I’m no polling methods expert, but something about automated telephone polls strikes me as strange. Such as this question and method of response:
Do you think that Barack Obama loves America?
If yes, press 1. If no, press 2. If you’re not sure, press 3.
The responses to this question in a Public Policy Polling poll were as follows:
Yes ……………………………………………………….. 59%
No…………………………………………………………. 26%
Not Sure …………………………………………………. 14%
It is quite startling that 40% of the population either thinks Obama does not love his country or is not sure. That would seem to form a pretty solid anti-Obama base. Based on ethnic/racial background, the totals were 36% for Hispanics, 47% for Whites, and 8% for Blacks. The Hispanic number is surprisingly high.
By political party, the numbers were 13% for Democrats, 73% for Republicans, and 45% for Independents. The Independent number also is surprisingly high.
Needless to say, the results are being spun as evidence that Republicans are birthers:
“It was the first time we asked that question,” PPP’s Tom Jensen told TPMDC. “But it’s very similar to the birther numbers we’ve seen before.” “It’s just more confirmation that Obama’s opponents will say anything,” he added.
It is unfortunate that the pollster is the one doing the spinning. Because this spin ignores the relatively high percentages of Hispanics and Independents who either believe Obama does not love America or are unsure.
Obama has not convinced almost one-half of Independents, and over one-third of the key Hispanic demographic group, that Obama loves America. And Whites are evenly split.
I’d love to see similar polling for other political figures. I have a hard time believing that similar numbers applied to any recent American President.
If these numbers as to whether Obama loves America reflect the actual views of the voting population, Obama and the Democrats are in bigger trouble politically than anyone imagines.
UPDATE: Rasmussen‘s latest Daily Tracking Poll shows that 27% of likely voters strongly approve of Obama’s job performance, but 40% strongly disapprove. Interesting, the 40% strong disapproval number matches the 40% in the PPP poll who do not think Obama loves America or are unsure.
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