Many Americans Support ‘Alternatives’ to Democracy, See Violence as Legitimate Political Tool: Poll
On the future of democracy, 31 percent of those intending to vote for Mr. Trump and 24 percent of those backing Mr. Biden agreed with the statement that democracy “is no longer a viable system, and America should explore alternative forms of government to ensure stability and progress.”
Voters intending to back Mr. Trump were also more likely to support red or blue states “seceding from the union to form their own separate country,” with 41 percent of those in the former president’s camp and 30 percent backing Mr. Biden expressing that sentiment.
Supporters of Mr. Biden were more likely, though, to say those who support Republicans and their ideologies “have become so extreme in what they want that it is acceptable to use violence to stop them from achieving their goals,” with 41 percent of supporters of Mr. Biden and 38 percent for Mr. Trump agreeing with that statement.
On the other hand, 31 percent of Mr. Trump’s supporters said they were more likely to agree with the statement that the “ends justify the means, and any action taken by my preferred political party is acceptable if it achieves our goals.” Some 21 percent of supporters of Mr. Biden agreed with that statement.
On the future of democracy, 31 percent of those intending to vote for Mr. Trump and 24 percent of those backing Mr. Biden agreed with the statement that democracy “is no longer a viable system, and America should explore alternative forms of government to ensure stability and progress.”
Voters intending to back Mr. Trump were also more likely to support red or blue states “seceding from the union to form their own separate country,” with 41 percent of those in the former president’s camp and 30 percent backing Mr. Biden expressing that sentiment.
Supporters of Mr. Biden were more likely, though, to say those who support Republicans and their ideologies “have become so extreme in what they want that it is acceptable to use violence to stop them from achieving their goals,” with 41 percent of supporters of Mr. Biden and 38 percent for Mr. Trump agreeing with that statement.
On the other hand, 31 percent of Mr. Trump’s supporters said they were more likely to agree with the statement that the “ends justify the means, and any action taken by my preferred political party is acceptable if it achieves our goals.” Some 21 percent of supporters of Mr. Biden agreed with that statement.
