With the 2024 Presidential Election looming, recent polls reveal worrisome trends linking consumption of conservative media to support for political violence. The findings from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) lay bare the alarming percentages of people who are more willing to endorse violence as they consume news from conservative outlets like Fox News.
According to the PRRI's 2024 American Values Survey, which surveyed over 5,000 adults across the United States, only 18% of Americans overall expressed support for political violence, but among those who do, nearly half are regular consumers of conservative media. Specifically, 41% of individuals who supported political violence reported trusting conservative news outlets.
Even more startling, 30% of those advocating for violence acknowledged Fox News as their primary source of news. This stark correlation provokes questions about the role of media rhetoric, especially considering the significant political polarization we are witnessing today.
Delving deep, the survey highlights stark differences between political affiliations. It reveals almost 29% of Republicans believe violence might be necessary for true patriots to save the country. This level of support is drastically higher compared to just 8% of Democrats. This escalation aligns disturbingly with former President Donald Trump's rhetoric, who has often labeled opponents as enemies and indicated military responses to dissent as suitable responses.
Fox News, as some argue, paved the way for Trump’s rise by amplifying his message and distorting the Democratic Party's image. The network's enduring coverage has been described as combative, continually portraying Democrats as threats, which may fuel hostility among their audience.
The danger doesn’t seem to be hypothetical. Committed right-wing activists are increasingly planning and discussing the possibility of echoing the violent protests seen on January 6th, 2021. Mainstream media outlets have reported alarming statements from pro-Trump operatives who imply excitement for potential upheaval.
The recent PRRI survey corroborates findings from the Civiqs poll, also featured in discussions involving political media. This poll indicated 95% of Fox News viewers are considerably worried about electoral fraud. Such fears, amplified by candidates pushing election fraud narratives, contribute to the normalization of violence as acceptable means to resolve political disputes.
Fox News has been under scrutiny, particularly for promoting unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, even recently concluding substantial settlements for doing so. These actions not only raise ethical questions about journalistic integrity but also demonstrate how misinformation can ignite distrust and violence among their audience.
Beneath this media climate, the public’s perception of acceptable political behavior can shift precariously. Evidence persists showing Republicans are more likely than Democrats to endorse aggressive tactics if they feel democracy is threatened. Around 22% of Republicans agreed with the notion of taking violent actions to protect electoral integrity, contrasted with lower agreement rates among independents and Democrats.
The survey findings also reveal nearly one-third of Americans who trust conservative news outlets lean toward supporting armed citizens to serve as poll watchers during elections, reflecting the notion of needing intimidation at the polls. A society where armed citizens are deemed necessary for fair democratic processes raises grave concerns about electoral integrity and civil tranquility.
PRRI has been tracking sentiments around political violence over the years, reporting not only heightened support within partisan divides but also indicating troubling trends increasing over time. Peaks observed included the aftermath of former President Trump’s indictments and following the January 6 Capitol riots, showcasing how external stimuli can escalate feelings of disenfranchisement and the subsequent normalization of violence.
It’s clear the intertwining roles of political rhetoric, media representation, and audience acceptance of violence create a perilous environment as the nation approaches another pivotal election. Whether the adversarial climate persists or alters significantly relies not only on political leaders but also on how media outlets craft their narratives going forward.
Whether this ramp-up of rhetoric spirals out of control remains to be seen, but with discussions around potential violence echoing amid fervent political divides, many anticipate the upcoming months leading to the 2024 election will be fraught with challenges. Building bridges and finding common ground could be more important than ever if the goal is to prevent the stark polarization from erupting.
