The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Nov. 3, 2023

Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

A frightening survey released last week found substantial increases in the number of Americans who thought that the country needed leaders to break rules – authoritarianism – and that violence may be needed, to QUOTE “save our country.”

The majority of Americans still disagree with those positions, according to the survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute and the Brookings Institution.  But 23% of Americans agreed with the statement, “Because things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country. That’s up 8% from 2021.  The increase is among all partisan groups, too,  including 33% of Republicans, 22% of independents, and 13% of Democrats.

The survey also found a disturbing trend of Americans supporting a leader not following the rules if it meant a change in political direction of the country.  

Four in ten Americans agree with the statement, “Because things have gotten so far off track in this country, we need a leader who is willing to break some rules if that’s what it takes to set things right.”   This bend toward authoritarian rule is not just among the 48% of Republicans who agreed; 38% of independents and 29% of Democrats concurred. 

Where DO most Americans agree?:  77% of Americans feel their country is headed the wrong direction. 

We have a link to the full survey results at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
Public Religion Research Institute/Brookings  –  Survey Summary: Threats to American Democracy Ahead of an Unprecedented Presidential Election
Public Religion Research Institute/Brookings – Slide Deck Presentation:   Threats to American Democracy Ahead of an Unprecedented Presidential Election
Public Religion Research Institute/Brookings – Webinar:  What do Americans think about the health of our democracy and the upcoming presidential election?

NPR – More Americans say they support political violence ahead of the 2024 election
Journal of Democracy – The Rise of Political Violence in the United States

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#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #Survey #SaveDemocracy  #BrookingsInstitution #PoliticalViolence

The post Frightening Survey Results Show Increases in Americans Who Think Violence May Be Needed and Leaders Should Break Rules to “Save Our Country” appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

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Today’s Links

Articles:   
NBC News – NBC News poll: 57% of voters say investigations into Trump should continue

NBC News – Full  Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies Poll Results

Newsweek – ‘Threats to Democracy’ Overtake ‘Cost of Living’ as Voters’ Top Issue: Poll

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

A new NBC News poll released August 21st had a surprising finding:  The most concerning issue in America among voters polled was “Threats to Democracy,” over the “Cost of Living” and “Jobs and the Economy.”

The survey was conducted jointly by Democratic and Republican polling firms, who asked 1000 people a wide range of questions about politics and the economy just after the raid on former President Trump’s Florida home.

When asked what was the most important issue facing the country, 21% of polled voters indicated “Threats to democracy,” followed by 16% for “Cost of Living” and 14% for “Jobs and the Economy.”   Polls earlier this year had “Cost of Living” as the number one issue.

There were questions regarding the investigation of the January 6th Committee.   Fifty-seven percent agreed with the statement, “These investigations should continue because if there is wrongdoing by Donald Trump, he needs to be held accountable just like anyone else,” vs. 40% who agreed with “These investigations should not continue because they are politically motivated against a former president and divide the country.”   Fifty-percent of voters polled hold the former President “Solely” or “Mainly” responsible for the January 6th insurrection.

Sadly, 58% believe America’s best days are behind it, which the poll shows is the highest percentage on this question dating back to 1990.   And  61% of voters say they’re so upset by something, they’re willing to carry a protest sign for an entire day.   

Links to articles and the poll itself can be found at  AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.   For the American Democracy Minute, I’m Brian Beihl.

The post ADM for August 25, 2022: New Poll Show “Threats to Democracy” as Top Issue with Voters, Over the Economy appeared first on American Democracy Minute.