As tensions rise in a divided America, one-third of Republicans say “patriots may have to resort to violence”
WASHINGTON (October 25, 2023)—As the nation turns its eyes toward an unprecedented presidential election with two of the oldest and least popular leading candidates in history — one of whom is facing a wave of federal and state indictments — a new national survey released today by Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) in partnership with the Brookings Institution finds three-fourths of Americans (75%) saying that the future of American democracy is at risk in the 2024 presidential election.
The 14th annual American Values Survey reveals a nation characterized by political polarization and a troubling rise in support for political violence. It examines Americans’ attitudes about the issues defining the country’s partisan and cultural fault lines, including concerns about the overall direction of the country and the health of democracy, the state of the economy and inflation, public education, abortion, gender and LGBTQ issues, immigration, Christian nationalism, and support for QAnon. Additionally, the survey measures support for leading presidential candidates, including third-party candidates.
“The political temperature in America is rising, and this year’s American Values Survey results reflect that reality,” said PRRI president and founder Robert P. Jones. “Our last presidential election was the first in our history without a peaceful transfer of power. With flashes of political violence continuing among us, and the 2024 election on the horizon, we should be deeply concerned about the growing number of Americans who express openness to political violence.”
Source: PRRI