It’s campaign gospel by now that Donald Trump has tapped into the unhappy underbelly of the American electorate, offering people previously disinterested or dissatisfied in the political system the promise that he’ll burn it to hell.
But while Trump’s supporters perhaps get the most attention, they certainly aren’t the only ones looking for great change. A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows just how widespread the discontent could be.
The survey shows the majority of registered voters believe, to some degree, that the country has “lost its identity” and that their values and beliefs are “under attack.” Those feelings are stronger among Republicans and Republican-leaning voters than among those on the Democratic spectrum—a predictable find in this divisive election year, which comes eight years into President Obama’s tenure. Trump’s backers feel the threat keenest of all: 85 percent strongly or somewhat agree that America has strayed, while 91 percent strongly or somewhat agree their guiding tenets are being targeted. (Quinnipiac surveyors polled more than 1,400 registered voters, with a margin of error of 2.6 percentage points.)
Of course, presidential years move fast. In the time between when the poll was conducted (March 16 to 21) and released (today), several big events have shaped the race: the Brussels bombings on March 22; primaries in Arizona, Utah, and elsewhere; and Trump’s recent stumbling on abortion and foreign policy. Though the poll doesn’t show how voters feel right this moment, it’s nevertheless an interesting snapshot of a singularly unusual election season. The data can also inform larger election trends—as in, is 2016 an anomaly or the new normal?