A new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds a quarter overall of respondents – and 52% of Republicans surveyed – believe the Capitol rioters were “protecting democracy” when they rampaged into the building to try to hang Mike Pence. 71% of Republicans believe Trump won the 2020 election.
A CBS News/YouGov poll also published Sunday finds that 56% of Republican respondents said the Capitol rioters were “defending freedom” and 47% also described it as “patriotism” (multiple, non-exclusive selections). When asked “Most of those who forced their way into the Capitol on January 6th were…?” 9% answered “Typical of Trump Supporters”, 50% “Trump supporters, but not typical”, and 41% said they were “Left-leaning groups”, and we have to believe at least a few of these assholes answered the rioters “defending freedom” AND from “left-leaning groups”.