRasmussen.com, "55% believe lockdowns did more harm than good; 38% disagree," July 27, 2021
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