Currently buried in the comments on my last post, “Warning! Project 2025,” is a quote from a government study about what percent of Republicans identify as MAGA supporters. The study was published online by the National Library of Medicine in January 2024. It addresses “MAGA Republicans’ views of American democracy and society and support for political violence in the United States: Findings from a nationwide population-representative survey.”
Interesting that the government conducted such a study, but apparently there was concern about the possibility of violence originating with MAGA Republicans. And that may well be a concern shared by many in the general population.
The study found that, depending on one’s definition, “MAGA Republicans account for approximately one-third (33.6%) of Republicans and 15.0% of the population.”
Findings from this large, nationally representative survey demonstrate that, as defined, MAGA Republicans are more likely than others to endorse political violence and differ significantly from other Republicans on many measures. Concern about the potential for political violence among MAGA Republicans appears to be justified, but it is noteworthy that they were not more willing than others to engage in violence themselves. Further research on factors associated with willingness to commit political violence is urgently needed to support effective prevention measures.
While political violence remains a possibility, the November election remains a certainty. And we don’t know how Republicans in general or MAGA Republicans in particular will vote. Nor do we even know for certain who the candidates will be. We do know, however, that Project 2025 exists and will surely be implemented if Donald Trump wins the election.
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*The clear and present danger test originated in Schenck v. the United States. The test says that the printed or spoken word may not be the subject of previous restraint or subsequent punishment unless its expression creates a clear and present danger of bringing about a substantial evil.
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Image: Saul Loeb/Getty Images
Interesting that only 15% of population identifies as MAGA. It sometimes seems that a minority is making all the noise.
Indeed it often does: there are existent examples.
Yep, the number surprised me, but in a good way I suppose.
Yes
I’d prefer to live in not-so-interesting times.
i just want boring, calm, and steady, with good people in charge of things
Perfect! Count me in.
Right now I’m at a loss for words.
From what I’m hearing from interviews, the assassination attempt will only exacerbate political violence. It deepens the view that the other political side is the enemy.
Undoubtedly it will heighten the tension all around. But I am intrigued/puzzled that this was a registered Republican voter shooting at the presumed Republican candidate. I’m also very puzzled that the Secret Service didn’t already have a guy on the roof where the shooter was positioned. I thought the SS routinely positioned personnel on all places with a line of sight to the principal.