Trump Claims Left is a 'Threat to Democracy,' Voters React with Mixed Emotions

A Fox News Digital focus group of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents used dials to react live to former President Trump's comments during the 2024 presidential debate against Kamala Harris, saying that he "took a bullet to the head" because of leftist rhetoric.

Former President Donald Trump sparked a range of reactions from voters during the 2024 presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris when he claimed that he "took a bullet to the head" from leftist rhetoric. A Fox News Digital focus group of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents used dials to gauge their reactions in real-time.

Trump initially drew muted responses from the focus group when he asserted that Harris and the Democrats had "weaponized" the Department of Justice, not him. Democrats showed a slight uptick in reaction to this claim.

Trump Claims Left is a 'Threat to Democracy,' Voters React with Mixed Emotions

However, when Trump stated that the left was "a threat to Democracy" while he considered himself a "threat to Democracy," Republican respondents responded most favorably. The red line representing their responses shot up.

Independents remained unresponsive to Trump's comments about being a threat to democracy, while Democrats showed a slight dip downwards.

Trump Claims Left is a 'Threat to Democracy,' Voters React with Mixed Emotions

Trump's remarks come in the wake of a narrowly averted assassination attempt against him during an outdoor rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024. A gunman fired at him from a rooftop, striking his ear as he stood at the podium. Secret Service agents quickly neutralized the assailant.

Trump continued to attack the "fake 'Russia, Russia, Russia,'" investigation despite it reaching no concrete conclusions. He was cut off by ABC News moderator David Muir. The debate concluded without significant further incidents.

Trump Claims Left is a 'Threat to Democracy,' Voters React with Mixed Emotions

The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by the Secret Service. His motives remain unknown.

The focus group was not asked about their reactions to Trump's reference to the assassination attempt during the debate.

The Fox News Digital focus group revealed a range of voter sentiments towards Trump's comments, highlighting both support and reservations within his base. Independent voters remained largely unmoved, while Democrats expressed some disapproval.