A recent poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports reveals that a significant portion of Democratic voters continues to believe in the debunked narrative of collusion between Donald Trump’s campaign and the Russian government during the 2016 election. The findings, based on a survey of 1,014 likely voters conducted from July 6-7, 2023, indicate that 60% of Democratic voters maintain this belief, highlighting a persistent divide in perceptions surrounding the issue.
The data shows an even sharper contrast among liberal voters, with 69% asserting that collusion occurred, compared to just 27% of conservatives and 45% of moderates. Among the general electorate, more respondents believe it is unlikely that such collusion took place, with 49% expressing skepticism and 42% still viewing it as a possibility.
Generational Divide and Media Influence
The poll also reveals a notable generational divide in beliefs about Russian interference. Among younger voters aged 18-29, 56% believe that Trump-Russia collusion was likely, while only 35% think it was unlikely. This trend appears consistent among individuals aged 40-49, whereas voters aged 50-64 show a marked shift, with only 31% believing in the collusion narrative and 60% rejecting it.
The persistence of these beliefs may be influenced by the media consumption habits of Democratic voters, with outlets such as the New York Times and MSNBC being cited as significant sources of information. Critics argue that these platforms have perpetuated the narrative, especially through commentary from discredited figures like former CIA Director John Brennan and former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissman.
Public Reaction to Intelligence Manipulation
The poll also addressed findings from a recent CIA review, which concluded that officials in the Obama administration, including Brennan, “manipulated intelligence” regarding Russia to undermine Trump. In response, 49% of voters agreed with the review’s conclusions, while 35% disagreed. Furthermore, a strong majority of 57% of respondents expressed the belief that officials involved in this manipulation should face criminal prosecution, with 26% opposing such measures and 17% unsure.
Additionally, the poll indicates that 53% of voters consider the actions of the intelligence community against Trump to be a greater scandal than Watergate. Only 38% disagreed, while 9% remained uncertain.
The findings suggest that the narrative surrounding the Russia collusion continues to resonate with many voters, despite numerous investigations and reports debunking it. As Miranda Devine noted, the enduring belief in this narrative exemplifies the adage that “a lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth has got its boots on.”
