With only days left before Americans head to the polls on November 5, the 2024 election spotlight is firmly on the intensifying divisions between the two main U.S. political parties.
A newly released poll by the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University reveals concerning sentiments among voters: nearly half of Americans perceive their political opponents as “downright evil.” Conducted with YouGov, the poll surveyed 2,000 eligible voters across different political groups, including Republicans who dispute the 2020 election, those who accept President Joe Biden’s win, Democrats, Independents, and a general sample of voters. The findings underscore the nation’s deepening polarization just as it prepares for another high-stakes election.
The data paints a troubling picture, showing 75% of Republicans who deny Biden’s 2020 victory see Democrats as adversaries with malicious intent, a view not as widely shared by Democrats toward Republicans. Political scientist Lilliana Mason from Johns Hopkins University emphasized that such hostility undermines democracy, warning that viewing political opponents as enemies instead of competitors erodes the ability to compromise and hold mutual respect.
The SNF Agora Institute’s poll also highlights growing ideological divides on social issues like gender roles and racial dynamics, which vary widely across party lines. Fellow Scott Warren observed that rejecting the 2020 election has become less a factual disagreement and more a reflection of deep-rooted beliefs. Among Republicans who dispute the 2020 results, 28% support traditional gender roles for women, a viewpoint shared by lower percentages of Biden-accepting Republicans, Independents, and Democrats. Racial attitudes also diverge, with over 80% of election-denying Republicans believing Black Americans should achieve success independently, echoing outdated comparisons to past European immigrant groups and contrasting with broader public recognition of systemic barriers still present today.
The survey further delves into issues that matter most to voters, with Republicans prioritizing the economy, immigration, and crime, while Democrats focus on abortion rights, economic security, and democratic values. Independents, often pivotal in elections, prioritize the economy, immigration, and abortion, reflecting concerns likely to drive shifts in policy and governance outcomes.
Interestingly, Vice President Kamala Harris has seen a rise in her approval ratings, climbing from 43% to 46%, whereas Donald Trump’s approval remains at 42%. This shift might reflect a changing voter landscape as Harris gains visibility as a presidential candidate.
The survey findings additionally note a divide within the Republican Party itself. Republicans who accept Biden’s victory often hold pro-democracy views but represent a smaller portion of the party. This growing ideological gap between those rejecting the election and pro-democracy Republicans may continue fueling intraparty tensions.
Ultimately, the SNF Agora Institute’s research points to an escalating polarization in which political opposition has moved beyond policy disagreements into existential animosity. The survey underscores a pivotal moment for American democracy, as it grapples with adversaries who increasingly view one another as threats rather than participants in a shared system. With Election Day fast approaching, the lasting impact of these divisions could reshape the nation’s political landscape well beyond the results of 2024.
