The lines crossed in the Paul Pelosi attack: 49% blamed political rhetoric, 40% said it was an isolated incident by a disturbed person, and 2% said both were a factor.
And a greater share of respondents than ever said rhetoric was a contributor to the latest attempt on Trump’s life.
The previous time the NBC News poll asked this question, Republican respondents called the Paul Pelosi attack an isolated incident by a 64%-25% margin.
Independents narrowly said rhetoric was an important contributor, 48%-41%, while Democrats blamed rhetoric 74%-17%.
This month, Republicans overwhelmingly said rhetoric was an important contributor to the assassination attempt against Trump, while Democrats shaded more narrowly in the other direction.
Persons:
Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Harris, “, Gabrielle Giffords, Steve Scalise, Paul Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi, Ryan Routh, Giffords
Organizations:
NBC, Republicans, Trump, Independents, NBC News
Locations:
Florida, Trump’s Florida