**Democrats: The Unquestioned Party of Political Violence**
The rise in political violence in recent years can be traced back to several underlying issues, many of which began in higher education. Universities have, in some cases, downplayed or soft-pedaled left-wing political violence to the extent that individuals who support groups like Hamas or who have themselves been involved in domestic terrorism have found positions of influence within these institutions. Over the decades, such individuals have gained increasing power in shaping the perspectives of impressionable college students, promoting increasingly radical left-wing ideologies.
This trend reached a pivotal moment in 2016, when it became evident that many young voters were being drawn to the extreme political ideas of Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist who frequently emphasizes the need for “revolution,” quickly became highly popular among young Democratic voters. As those voters have grown older, the Democratic Party has increasingly modeled itself after Sanders’ more radical viewpoints, exemplified by the rise of figures like New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani won overwhelmingly among voters under 45 and even outperformed former Governor Andrew Cuomo among voters under 30.
These younger voters have developed their political beliefs in an environment saturated with violent and extreme rhetoric. They have been taught to view Republicans as fascists and existential threats to democracy, with claims that GOP policies could lead to death across the country. Such rhetoric contributed to a tragic incident in which a Sanders supporter attempted to murder congressional Republicans during a Congressional Baseball Game practice. This extreme discourse also persists despite assassination attempts directed at prominent figures such as President Donald Trump (twice), Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and the late activist Charlie Kirk, among others.
**Jay Jones: A Figure of Concern for Parents**
The summer of 2020 further showcased how many young voters perceive political violence as something to be celebrated and defended, particularly during the Black Lives Matter protests. Numerous elected Democrats either remained silent or openly defended rioters who burned buildings and looted businesses, framing these actions as legitimate struggles against oppression. This narrative has reinforced the notion that political opponents are dangerous and that violence is a justified form of political expression—views perpetuated both on college campuses and in political discourse.
As a result, the political climate continues to grow increasingly toxic and violent, fueled by the rise of radical politicians like New York’s new mayor. This represents a long-term cultural shift in a troubling direction, one that is likely to worsen as aggressive rhetoric escalates and the tolerance for political violence grows.
The pathway forward requires a critical reassessment of how political discourse is conducted and how institutions influence the next generation. Without change, the cycle of radicalization and violence risks deepening, threatening the fabric of democracy itself.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/magazine-your-land/3876824/young-voters-growing-more-tolerant-political-violence/
