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Democracy on the brink? Nearly 3 in 4 Americans say yes

The article titled "Democracy on the Brink: Nearly 3/4 of Americans Say It's at Risk in 2024 Election" published on Yahoo News delves into the current state of American democracy as perceived by its citizens, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The piece is based on a comprehensive survey conducted by Yahoo News/YouGov, which reveals a significant level of concern among Americans about the future of their democratic system.

The survey found that nearly three-quarters of Americans (74%) believe that democracy is at risk in the 2024 election. This sentiment is shared across party lines, with 81% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans, and 72% of independents expressing concern. The article suggests that this widespread worry is fueled by various factors, including the events surrounding the 2020 election, the January 6th Capitol riot, and ongoing political polarization.

One of the key issues highlighted in the article is the belief among many Americans that the 2020 election was not conducted fairly. According to the survey, 52% of Americans believe that there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, despite numerous investigations and court cases finding no evidence to support this claim. This belief is particularly strong among Republicans, with 86% holding this view, compared to only 20% of Democrats and 49% of independents.

The article also discusses the impact of the January 6th Capitol riot on public perception of democracy. The event, which saw a mob of Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, has left a lasting mark on the American psyche. The survey found that 64% of Americans believe that the riot was an attack on democracy, with this sentiment being strongest among Democrats (89%) and independents (65%), while only 38% of Republicans share this view.

Another factor contributing to the perceived risk to democracy is the ongoing political polarization in the United States. The article cites the increasing divide between Democrats and Republicans on key issues, such as voting rights, election integrity, and the role of the government. This polarization has led to a lack of trust in the political system and the institutions that govern it, with only 21% of Americans expressing a great deal of confidence in the U.S. government.

The article also explores the potential consequences of the perceived risk to democracy. One concern is the possibility of political violence, with 41% of Americans believing that there will be violence surrounding the 2024 election. This fear is particularly prevalent among Democrats (54%) and independents (42%), while only 26% of Republicans share this concern.

Another potential consequence is the erosion of democratic norms and institutions. The article discusses the increasing acceptance of authoritarianism among some segments of the population, with 38% of Americans agreeing that "having a strong leader who doesn't have to bother with Congress and elections" would be a good way to govern the country. This sentiment is particularly strong among Republicans (52%) and independents (39%), while only 24% of Democrats share this view.

The article also examines the role of former President Donald Trump in shaping public perception of democracy. Trump's repeated claims of election fraud and his refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election have contributed to the belief among many of his supporters that the democratic system is rigged against them. The survey found that 81% of Trump voters believe that the 2020 election was stolen from him, compared to only 14% of Biden voters.

In addition to the survey results, the article includes commentary from various experts and political figures on the state of American democracy. Some argue that the concerns about democracy are overblown and that the system remains strong, while others warn that the risks are real and that action must be taken to protect democratic institutions.

The article also discusses potential solutions to the perceived risk to democracy. One suggestion is to focus on reforming the electoral system, such as by implementing measures to increase voter turnout and combat voter suppression. Another proposal is to work on reducing political polarization and increasing trust in the political system through bipartisan efforts and civic education.

In conclusion, the article paints a picture of an American public deeply concerned about the future of their democracy, particularly in the context of the 2024 presidential election. The survey results suggest that this concern is widespread across party lines and is fueled by a combination of factors, including the events surrounding the 2020 election, the January 6th Capitol riot, and ongoing political polarization. The article also explores the potential consequences of this perceived risk, such as political violence and the erosion of democratic norms and institutions. Finally, it discusses potential solutions to the problem, such as electoral reform and efforts to reduce polarization and increase trust in the political system.

Read the Full Salon Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/democracy-brink-nearly-3-4-173012015.html ]