"Only when factoring in independents' leanings do Democrats enjoy a true edge over Republicans in national support, 48% to 43%.

But party ID doesn't tell the full story on the nation's political will, as there are ideological crosscurrents. While most Republicans identify as conservative, a quarter hold moderate or liberal views. And Democrats exhibit even more heterogeneity, with close to half identifying as moderate or conservative and the slight majority identifying as liberal."