Two-thirds say tone in politics is getting worse

A majority of Americans think the tone of the country’s politics is getting worse, according to a new CBS News poll released Tuesday.

Sixty-eight percent of Americans say the tone in politics is getting worse, while only 7 percent say its improving. Twenty-four percent say the tone is staying the same.

The results of the survey come just days after House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and four others were wounded when a gunman opened fire on congressional Republicans practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game.

{mosads}Overall, 73 percent said the tone of politics is encouraging violence, with 68 percent of Republicans and 85 percent of Democrats each thinking this. Sixty-eight percent of independents also think the current political tone is encouraging violence. 

The poll also suggests that Americans consider individuals with opposing viewpoints as people they disagree with as opposed to a threat to their way of life. A majority (more than 70 percent) on both sides of the aisle view the opposing party as people they disagree with rather than a threat.

The survey was conducted from June 15 to 18 by phone, polling 1,117 adults across the country. It has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.