Public Says All Share Blame for Outbreak of Political Threats, Vandalism

Americans spread the blame among Democrats, conservative commentators and harsh rhetoric from Republican leaders for the outbreak of threats, abusive phone calls and vandalism that occurred after passage of the health care reform legislation, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll conducted March 26-28.

Forty-nine percent said controversial political maneuvers by Democratic leaders to win passage of the measure was the major reason for the angry fallout, while 25 percent said this was a minor reason and 22 percent said these were not a factor at all.

Forty-six percent pointed the finger at harsh criticism of the health care measure from conservative commentators on radio and television, while 26 percent considered this a minor reason and 23 percent said it was not a cause.

Forty-three percent said harsh criticism of the measure from Republican leaders was a major cause, while 29 percent said it was a minor cause and 23 percent said it was not a reason at all.

Democrats were recipients of many of the threats. A propane line was cut at the Charlottesville, Va., home of the brother of Democratic Rep. Tom Perriello after Tea Party activists published his address following the health care vote. There was also a death threat against Republican Rep. Eric Cantor, the minority whip, which resulted in an arrest.



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