Chief among the factors explaining the lack of political violence, analysts say, is a simple one: Trump’s supporters believe he will win the presidency. The data show an increase that began around the time of the 2020 presidential election, when officials were under attack by Trump supporters who rejected his loss. In the end, the trial drew Trump political allies eager to demonstrate their loyalty but few rank-and-file supporters. A February New York Times/Siena poll found that 81 percent of Trump backers believed he would win the 2024 race. “They’re radicalizing people in large numbers.”Only about a third of Republicans believe Biden’s 2020 election victory was legitimate, according to a December Washington Post-University of Maryland survey that is consistent with other national polling.

Source: Washington Post June 24, 2024 14:34 UTC