President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s words after the January 6, 2021, US Capitol storm still resonate: “At their best, the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite.” This statement highlights the significant influence political leaders have on public opinion.

For decades, researchers have sought to understand how political parties and leaders shape public opinion. However, studying this phenomenon in real-world settings has proven challenging due to parties rarely changing their stance on major issues.

A recent study overcame this obstacle by examining how citizens responded when Denmark’s major political parties reversed their positions on two significant welfare issues. This quasi-experimental panel study provided valuable insights into party elite influence on citizens’ policy opinions.

The study focused on two major welfare issues in Denmark: a 50% reduction in unemployment insurance and the abolition of a popular early retirement program. These policy changes had real economic consequences, making them highly relevant to citizens’ welfare.

Researchers conducted a five-wave panel survey around these events, tracking opinions before and after the policy changes. The results showed citizens’ policy opinions changed substantially and immediately when their party shifted its position.

Interestingly, this opinion change occurred even when the new position contradicted citizens’ previously held views. This finding suggests partisan leaders can significantly influence citizens’ opinions, even on critical issues.

The study found that citizens’ opinions moved by around 15 percentage points in response to their party’s new issue position. This shift was remarkable, especially considering the stakes were high and the economic consequences tangible.

The study’s results contribute to our understanding of party cue effects on citizens’ opinion formation. The findings suggest experimental studies may underestimate political parties’ influence on public opinion.

Furthermore, the study highlights the responsibility of partisan elites to wield their influence carefully. By shaping citizens’ opinions and interpreting facts, party leaders hold significant power. Ultimately, this research provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between political parties, leaders, and public opinion. It underscores the importance of responsible leadership and informed citizenship in shaping the democratic landscape.