Can the COVID-19 Pandemic and Oil Prices Drive the US Partisan Conflict Index?

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of the COVID-19 and oil prices on the US partisan conflict. Using daily data on world COVID-19 and oil prices, monthly data on the US Partisan Conflict index, and the MIDAS method, the finding suggests that both COVID-19 and oil prices mitigate US political polarization. The finding implies that political leaders aim low for partisan gains during stressful times.