Nearly 1 in 4 Republicans believe that if Donald Trump loses the election, he should do “whatever it takes” to secure his position in the White House, according to a recent national poll. The poll, conducted by the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute and the Brookings Institution, highlights how a significant portion of Republicans are willing to deviate from democratic norms in support of Trump. The survey indicates a growing number of Republicans are open to the idea of using extreme measures, including violence, to ensure Trump’s return to power.
As Trump continues to perpetuate baseless claims regarding the alleged theft of the 2020 election and the supposed rigging of the upcoming one, his influence on the Republican Party becomes more apparent. The poll also revealed that around 29 percent of Republicans believe that “true American patriots” may need to use violence to protect the country. Additionally, 12 percent of Democrats surveyed stated that Vice President Kamala Harris should also reject election results if she were to lose.
Robert Jones, the president and founder of the research institute, expressed concern over the survey results, noting that the support for actions that undermine the democratic process is alarming. He described the notion of the election loser resorting to any means necessary to seize power as endorsing a coup, calling it “dark and worrisome.”
Further insights from the survey indicate varying levels of support for political violence across different media consumption habits, racial backgrounds, and religious affiliations. For instance, 41 percent of Americans who trust conservative news outlets back the idea of using violence for political goals, with 30 percent of loyal Fox News viewers expressing support. The survey also showed differences in support for political violence among different religious groups, with white evangelical Protestants and Latter-day Saints more likely to endorse such actions.
Despite these divisions, the survey identified areas where Americans display unity on specific issues. For example, a majority of respondents supported the idea of limiting Supreme Court Justices to serve for a specified period rather than for life. Additionally, a significant percentage opposed legislation that would make it illegal to use or receive FDA-approved drugs like the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail.
The findings of the poll underscore the deep political divisions within the United States and the challenges posed by extremism and violence in the current political landscape. The evolving attitudes towards democratic principles and the willingness to condone undemocratic tactics raise concerns about the future of the country’s political discourse and governance.