Poll: Palin More Popular than McCain, Obama
The latest Rasmussen Reports poll shows that Democrats have good reason to fear Sarah Palin, John McCain’s running mate: she is more popular right now than either Barack Obama or John McCain.
Her speech in which she accepted the vice presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention was seen by more than 40 million people. Shortly after it, 58% of Americans told Rasmussen they have a favorable opinion of the Alaska Governor.
Only 37% said they ‘hold an unfavorable view of the self-described hockey mom.’
As Rasmussen points out in its article, the 58% number includes ‘40% with a Very Favorable opinion’ while the 37% figure includes ‘18% with a Very Unfavorable view.’
Shortly before her speech, Palin was viewed positively by 52%, clearly showing that her speech was well received.
If one wonders how Barack Obama’s choice for running mate is fairing, well, one only has to look at Joe Biden’s favorability ratings; only 48% of Americans hold a favorable opinion of him.
What makes the news about Palin’s ratings even better is that Independents hold her in high regard; ‘59% of voters not affiliated with either major party’ like Palin a lot.
The number is brought down by Democratic voters; 33% of them hold her in high esteem.
Interestingly enough, Palin is especially popular among men. 65% of men think positively about her, against only 52% of women. That is still a significant amount, though, especially considering the fact that women tend to vote Democratic, not Republican.
She is also helping John McCain improve his numbers: ‘A week ago, just before he introduced his running mate, just 42% of Republicans had a Very Favorable opinion of their party’s nominee. That figure jumped to 54% by this Friday morning. Among unaffiliated voters, favorable opinions of McCain have increased by eleven percentage points in a week—from 54% before the Palin announcement to 65% today.’
On a sidenote, it seems that Rasmussen forgot that Palin is not running for president, but for vice president. They seemingly asked people whether who they think is “more ready” for the presidency, Obama or Palin. Such a question is quite irrelevant; Palin and Obama are running for an entirely different office altogether. Surprisingly enough, though, Palin is doing fairly well in this regard too; ‘Forty-four percent (44%) of voters say Palin has the better experience while 48% say Obama has the edge. Among unaffiliated voters, 45% say Obama has better experience while 42% say Palin.’
Bloggers’ reactions:
The Opinionater: “OK, Palin Arrived. What now?”
NRO’s the Corner: “Just one poll, but a fun one after the week she has had.”
Taylor Marsh: “Palin is the biggest political story in several general election cycles. Anyone thinking she isn’t is dreaming. Anyone hoping to change the subject to Bush is dreaming, too. Just look at the ratings, both in viewership and approval…”
No Quarter USA: “Sarah Palin’s meteoric rise — in the unbelievably short period of one week — has improved the mood and riveted the attention of voters in this presidential race.”
American Power: “the early left-wing dismissals of McCain’s judgment are badly off the mark.”
I do’nt understand what is fuss about Palin, and why the double standared republicans are dismissing the fact that this public figure has a pregnant teen.I feel like if you can’ do a better job parenting, how in gods name do you think you are capable of running a country thats way out of control , like your daghter ? a democrat , looking for answers in Greensboro N.C
Parents everywhere know that children of good parents make mistakes in judgment, and it doesn’t mean the parents haven’t done a good job.
The same American public also appreciates that her daughter is going to marry the father, rather than abort the baby or selfishly raise it as a single mom.
There’s your answer. You’re welcome.
I think that we less fortnate folks need to wait up ,and face reality. We have listen to the republicans telling us how the are going to fix this country. To me it seem like there’re only interested in fixing every other country but the good old USA.
This just goes to show ya that more Americans are becoming extremists these days. I don’t need someone else’s religious beliefs shoved down my throat. And you can bet if McCain gets elected and possibly croaks before his first term is up, you can be sure this country is doomed with her in office. Wake up people!
Can somebody please tell me why Palin’s Down Syndrome Baby is more important to her suitability as vice-president than the fact that she passed an oil windfall profits tax in Alaska erilly similar to the one Barack Obama has suggested? It seems the conservatives have mystically prostrated themselves before a woman they do not know because they are desparate for a sign that their agenda is still relevant to a majority of Americans. Whatever you may say about Barack Obama’s silver tongue, at least he has talked about in his speeches what he would do as president. I saw John McCain’s speech last night. There was an ideological barrier that flew up on every serious domestic issue he talked about. As far as I am concerned, Sarah Palin is to the Republican Party what waterskis were to Happy Days.
Heh. I’m guessing some of that 65% isn’t based solely on the issues.
oprah openly supports obama, but then says she doesn’t want to get her show involved in politics by interviewing palin.Is she kidding us? The show is called "OPRAH". She has already involved the "show" in politics.
The left is crying and screaming that Sarah Palin is an unknown quantity and that she must give interviews. At the same time, one of the shows with the largest audiences (Oprah) refuses to interview her.
No hypocrisy there!
McCain/Palin 2008!