A survey conducted by CBS News/YouGov has provided valuable insights into the views and opinions of Americans regarding former President Donald Trump’s actions following the 2020 election.
Illegitimate Methods to Retain Power
The primary aim of the survey was to gauge public sentiment regarding whether Trump employed illegal means to remain in office. The findings reveal a profound divide among Americans, with only slightly above half believing that Trump pursued illegitimate methods to retain power.
Perspectives on Trump’s Actions
The most interesting part of the survey’s findings is the stark contrast in how Americans perceive Trump’s post-election conduct. The data indicates that 51% of respondents believe Trump actively sought to maintain his presidency through illegal tactics.
A Spectrum of Perspectives
On the other hand, the survey found that a mere 29% percent view his actions as lawful and above board. Surprisingly, 20% of those surveyed believe that Trump had no intention of staying in office after the 2020 elections, reflecting a spectrum of perspectives on his motives.
A Calculated Effort to Sabotage Trump
The enduring political schism within the United States is starkly evident in the survey’s results. A remarkable 82% of Democrats perceive the indictments as a necessary step in defending democracy and upholding the rule of law. Conversely, approximately 86% of Republicans interpret the legal actions as part of a calculated effort to sabotage Trump’s bid for the presidency in 2024.
A Stark Contrast
This division extends further, with only a third of Republicans surveyed affirming the legitimacy of President Joe Biden’s victory, in stark contrast to the resounding belief in its legitimacy among 97% of Democrats and 63% of independent voters.
Diverse Republican Opinions
Within the Republican cohort, diverse opinions emerge. While the majority of Republicans tend to view the charges against Trump as politically motivated, a substantial four in ten expressed genuine concerns. They worry that if Trump indeed made efforts to overturn the election, such actions could have dire consequences for the democratic process itself.
Desantis’ Opinion on Trump’s Election Claims
The survey results intersect with the broader political landscape, particularly within the Republican Party. Notably, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had previously been cautious in his responses to Trump’s claims about the election. However, during an interview with NBC News, he acknowledged the fact that Biden is the president.
Trump and DeSantis
The evolving dynamics between former President Trump and Governor DeSantis have garnered significant attention. Trump has vocally criticized various institutions, including the Department of Justice, the FBI, and President Biden himself. In contrast, DeSantis has focused his efforts on addressing state-level issues, notably the contentious Florida Black history curriculum.
The Internet Responded
News of the survey’s findings was shared across social media and people were largely concerned. “Only half. The other half either disagree or don’t know. We are doomed,” one person said. “That’s a concerning percentage,” another wrote.
A Terrifying Number
Others echoed the aforementioned commenters. One person said: “Why are we celebrating this? This is a really, really, truly terrifying number. Half. Only half. What has happened to this country? It’s like people have actually become delusional. I guess that’s what being indoctrinated into Trump’s cult does, I guess.”
More Than Half Will Send Trump Packing
Some people said that 51% will be enough to keep the former president and potential felon out of power. One individual wrote: “More than half will send him packing again. And if he does make it to the vote, he will lose by millions more than the last 2 times.”
Zero Sympathy for Rioters
One person said: “If Trump is not [found guilty], Americans should stop following laws. Period. I have zero sympathy for the rioters and insurgents who tried to overthrow the election. They are in jail. [As] should all the politicians that helped, aided, abetted, and organized this.”
The People Are the Problem
The commenter continued: “Politicians are not above the law! If we continue to allow us, the people, to be charged with crimes that our government officials get away with, then we – the people – are the problem. It’s very clear how we are supposed to handle tyrants in our constitution. Food for thought.”
The GOP Are Vile Sadists
Others were very harsh with their words. One commenter wrote: “The country needs to see the disgusting traitor in cuffs and any traitor citizen who supports him should be monitored at every level. They don’t deserve to walk free in this great land that they tried to burn down and install a terroristic, religious, extremist government like what the Taliban did. The GOP are vile sadists.”
Trump and Prison
Some people discussed the likelihood of Trump going to prison. “I have zero hope that he will see prison. The Democrats behave like wimps on issue after issue. They don’t have the spine to do the dirty business of holding Republican criminals accountable,” one person said.
The Court of Public Opinion
Others condemned the court of public opinion, claiming that the thoughts of the general population should have no bearing on whether or not Trump is found guilty of committing crimes. “I wonder how many say public opinion shouldn’t be a factor in whether or not conservative criminals are held accountable. I’m one,” one person wrote.
A Democratic Crisis
A fair few expressed concerns about the state of American democracy. “The other half are not patriots and are ignorant of the constitution in regard to when a person refuses to surrender after losing a presidential race. America is facing [a democratic] and constitutional crisis,” one person said.
A Far Less Polite Interpretation
Others shared their own interpretations of the survey’s results. “So 51% of Americans have functioning brains and 49% are hopeless idiots who would be happier in Moscow,” one person said. “Only 51%? And we wonder why the ‘Americans are dumb’ stereotype exists,” another wrote.
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