Most Americans consider that political instability is the greatest threat to the United States, where democracy could “collapse”, according to a poll released Wednesday that confirms the division of the country a year after the attack on the Capitol.
According to a Quinnipiac University survey, 76% of those surveyed believe that political instability is the most serious threat to the country; compared to 19% who cite foreign countries hostile to U.S.
Those most concerned are Democratic activists or sympathizers (83%, versus 66% of Republicans) and those between the ages of 18 and 34 (80%).
Collapse of democracy
In addition, 58% of those consulted fear a “collapse” of democracy, compared to 37% who consider it strong enough to overcome the divisions of society American.
Joe Biden, the Democratic president, who promised on January 20, 2021 to “reconcile” the country after the mandate of his predecessor, Republican Donald Trump, appears to have failed in his bet.
Given that 53% of Americans believe that these divisions will worsen in the future, against only 15% who predict an improvement.
“Fear of an internal enemy rather than a foreign threat underscores Americans’ bitter realization of an endangered democracy and deepening political divisions,” said Tim Malloy of Quinnipiac University.
Survey of Americans
The survey was conducted with a sample of 1,313 American adults.
These were consulted from January 7 to 10 (with a margin of error of 2.7 percentage points), confirms other studies.
Two-thirds of Americans estimated in early January that the attack by Donald Trump supporters on the seat of Congress on January 6, 2021, was “the sign of increasing political violence.”
It also notes that American democracy is still “under threat” a year later, according to a poll by CBS News.
Still, 44% of those surveyed by Quinnipiac downplay the storming of the Capitol.
And he believes that “we have to move on to something else.” It was 38% in August 2021.
Biden’s decline in popularity
This poll also shows a sharp drop in Joe Biden’s popularity with the public.
It receives only 33% of favorable opinions, compared to 36% in November.
A majority of voters disapprove of his policy in the fight against covid-19, the economy or foreign policy.
For 49% of those surveyed, their government’s policy divides the country, against 42% who think it unites it.
Congressmen also receive unfavorable opinions: 62% for Republicans and 59% for Democrats.