A recent survey indicates that a majority of Democrats express willingness to accept a military coup to remove President Donald Trump from office and "safeguard the Constitution." The poll also revealed that a substantial number of Democrats would view the assassination of Trump positively or neutrally, and nearly half would be pleased if he died in his sleep.
These findings emerge amidst broader concerns about political discourse and the acceptance of violence. According to polling by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, approximately one-third of U.S. college students believe violence is an acceptable tactic to suppress controversial campus speakers. This sentiment is reportedly strongest at institutions such as Smith, Oberlin, and Mount Holyoke colleges.
The article points to several instances and figures as evidence of a shift in attitudes. It references the public reception of Luigi Mangione, described as an alleged killer, and online cheers following the death of Charlie Kirk. The broadcaster Hasan Piker is also mentioned, with the note that he has publicly advocated for violence against landlords.
Historical context provided includes the 2020 George Floyd riots, during which some Democratic politicians, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were seen as fueling unrest. Rep. Maxine Waters is quoted as having urged protesters to become "more confrontational" if the verdict in Derek Chauvin's murder trial was not as expected.
The piece suggests that voter disappointment with the incumbent party may lead them to seek alternatives, but questions the current opposition's commitment to liberal democratic principles, raising concerns about whether their actions aim to protect or undermine the republic. The article also includes a reference to progressive Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan.