A Harvard CAPS-Harris poll conducted from December 13 to 14 indicates that more than half of all voters harbor concerns about former President Donald Trump exhibiting dictatorial behavior if he is reelected to office. The survey, which sampled 2,034 registered voters, revealed that 56% of respondents at least somewhat agree that Trump, currently the leading contender for the GOP nomination, might act like a dictator if granted a second term.
Of those surveyed, nearly 40% strongly agreed with the notion that Trump could adopt dictatorial tendencies in a hypothetical second term. Simultaneously, the poll found that 59% of voters believe Democrats are unfairly attempting to alarm voters by suggesting Trump’s inclination toward dictatorship.
These results align with recent statements made by Trump himself, where he asserted that he would act as a dictator only on “day one” of his second term. However, these comments have contributed to public apprehension, with Mark Penn, chairman of the Harvard CAPS-Harris poll, stating that “Democratic talking points are having an impact on Trump.” Penn added that the poll indicates people are genuinely concerned about the potential abuse of power by Trump if reelected.
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Approximately half of all voters surveyed expressed the belief that Trump could pose a threat to democracy if he secures a second term. Democrats overwhelmingly shared this concern, while Republicans were largely divided, and independents showed an even split on the matter.
In a hypothetical head-to-head match-up, the poll found Trump leading President Biden by 5 points, with a margin of 47% to 42%, with 12% undecided. When undecided voters were required to choose, Trump’s lead narrowed to 4 points, with 52% to 48%.
The controversy arose after Trump’s comments during a town hall with Fox News host Sean Hannity, where he stated that he would act as a dictator only on “day one” of his second term. President Biden responded to these remarks at a fundraiser, expressing concern about the potential threat to democracy.
The Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, a collaboration between the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University and the Harris Poll, provides insights into voter sentiments during this crucial political period.
