Fact Check: "55 percent of self-identifying liberals believe killing is justifiable for political goals."
What We Know
A recent survey conducted by the Rutgers University Social Perception Lab, which included 1,264 U.S. citizens, found that 55% of self-identifying liberals believe that killing President Donald Trump is a justifiable means of pursuing political goals. This study was reported in various outlets, including the Washington Examiner and The Federalist. Additionally, the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) corroborated these findings, stating that 55.2% of left-of-center respondents justified murder for Trump, while 48.6% did so for Elon Musk (source-3).
The survey reflects a concerning trend, as it suggests that a significant portion of the liberal demographic has normalized extreme views regarding political violence. The NCRI described these attitudes as indicative of an "emergent assassination culture" among the left, particularly in the context of a politically charged environment following multiple assassination attempts on Trump (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that 55% of self-identifying liberals find killing politically justifiable is supported by multiple reputable sources, including the NCRI and the Rutgers University study. The credibility of these sources is bolstered by their academic and research-oriented nature. The Rutgers University Social Perception Lab is a recognized institution, and the NCRI focuses on tracking online extremism and hate, providing a solid foundation for their findings.
However, it is essential to consider potential biases in reporting. The framing of the findings in publications like the Washington Examiner and The Federalist may lean toward sensationalism, particularly given their conservative editorial slant. This could influence how the data is interpreted by the public. For instance, the term "assassination culture" carries a heavy connotation that may not fully encapsulate the nuances of the survey responses.
Moreover, while the survey indicates a significant percentage of liberals justifying violence, it is crucial to contextualize this within broader societal attitudes toward political violence. The NCRI noted that only 38% of all respondents justified killing Trump, indicating that the views of self-identified liberals are markedly more extreme compared to the general population (source-3).
Conclusion
The claim that 55% of self-identifying liberals believe killing is justifiable for political goals is True. The evidence from the Rutgers University study and corroborating reports from credible organizations supports this assertion. While the framing of the data may vary across sources, the core finding remains consistent across multiple reputable outlets.
Sources
- The Democrats embrace a culture of violence - Washington Examiner
- 55% Of Self-Identified Leftists Say Killing Trump Is Justifiable - The Federalist
- ‘Assassination Culture’: Poll Shows About Half Of Liberals ... - Daily Caller
- 55% of Survey Respondents on Left Say ... - AllSides
- A Shocking Percent of Liberals Think Killing Trump, Musk ... - Beliefnet
- The Left embraces culture of violence - mydailyrecord.com
- POLL: An increasing number of liberals believe political ... - The Post Millennial