It's an issue that has moved to the forefront of the presidential campaign -- and now there's a new indication of how sharply it is dividing the nation.

According to a Pew Research Center survey, tensions between the rich and poor are at their most intense level in nearly a quarter of a century. Majorities in each political party agree that serious disputes exist between Americans at the top and bottom of the economic ladder.

But the survey indicates that public attitudes toward wealthy Americans remain largely unchanged.

For instance, about 46 percent said they believe rich people are wealthy because they were fortunate enough to be born into money or have the right connections. But almost as many -- 43 percent -- said wealthy people are rich "mainly because of their own hard work, ambition or education." And that suggests that some of the people who see more conflict between the classes may believe that anger toward the rich is misdirected.

President Barack Obama has been promoting a campaign message of middle-class opportunity, and calling for higher taxes on the very rich.

Mitt Romney, in his victory speech in New Hampshire, accused Obama of trying to divide America with what he called "the bitter politics of envy."

 

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM