A recent poll conducted by RMG Research highlights a significant over whether individuals should be fired for celebrating an assassination online. The survey found that 51% of Americans believe it is appropriate for private companies to terminate employees who make such comments. However, the divide is stark when broken down by political affiliation.
Eighty percent of GOP voters support firing individuals for celebrating an assassination online, compared to only 27% of Democrats. Independents are split, with 32% agreeing with the GOP stance. Scott Rasmussen, president of RMG Research, noted that this reflects a clash of core values, with some viewing it as a necessary consequence for one’s words, while others see it as a potential excuse to silence political views.
The poll also explored opinions on whether reporters or public officials should be held to a higher standard. Fifty-nine percent of respondents agreed that these individuals should be fired for similar comments, with 88% of Republicans supporting this view compared to 34% of Democrats. Rasmussen pointed out that Republicans have long felt biased against by the media, which may explain their strong stance on accountability.
The poll comes amid ongoing discussions about the suspension of , with questions about whether it was due to his comments, political pressure, or a business decision. Rasmussen emphasized that partisan divides are unlikely to change, as people tend to maintain their established beliefs.