Nearly 9 in 10 expect more political violence, blame hot rhetoric
The article reports on a recent Rasmussen Reports survey indicating that nearly 9 in 10 likely American voters expect an increase in political violence in the near future. This surge in concern follows the alleged assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk by a supposed leftist in Utah.According to the poll, 85% of respondents foresee more political violence, with 48% considering it “very likely.” Both Democrats and Republicans share similar levels of concern.
Voters primarily attribute this anticipated rise in violence to “heated political rhetoric” rather than the availability of firearms or mental illness. A majority agree that persistent demonization of political opponents contributes significantly to the violent climate. The incident involving Kirk, who was shot with a relativeS rifle during an outdoor rally, has further intensified political divisions, especially on the Left. Some commentators link “woke culture” and liberal discourse directly to the hostility leading to such violence. Simultaneously occurring, liberal media attempts to distance the Left from endorsing Kirk’s death have faced pushback from his supporters presenting contrary evidence.
Nearly 9 in 10 expect more political violence, blame hot rhetoric
Most Americans are bracing for even more political violence following an alleged leftist’s assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk last week in Utah.
In the latest Rasmussen Reports survey shared with Washington Secrets on Wednesday, 85% of likely voters believe that “there will be more political violence in the next few months.”
Nearly half — 48% — picked the highest level of possible violence, “very likely,” said the polling outfit.
The new survey showed a sizable increase in concerns among voters who had already expressed their belief that political violence was on the rise. In a similar survey in June that followed the assassination of Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, 78% said that they expected more violence.
In the new poll, equal percentages of Democrats and Republicans — 87% — said they expected more political violence.
Voters blamed “heated political rhetoric” for the rise in violence. By a margin of 46% to 28%, they blamed the hot talk over the availability of firearms. Police have said that Kirk’s alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, used his grandfather’s rifle to kill Kirk from a Utah Valley University rooftop perch 175 yards to 200 yards from where the cofounder of Turning Point USA was speaking at an outdoor rally.
Just 19%, meanwhile, blamed “mental illness.”
Voters also said that political violence is the consequence of people who demonize “those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible.” Some 86% agreed with that statement.
SEE THE LATEST POLITICAL NEWS AND BUZZ FROM WASHINGTON SECRETS
The Kirk slaying has increased the division and heated political rhetoric in America, especially on the Left. Democratic pollster John Zogby told Washington Secrets this week that there is a “straight line” between liberal woke ranting and Kirk’s shooting.
Liberal media outlets like CNN have featured guests and hosts trying to deny that Left politicians and influencers have been cheering Kirk’s death, but the evidence pushed out by Kirk’s allies has been impossible to deny.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
