The Real Threat to the Midterms Is Regular Americans Thinking Violence Is the Answer

Robert A. Pape, the author of "Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism," warns that regular Americans pose the greatest threat to the upcoming midterms. Contrary to popular belief, those charged with crimes following the attack on the Capitol were not just fringe extremists, but a diverse group of middle-class Americans from various professions, including business owners and college-educated individuals.

Pape's analysis reveals that 90% of those arrested for crimes stemming from the Capitol attack had no connection to militias or militant organizations. Instead, the majority were professionals such as doctors, engineers, CEOs, and government employees. Nearly 40% held white-collar jobs, while only 8% were unemployed. This finding challenges the notion that political violence is confined to fringe groups and emphasizes the need to recognize the mainstream population as a potential source of danger.

Pape's book highlights the growing trend of violent populism, where a substantial segment of the public increasingly accepts physical force as a legitimate means to gain, preserve, or defend political power. This dangerous political climate is fueled by cultural clashes over American identity and citizenship, as well as rhetoric that frames politics as an existential struggle between enemies.

As we approach the midterms, the stakes have never been higher, as political violence poses a direct threat to the nation's foundational institutions and peaceful transitions of power.