Is Democracy Dying? Shocking Poll Reveals Americans' Deepest Fears

Democracy Under Threat: Americans Voice Concerns, Mamdani's Victory, and More

The current political climate in the United States is generating significant unease among citizens, with a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll revealing a concerning trend. A substantial 76% of Americans believe that democracy is facing a serious threat. This sentiment cuts across party lines, highlighting a shared apprehension about the nation's trajectory.

Here's a breakdown of the poll's key findings:

• Democrats: 89% feel democracy is under threat.
• Independents: 80% share this concern.
• Republicans: 57% also acknowledge the threat.

Beyond the overarching concern for democracy, a significant majority, 73%, view politically motivated violence as a major issue. This underscores the heightened tensions and divisions prevalent in contemporary American society.

NPR's Domenico Montanaro points out that confidence in political leadership is low across the board. While Trump's job approval sits at 43%, Democrats face an uphill battle. Currently, only 44% of Democrats approve of their party's approach in Congress, compared to a much higher 73% of Republicans who approve of their party. Montanaro emphasizes that Democrats have a lot of work to do if they want to take back the House next year.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are pushing to pass Trump's tax and spending bill, facing opposition from Democrats and internal divisions. The fight centers on extending tax cuts, a provision that would cost trillions. This sweeping bill will have far-reaching effects, impacting everything from the child tax credit to defense and immigration enforcement.

In other news, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is officially shutting down and merging its remaining operations with the State Department. A new study in The Lancet estimates that USAID saved over 90 million lives in the past two decades. The administration's decision to dismantle USAID has been met with criticism, with concerns about the impact on global health initiatives. Agency staff have expressed their sadness at the closure, emphasizing the significant consequences for thousands of programs in low-income countries. The study projects that the cuts could result in 14 million preventable deaths by 2030.

Zohran Mamdani's Victory in New York City

Amidst the national political discourse, a local victory offers a glimmer of hope and change. Zohran Mamdani, despite facing resistance and misrepresentation during his mayoral campaign in New York City, has emerged as the presumptive Democratic candidate.

Mamdani, who focused his campaign on affordability, encountered unfounded accusations and attempts to distort his identity. However, New Yorkers largely rejected these attacks, leading to his primary win. Morning Edition host Leila Fadel interviewed Mamdani to discuss the significance of his victory and his plans for implementing his policies as mayor.

Living Better: Navigating Cancer and Offering Support

Shifting gears, let's address a sensitive but crucial topic: supporting loved ones battling cancer. NPR's "Living Better" series highlights the challenges faced by cancer patients, including the phenomenon of "cancer ghosting," where people disappear due to uncertainty about how to respond.

Here's some advice for offering support:

• Be Present: Connection and presence are important, even if you don't know what to say.
• Acknowledge Tension: If it feels awkward, acknowledge the tension and ask if the patient wants to talk about it.
• Listen: Allow them space to vent without offering unsolicited advice or sharing your own stories.
• Offer Continued Support: Remember to honor how cancer has left its mark, even after treatment ends.

Other Headlines:

• British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan is under investigation in the U.K. after its lead singer led chants against the Israeli military during a set at Glastonbury.
• The WNBA is expanding to a record of 18 teams by adding three new franchises: Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia.
• France has issued a restrictive outdoor smoking ban, including at public parks, swimming pools, beaches, or anywhere children may be present.

In conclusion, the current landscape presents a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. While concerns about democracy and political polarization are valid and require attention, individual victories and acts of support remind us of the power of resilience, community, and empathy. It is through continued engagement, open dialogue, and a commitment to positive change that we can navigate these turbulent times and build a stronger, more inclusive future.

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/01/g-s1-75378/up-first-newsletter-megabill-senate-democracy-poll-usaid-zohran-mamdani