The UnPopulist, an independent publication focused on defending liberal democracy from authoritarianism, has shared new findings from the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism (ISMA). These findings highlight a growing cynicism among supporters of President Kamala Harris towards American elites.
According to ISMA’s populism survey, conducted in June, there has been a notable increase in the number of Harris supporters expressing distrust towards elites. In August 2024, prior to the presidential election, 59% of respondents who planned to vote for Harris agreed strongly that at least one of six American elites had harmed people like them for their own selfish interests.
By this year, that number rose to 69% among those who confirmed voting for Harris, marking a 10-point increase. This shift in perception represents the sole significant change in populist attitudes tracked by the survey which includes support for political leaders and tolerance for strong-arm tactics.
The survey’s findings suggest a widening gap between certain voter segments and traditional elite figures, reflecting deeper sentiments of skepticism in the political landscape.
Leave a Reply