Attitudes towards political violence in the United States

What They Found

Democrats think 47 percent of Republicans support violence against Democrats. But only 13 percent really do. Even more striking: only 3.5% of Democrats and 2.4% of Republicans support throwing rocks at opposing protestors, yet 40% from both parties think the other side would support this - a ten-fold exaggeration. Social media makes this worse by amplifying extreme voices. Meanwhile, 85% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats believe in unconditional free speech, but each side thinks only about half the other party believes this. This creates dangerous cycles where people respond to imaginary threats.

THECHANGELAB 7/21/25 THECHANGELAB 7/21/25

Webinar: July 24th 9:30am Social Connection Across Divides

We live in a moment of growing mistrust, misinformation, and misunderstanding. Yet, More in Common's data shows that the majority of Americans actually want to connect across divides—they just don't know how. This session reveals how shared values, dignity, and common goals can help restore trust in our communities and democracy.

THECHANGELAB 5/29/25 THECHANGELAB 5/29/25

MORE IN COMMON

More in Common is a nonprofit organization that publishes research, builds strategies, and works in partnership with leaders and organizations throughout the United States. We help these partners bring Americans together across differences to engage meaningfully in our civil and cultural life.

In addition to the US, More in Common has teams in France, Germany, Poland, the UK, and most recently Brazil.

THECHANGELAB 5/28/25 THECHANGELAB 5/28/25

The Connection Opportunity

Experts often warn of a growing crisis of connection. Yet in a time when Americans feel divided, do they really want to connect with others—especially with those who are different from them? And if they do, what’s standing in their way?

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