BLUF:
[Breitbart] Each year, Gallup conducts a poll that asks Americans whether they have positive or negative views of 25 U.S. business and industry sectors. Last year, there was a big and little noticed crash in Republican positivity on U.S. businesses. The average score among Republicans fell from a net positive 42 to a net positive 32. In the latest poll, the score slipped one point to 31 percent.
This is very likely a reaction against Woke Capitalism. Republicans have noticed that many U.S. businesses are hostile not only to their values but also to Republicans and conservatives themselves. It’s not surprising that Republicans take a negative view of Hollywood, with 61 percent saying they have a somewhat or very negative view of TV and radio, and 53 percent having a negative view of the movie industry. More surprising is that 49 percent have a negative view of internet companies, 46 percent of the sports industry, and 44 percent of publishing.
This has implications for business and the Republican Party. For business, it should be a wake-up call. Republicans have been reliable opponents of tax increases on businesses and critics of burdensome regulation. But the alienation of Republicans largely because of cultural issues may weaken the party’s attachment to pro-business positions. Taking sides with the left in the culture war has a cost for corporations. |