Gallup survey shows low association of Americans with courage and elected officials
The Hill · October 1, 2026Original source ↗

What happened
A Gallup survey found that only 4 percent of Americans associate elected officials with the term 'courage'. This number is on par with social media influencers. The survey asked respondents to select from a list of 16 groups of people.
Why it matters
The results highlight public perceptions of elected leaders in relation to traits such as courage.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are an elected official?
This survey result indicates a significant disconnect between public perception and the qualities expected of leaders. As an elected official, this low association with courage may impact your ability to inspire trust and confidence among constituents.
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