The NPR Politics Podcast US Democracy Is At Risk Of Failing, According To 64% Of Americans
Jan 3, 2022
Joel Rose, NPR's national correspondent, joins the conversation to unpack a striking NPR/Ipsos poll revealing that 64% of Americans feel democracy is at risk. The discussion highlights a significant divide in trust between Republicans and Democrats, especially regarding election integrity. Rose emphasizes the dangers of widespread misinformation and its relation to the January 6th insurrection. The panel also explores troubling views on political violence, with a notable portion justifying it in the name of democracy, raising urgent questions about the future of political discourse in America.
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Trust in Democracy
- Americans' trust in institutions is eroding, causing democratic instability.
- This makes it difficult to accept election results and transparent processes.
Voter Distrust Example
- Stephen Weber, a Rhode Island resident, believes Democrats rigged the election due to changing numbers at 3 a.m.
- He distrusts mail-in voting and Democrats, believing they don't have the country's best interests at heart.
Republican Distrust
- Republicans' distrust in democracy stems from a lack of faith in elections and the false belief that the 2020 election was rigged.
- This distrust persists despite evidence disproving significant voter fraud.