A recent poll conducted by Rasmussen indicates that a significant number of Democratic voters continue to believe in the discredited narrative of Russia collusion during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. According to the survey, which sampled 1,014 likely voters between July 6 and July 7, 2023, approximately 60% of Democratic respondents maintain that the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government. This belief persists despite numerous investigations and findings that have debunked the claims.
The poll reveals stark differences in belief across the political spectrum. Among liberal voters, 69% still endorse the idea of collusion, compared to 27% of conservatives and 45% of moderates. In a broader context, more voters overall find the collusion unlikely (49%), while 42% consider it likely.
The ongoing belief in the collusion claims may be influenced by the media outlets preferred by liberal audiences, such as the New York Times and MSNBC. These platforms continue to feature figures like former CIA Director John Brennan and former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissman, who have been vocal critics of Trump and are often accused of perpetuating the narrative of collusion.
Young voters appear particularly susceptible to this belief, with 56% of individuals aged 18 to 29 asserting that collusion was likely. In contrast, only 31% of those aged 50 to 64 share this view, with 60% rejecting it. The data suggests that age plays a significant role in shaping opinions about the collusion narrative.
Further complicating the issue, a recent CIA review has suggested that officials in the Obama administration, including Brennan, “manipulated intelligence” to undermine Trump. The Rasmussen poll found that 49% of voters agreed with these findings, while 35% disagreed. Notably, 57% of respondents believe that those involved in intelligence manipulation should face criminal prosecution, while 26% oppose such measures.
The sentiment surrounding this issue extends to comparisons with historical scandals. A majority of voters, at 53%, contend that the actions of the intelligence community against Trump represent a scandal of greater magnitude than Watergate. Only 38% disagreed, with 9% uncertain.
The enduring belief in the Russia collusion narrative underscores the challenge of reconciling public opinion with established facts. As noted, “A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth has got its boots on,” a statement that resonates with the current political landscape and highlights the importance of critical media consumption.