Survey: 7 Percent Of Voters Have Ended A Friendship Over Presidential Election
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – With just 35 days to go until Election Day, it's not hard to find people debating about the presidential race.
According to a survey from Monmouth University, some of the debates may have gotten too serious and maybe even a little below the belt.
The poll also finds that 7 percent of voters report having lost or ended a friendship because of this year's presidential race. Nine percent of Hillary Clinton supporters say they have lost a friend because of the election. Six percent of Donald Trump supporters said the same.
Monmouth noted that seven percent of voters in previous political campaigns have also ended friendships.
Researchers found that 70 percent of American voters say that this year's campaign has brought out the worst in people. Just four percent say it has brought out the best.
Monmouth says nearly half of Trump supporters -- 47 percent -- say that the campaign's harsh language is justified, compared to 17 percent of Clinton voters.
"Half of Trump supporters seem to be saying let the expletives fly, but many voters blame both sides equally for the negative tone of this year's campaign," says Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute.
Despite the verbal grenades being thrown on TV and social media, Monmouth University says the overwhelming sentiment about the nation's politics is one of disappointment rather than rage.
