A recent commentary by professors Ray La Raja and Alex Theodoridis—based on UMass Poll findings—reveals that many former lawmakers express views that diverge sharply from those of the public and current political leaders. Survey data showed a gap between what political elites believe and what they publicly endorse, likely due to the high costs of breaking from dominant partisan narratives in a hyper-polarized environment. The fights between the two parties have eroded congressional norms, but institutional changes and shifts in political culture may help recalibrate some incentives. Read the full article at the Brookings Institution.