A new poll conducted by Ipsos for Reuters reveals a growing sense of unease among Americans, with a staggering 80% believing the country is spiraling out of control. This unsettling sentiment comes amidst a backdrop of heightened political tension, marked by a recent assassination attempt on former President Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania. The poll, conducted over two days, surveyed 1,202 adults aged 18 or older in the United States. The survey found that 86% of Americans are concerned about acts of violence pushing the country into chaos, with 56% expressing very high levels of concern. Additionally, 57% of respondents stated they are very concerned about Americans resorting to violence instead of peacefully resolving disagreements, while 87% reported being totally concerned about this possibility. Furthermore, the poll uncovered a significant rise in concerns about extremist violence in the aftermath of the election. A striking 84% of voters surveyed expressed fear of such acts, a notable increase from the 74% who held this fear in a similar poll conducted in May. The poll also reveals a deep sense of unease regarding personal safety based on political beliefs. About 67% of Americans admitted to fearing violence against their community due to their political affiliations, a jump from the 60% who expressed similar concerns in a June 2023 Reuters/Ipsos poll. Despite these alarming findings, the poll also sheds light on the public’s perception of the two leading presidential candidates. While 43% of registered voters expressed support for Trump, the Republican candidate, 41% favored President Biden, the Democratic incumbent. However, these results fell within the poll’s three percentage point margin of error. The poll also highlighted a stark difference in public opinion regarding the age of both candidates. A significant 69% of Americans view Biden as too old for government service, compared to 49% who hold the same opinion of Trump. These findings provide a sobering glimpse into the current state of American political discourse, highlighting the growing anxieties surrounding violence and extremism in the lead-up to the election. The survey also underscores the importance of addressing concerns about the age of presidential candidates in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
Americans Fear Spiraling Chaos as Violence Concerns Rise Ahead of Election
