Political Polarization and Declining Legitimacy Fuel Rise in Violence
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Political violence and criminal violence are connected; when political legitimacy declines, all forms of violence tend to rise.
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Right-wing political violence is a much bigger threat than left-wing violence; it is frequently premeditated and targets people.
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The media focuses too much on Capitol riot-style events rather than ongoing threats against local officials and violence in communities.
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The public is not very ideological but dislikes the other party; politicians flame this affective polarization to gain power.
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No matter who wins in 2024, faith in democracy will likely decline; a Trump win would further damage rule of law.
