I&I/TIPP Poll reveals that Americans widely oppose the use of political violence, showing a clear divide in perceptions among different political affiliations. The poll gathered insights on attitudes towards political violence, perceptions of extremist threats, and the role of media in reporting these issues.
1. Opposition to Political Violence:
• Only 9% of respondents believe that political violence is "always justified. "
• 19% think it is "sometimes justified," while 62% declare that it is "never justified. "
• Thus, only 28% of participants support violence for political aims, with 62% consistently rejecting it.
• Democrats, Republicans, and independents show similar trends in their opposition to political violence.
2. Age and Attitudes Toward Violence:
• Younger individuals are more inclined to justify political violence:
• 37% of those aged 18 to 24 consider it justifiable.
• This falls to 9% among those aged 65 and older.
• Political violence appears less appealing to older voters.
3. Perception of Extremist Threats:
• Participants were asked to identify which group poses a greater threat of political violence:
• 26% cited left-wing extremists.
• 23% pointed to right-wing extremists.
• 42% indicated that both groups are equally threatening.
• This perception varies by political affiliation: Democrats are more concerned about right-wing extremists, while Republicans are more concerned about left-wing extremists.
4. Media Coverage of Political Violence:
• Respondents were split regarding whether the media treats political violence from both sides fairly:
• 27% believe media treat both sides equally.
• 24% feel that the media focus more on the right, and 21% say the left is prioritized.
• Party lines influence these views, with Democrats and Republicans perceiving media bias differently.
5. Context of Rising Political Violence:
• Political violence in the U. S. has increased recently, attributed to the polarization between left and right ideologies.
• Incidents of violence have been noted during political events, especially since Donald Trump's presidency.
• Online platforms have seen a rise in encouragement of violence against political opponents.
6. Groups Inducing Political Violence:
• Organizations like Antifa are accused of using violence at protests, posing a challenge to law enforcement and public safety.
• Recent acts of violence linked to these groups have led to legal actions against individuals involved.
7. Political Violence in America:
• Although some partisans believe the other side is more to blame for political violence, the poll indicates a general consensus against its use among average voters.
• The rising tides of extremism and violence in political contexts are concerning for many Americans, indicating a pressing issue that remains unresolved.
The I&I/TIPP Poll illustrates the complexities in American attitudes toward political violence, showing a meaningful consensus against it despite the increasing cultural and ideological divides.
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