Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-Kent.) rhetoric that the federal government should not violate civil liberties is in step with the opinion of a majority of Americans.
Gallup reported on Wednesday that Americans favor liberty over security. A majority of Americans, 65 percent, say the government should not violate civil liberties when it takes steps to prevent terrorism. Thirty percent support any steps to prevent terrorism, even if those measures violate liberties.
These numbers have been consistent for over a decade. The only time when the shares were close together was in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Republicans and Democrats hold a similar opinions on the issue. Sixty-six percent of Republicans and right-leaning voters believe civil liberties should be favored, while 64 percent of Democrats and left-leaning voters agree.
However since the re-election of President Obama, the share of Democrats supporting more government intervention at the cost of civil liberties has increased by about 8 percent, a significant gain in the history of the Gallup poll.
Despite Americans’ overall agreement with Paul on civil liberties, they do not agree that the NSA’s bulk collection of phone data violates their privacy.
Only 41 percent of Americans believe current measures used to curb terrorism have circumvented their civil liberties. The only demographic to agree with Paul are men: A plurality — 49 percent — currently “Stand with Rand” on the NSA.
