Over three-quarters of the country is fearful that the presidential election will turn violent, the latest sign that the nation is bracing for division and clashes not seen since the Civil War.
In the latest Battleground Civility Poll, 78% said they are concerned the election will become violent, and they blame former President Donald Trump and the media most for stoking the fire. But Democrats also are sharing in the blame as many voters appear to have given up that compromise and calmer heads will rule the election.
“The axiom that it is always darkest before the dawn seems particularly apt,” said Tarrance Group pollsters Ed Goeas and Brian Nienaber, the Republicans who jointly conduct the poll with Democrat Celinda Lake’s Lake Research Partners.
“Voters,” added Lake’s team in a memo, “are concerned about their freedoms. They see many ways to strengthen democracy but remain concerned about the level of division in the country, which they see as remarkably close to civil war.”
Chart courtesy of the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service.
It’s not just voters. Leading survivalists and preppers have told Secrets that they are readying for violence and have suggested that the public stock up on food, water, and ammuni …