Poll Watch: Gallup Survey on Acceptance of Presidential Candidates

Gallup Poll on Acceptance of Presidential Candidates

Between now and the 2012 political conventions, there will be discussion about the qualifications of presidential candidates -- their education, age, religion, race, and so on. If your party nominated a generally well-qualified person for president who happened to be ________________ , would you vote for that person?

BLACK

• Yes, would 96%
• No, would not 4%

A WOMAN

• Yes, would 95%
• No, would not 5%

CATHOLIC

• Yes, would 94%
• No, would not 5%

HISPANIC

• Yes, would 92%
• No, would not 7%

JEWISH

• Yes, would 91%
• No, would not 6%

MORMON

• Yes, would 80%
• No, would not 18%

GAY or LESBIAN

• Yes, would 68%
• No, would not 30%

MUSLIM

• Yes, would 58%
• No, would not 40%

AN ATHEIST

• Yes, would 54%
• No, would not 43%

National survey of 1,004 adults was conducted June 7-10, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 4 percentage points.

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Poll Watch: Rasmussen (R) Survey on the Islamic World

Rasmussen (R) Poll on the Muslim World

Following last year’s so-called Arab spring, new governments are being established in nations such as Egypt, Libya and Tunisia. How likely is it that these new governments will become allies of the United States?

• Very likely 7%
• Somewhat likely 34%
• Not too likely 32%
• Not at all likely 13%

Over the next few years, how likely is it that these countries will become free, democratic and peaceful?

• Very likely 3%
• Somewhat likely 24%
• Not too likely 46%
• Not at all likely 16%

Survey of 1,000 likely voters was conducted May 10-11, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.

Inside the numbers:

Seventy-three percent (73%) of Republicans and 68% of voters not affiliated with either major political party feel it’s unlikely the Arab Spring nations will become free, democratic and peaceful over the next few years. Democrats are more closely divided: 40% say it’s likely, while 48% believe it’s unlikely.

However, most Democrats (58%) think these nations will become allies of the United States in the near future, a view shared by just 28% of GOP voters and 35% of unaffiliateds.

Voters with an immediate family member in the military are slightly less optimistic than those without someone in uniform to believe these counties will transform into democracies and become U.S. allies.

Poll Watch: Rasmussen (R) Survey on Muslims

Rasmussen (R) Survey on Muslims

Do most Muslims around the world view the United States as an enemy?

• Yes 39%
• No 35%
• Not sure 27%

Note: Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Republicans think most Muslims around the world view the United States as an enemy, but just 20% of Democrats and 36% of voters not affiliated with either of the major parties agree.

Do most Americans view Muslims worldwide as an enemy?

• Yes 35%
• No 43%
• Not sure 21%

Note: GOP voters are evenly divided over whether most Americans view Muslims worldwide as an enemy. Pluralities of Democrats (47%) and unaffiliated voters (42%) don’t think that’s the case.

Do most Muslims around the world view Christians as an enemy?

• Yes 41%
• No 35%
• Not sure 24%

Do most Muslims around the world believe in freedom of religion?

• Yes 19%
• No 51%
• Not sure 29%

Do most Muslims around the world believe in the separation of Church and State?

• Yes 10%
• No 51%
• Not sure 39%

National survey of 1,000 likely voters was conducted May 4-5, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.

Inside the numbers:

Voters under 40 see Americans as more hostile toward Muslims than they are toward us. Older voters have the opposite perception, that Muslims are more likely to be hostile to America.

Still, just 17% of all voters think most Muslims in America are treated unfairly because of their religion and ethnicity. But 57% don’t think American Muslims are speaking out enough against potential terrorist attacks in the United States.

Forty-six percent (46%) of those with an immediate family member currently in the military believe that most Muslims view the United States as an enemy, compared to 37% of those without a family member in uniform. There’s little or no difference between the two over American attitudes toward Muslims.

Sixty-two percent (62%) of Americans agree with that “maintaining clear boundaries between religion and government only serves to strengthen both.”

Poll Watch: Quinnipiac New Jersey Survey on Governor Chris Christie

Quinnipiac New Jersey Survey on Governor Chris Christie

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Chris Christie is handling his job as Governor?

• Approve 59% [55%] (53%) {56%} [58%] (47%) {44%} [47%] (52%) {51%} [51%] (44%)
• Disapprove 36% [38%] (39%) {38%} [38%] (46%) {47%} [46%] (40%) {38%} [36%] (43%)

Among Republicans

• Approve 92% [86%] (87%) {90%} [88%] (84%) {76%} [80%] (82%) {79%} [75%] (75%)
• Disapprove 6% [11%] (9%) {8%} [11%] (12%) {15%} [16%] (11%) {12%} [13%] (14%)

Among Independents

• Approve 64% [59%] (54%) {62%} [65%] (53%) {47%} [55%] (55%) {56%} [61%] (50%)
• Disapprove 32% [36%] (37%) {31%} [30%] (39%) {44%} [36%] (36%) {32%} [29%] (40%)

Among Democrats

• Approve 30% [27%] (25%) {28%} [29%] (17%) {17%} [17%] (27%) {22%} [24%] (18%)
• Disapprove 64% [61%] (64%) {66%} [67%] (76%) {75%} [75%] (66%) {68%} [63%] (67%)

Among Men

• Approve 67% [62%] (60%) {60%} [65%] (58%) {53%} [56%] (58%) {58%} [63%] (53%)
• Disapprove 30% [32%] (34%) {35%} [32%] (36%) {39%} [38%] (35%) {31%} [27%] (36%)

Among Women

• Approve 52% [49%] (47%) {52%} [51%] (37%) {36%} [38%] (46%) {45%} [40%] (36%)
• Disapprove 42% [44%] (43%) {42%} [44%] (55%) {54%} [53%] (44%) {45%} [44%] (50%)

Regardless of how you feel about Chris Christie's policies, would you say you like or don't like Chris Christie as a person?

• Like 59% [56%] (55%) {55%} [59%] (50%) {49%}
• Don't like 31% [32%] (32%) {32%} [26%] (35%) {33%}

And regardless of how you feel about Chris Christie as a person, would you say you like or don't like most of Chris Christie's policies?

• Like 55% [54%] (52%) {54%} [54%] (48%) {45%}
• Don't like 39% [42%] (44%) {40%} [42%] (47%) {49%}

Would you describe Governor Christie as being more of a bully, or more of a leader?

• Leader 54%
• Bully 39%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Chris Christie is handling the state budget?

• Approve 58% [55%] (52%) {54%} (50%) {47%}
  
• Disapprove 35% [38%] (42%) {39%} (46%) {48%}

Among Republicans

• Approve 89% [85%] (84%)
• Disapprove 8% [12%] (12%)

Among Independents

• Approve 61% [62%] (58%)
• Disapprove 32% [32%] (38%)

Among Democrats

• Approve 30% [26%] (21%)
• Disapprove 61% [64%] (71%)

Do you support or oppose Governor Christie's proposal for a 10 percent across-the-board income tax cut?

• Support 54% [56%]
• Oppose 32% [33%]

Among Republicans

• Support 79% [83%]
• Oppose 12% [11%]

Among Independents

• Support 57% [54%]
• Oppose 32% [34%]

Among Democrats

• Support 33% [38%]
• Oppose 50% [51%]

Among Men

• Support 59% [61%]
• Oppose 32% [33%]

Among Women

• Support 50% [52%]
• Oppose 33% [33%]

Governor Christie has said that he will not support a millionaires tax because he does not want to raise taxes on anyone in New Jersey. Do you agree or disagree with Christie's position?

• Agree 50%
• Disagree 47%

Among Republicans

• Agree 81%
• Disagree 18%

Among Independents

• Agree 46%
• Disagree 50%

Among Democrats

• Agree 26%
• Disagree 69%

Among Men

• Agree 52%
• Disagree 45%

Among Women

• Agree 47%
• Disagree 48%

Do you think the New York City Police Department has unfairly targeted Muslims to combat terrorism or has acted appropriately?

• Acted appropriately 62%
• Unfairly targeted Muslims 18%

As you may know, in an effort to combat terrorism, the New York City Police Department has gathered information on Muslim organizations and individuals in New Jersey since 9/11. Do you think the New York City Police Department has crossed the line by gathering information on Muslims in New Jersey or are they doing what is necessary to combat terrorism?

• Doing what is necessary 70%
• Crossed the line 21%

Recently Governor Christie has criticized New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly for the way that the New York City Police Department has conducted information gathering on Muslims in New Jersey. In general, do you agree or disagree with Chris Christie's criticism of Ray Kelly?

• Agree 32%
• Disagree 56%

Governor Christie has criticized the New York Police Department for what he says was less than full coordination and disclosure with New Jersey officials. Do you think that the New York City Police Department adequately informed New Jersey officials of their activities in New Jersey or not?

• Yes/Informed 23%
• No/Not 46%

Survey of 1,607 registered voters was conducted April 3-9, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 2.4 percentage points.  Results from the poll conducted February 21-27, 2012 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted January 10-16, 2012 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted November 9-14, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted October 5-10, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted August 9-15, 2011 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted June 14-19, 2011 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted April 12-18, 2011 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted February 3-7, 2011 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted November 3-8, 2010 are in curly brackets.  Results from the poll conducted August 9-17, 2010 are in square brackets.  Results from the poll conducted June 10-15, 2010 are in parentheses.

Poll Watch: Rutgers-Eagleton New Jersey Survey on the NYPD and the Monitoring of Muslim Groups

Rutgers-Eagleton New Jersey Survey on the NYPD and the Monitoring of Muslim Groups

Recently, it was reported that the New York City Police Department was secretly monitoring Muslim groups within New Jersey. How much have you heard about this story? Is it a lot, a little, or nothing at all?

• A lot 41%
• A little 38%
• Nothing at all 21%

Some say the NYPD's actions are a violation of civil liberties, while others say that the monitoring is necessary to protect our country. What about you? Do you believe the actions of the NYPD are a violation of civil liberties or are they necessary to protect our country?

• Necessary action 50%
• Violation of civil liberties 29%

Among Independents

• Necessary action 48%
• Violation of civil liberties 26%

Among Democrats

• Violation of civil liberties 47%
• Necessary action 32%

Among Republicans

• Necessary action 70%
• Violation of civil liberties 15%

Among Moderates

• Necessary action 51%
• Violation of civil liberties 28%

Among Liberals

• Violation of civil liberties 51%
• Necessary action 30%

Among Conservatives

• Necessary action 64%
• Violation of civil liberties 13%

Heard A Lot About This Story

• Necessary action 54%
• Violation of civil liberties 30%

How effective do you think secret monitoring of groups is in protecting us from terrorist threats? Is it very effective, somewhat effective, not very effective, or not at all effective?

• Very effective 26%
• Somewhat effective 50%
• Not very effective 11%
• Not at all effective 6%

Among Independents

• Very effective 22%
• Somewhat effective 50%
• Not very effective 13%
• Not at all effective 6%

Among Democrats

• Very effective 19%
• Somewhat effective 56%
• Not very effective 14%
• Not at all effective 6%

Among Republicans

• Very effective 37%
• Somewhat effective 47%
• Not very effective 7%
• Not at all effective 1%

Survey of 518 registered voters was conducted March 21-27, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 4.3 percentage points. Party ID: 40% Independent; 39% Democrat; 21% Republican.

Poll Watch: Quinnipiac New Jersey Political Survey

Quinnipiac New Jersey Political Survey

Do you approve or disapprove of Governor Christie's nomination of Sohail Mohammed to be a New Jersey Superior Court judge?

• Approve 20%
• Disapprove 14%

Among Democrats

• Approve 22%
• Disapprove 12%

Among Republicans

• Approve 16%
• Disapprove 16%

Among Independents

• Approve 23%
• Disapprove 13%

Do you think the fact that Sohail Mohammed is a Muslim will have a positive effect on his job performance as a judge, a negative effect on his job performance as a judge, or won't it affect his job performance as a judge?

• Positive effect 4%
• Negative effect 15%
• Won't affect performance 65%

Among Democrats

• Positive effect 6%
• Negative effect 10%
• Won't affect performance 70%

Among Republicans

• Positive effect 2%
• Negative effect 26%
• Won't affect performance 53%

Among Independents

• Positive effect 3%
• Negative effect 12%
• Won't affect performance 70%

Do you think the fact that a person is a Muslim should keep them from serving as a judge in New Jersey or don't you think so?

• Yes 8%
• No 85%

Among Democrats

• Yes 5%
• No 90%

Among Republicans

• Yes 14%
• No 79%

Among Independents

• Yes 7%
• No 87%

Who do you think are more likely to have sex scandals - male elected officials or female elected officials or is there not much difference between them?

• Male officials 80%
• Female officials 1%
• Not much difference 17%

Survey of 1,624 registered voters was conducted August 9-15, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 2.4 percentage points.

The Last Word: Chris Christie Earns First Ever Standing Ovation from Lawrence O'Donnell for Criticizing Sharia Law 'Crap'

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Poll Watch: Quinnipiac 2012 Presidential Survey

Quinnipiac 2012 Presidential Survey

• Barack Obama 47% (44%)
• Mitt Romney 41% (45%)

• Barack Obama 48%
• Tim Pawlenty 36%

• Barack Obama 48%
• Jon Huntsman 34%

• Barack Obama 53% (48%)
• Sarah Palin 36% (40%)

Among Independents

• Barack Obama 45% (35%)
• Mitt Romney 38% (46%)

• Barack Obama 47%
• Tim Pawlenty 32%

• Barack Obama 45%
• Jon Huntsman 28%

• Barack Obama 56% (44%)
• Sarah Palin 29% (37%)

Among Moderates

• Barack Obama 55% (56%)
• Mitt Romney 31% (32%)

• Barack Obama 58%
• Jon Huntsman 23%

• Barack Obama 59%
• Tim Pawlenty 23%

• Barack Obama 65% (63%)
• Sarah Palin 22% (22%) 

Among Men

• Mitt Romney 45% (51%)
• Barack Obama 43% (40%)

• Barack Obama 46%
• Tim Pawlenty 38%

• Barack Obama 46%
• Jon Huntsman 37%

• Barack Obama 50% (44%)
• Sarah Palin 37% (44%)

Among Women

• Barack Obama 50% (48%)
• Mitt Romney 38% (39%)

• Barack Obama 50%
• Tim Pawlenty 35%

• Barack Obama 50%
• Jon Huntsman 32%

• Barack Obama 55% (52%)
• Sarah Palin 35% (36%)

College Degree

• Barack Obama 51% (51%)
• Mitt Romney 41% (42%)

• Barack Obama 50%
• Jon Huntsman 35%

• Barack Obama 51%
• Tim Pawlenty 36%

• Barack Obama 58% (56%)
• Sarah Palin 32% (33%) 

No College Degree

• Barack Obama 45% (42%)
• Mitt Romney 42% (46%)

• Barack Obama 47%
• Tim Pawlenty 37%

• Barack Obama 50% (46%)
• Sarah Palin 38% (42%)

• Barack Obama 47%
• Jon Huntsman 34%

Looking ahead to the 2012 election for President, do you feel that Barack Obama deserves to be reelected, or do you feel that he does not deserve to be reelected?

• Deserves reelection 46% (43%)
• Does not 48% (49%)

If you honestly assessed yourself, thinking in general about an Evangelical Christian president of the United States, is that something you'd be entirely comfortable with, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable or entirely uncomfortable with?

• Entirely comfortable 43%
• Somewhat comfortable 24%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 14%
• Entirely uncomfortable 12%

Among Democrats

• Entirely comfortable 30%
• Somewhat comfortable 25%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 18%
• Entirely uncomfortable 17%

Among Republicans

• Entirely comfortable 57%
• Somewhat comfortable 24%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 10%
• Entirely uncomfortable 5%

Among Independents

• Entirely comfortable 41%
• Somewhat comfortable 24%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 17%
• Entirely uncomfortable 12%

If you honestly assessed yourself, thinking in general about a Jewish president of the United States, is that something you'd be entirely comfortable with, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable or entirely uncomfortable with?

• Entirely comfortable 55%
• Somewhat comfortable 25%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 9%
• Entirely uncomfortable 6%

Among Democrats

• Entirely comfortable 49%
• Somewhat comfortable 26%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 11%
• Entirely uncomfortable 9%

Among Republicans

• Entirely comfortable 60%
• Somewhat comfortable 24%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 8%
• Entirely uncomfortable 4%

Among Independents

• Entirely comfortable 56%
• Somewhat comfortable 27%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 10%
• Entirely uncomfortable 3%

If you honestly assessed yourself, thinking in general about a Catholic president of the United States, is that something you'd be entirely comfortable with, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable or entirely uncomfortable with?

• Entirely comfortable 60%
• Somewhat comfortable 23%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 8%
• Entirely uncomfortable 5%

Among Democrats

• Entirely comfortable 57%
• Somewhat comfortable 22%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 11%
• Entirely uncomfortable 7%

Among Republicans

• Entirely comfortable 64%
• Somewhat comfortable 25%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 6%
• Entirely uncomfortable 3%

Among Independents

• Entirely comfortable 62%
• Somewhat comfortable 22%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 7%
• Entirely uncomfortable 4%

If you honestly assessed yourself, thinking in general about an atheist president of the United States, is that something you'd be entirely comfortable with, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable or entirely uncomfortable with?

• Entirely comfortable 24%
• Somewhat comfortable 13%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 16%
• Entirely uncomfortable 44%

Among Democrats

• Entirely comfortable 31%
• Somewhat comfortable 12%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 13%
• Entirely uncomfortable 38%

Among Republicans

• Entirely comfortable 12%
• Somewhat comfortable 11%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 18%
• Entirely uncomfortable 57%

Among Independents

• Entirely comfortable 27%
• Somewhat comfortable 16%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 18%
• Entirely uncomfortable 36%

If you honestly assessed yourself, thinking in general about a woman president of the United States, is that something you'd be entirely comfortable with, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable or entirely uncomfortable with?

• Entirely comfortable 68%
• Somewhat comfortable 20%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 6%
• Entirely uncomfortable 4%

Among Democrats

• Entirely comfortable 69%
• Somewhat comfortable 18%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 6%
• Entirely uncomfortable 4%

Among Republicans

• Entirely comfortable 65%
• Somewhat comfortable 23%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 7%
• Entirely uncomfortable 3%

Among Independents

• Entirely comfortable 71%
• Somewhat comfortable 19%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 4%
• Entirely uncomfortable 4%

If you honestly assessed yourself, thinking in general about an African American president of the United States, is that something you'd be entirely comfortable with, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable or entirely uncomfortable with?

• Entirely comfortable 76%
• Somewhat comfortable 14%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 3%
• Entirely uncomfortable 2%

Among Democrats

• Entirely comfortable 81%
• Somewhat comfortable 13%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 2%
• Entirely uncomfortable 1%

Among Republicans

• Entirely comfortable 70%
• Somewhat comfortable 18%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 5%
• Entirely uncomfortable 3%

Among Independents

• Entirely comfortable 79%
• Somewhat comfortable 14%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 3%
• Entirely uncomfortable 2%

If you honestly assessed yourself, thinking in general about a Hispanic president of the United States, is that something you'd be entirely comfortable with, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable or entirely uncomfortable with?

• Entirely comfortable 63%
• Somewhat comfortable 19%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 9%
• Entirely uncomfortable 6%

Among Democrats

• Entirely comfortable 65%
• Somewhat comfortable 18%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 8%
• Entirely uncomfortable 6%

Among Republicans

• Entirely comfortable 59%
• Somewhat comfortable 21%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 9%
• Entirely uncomfortable 8%

Among Independents

• Entirely comfortable 63%
• Somewhat comfortable 18%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 12%
• Entirely uncomfortable 4%

If you honestly assessed yourself, thinking in general about a Muslim president of the United States, is that something you'd be entirely comfortable with, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable or entirely uncomfortable with?

• Entirely comfortable 21%
• Somewhat comfortable 17%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 23%
• Entirely uncomfortable 36%

Among Democrats

• Entirely comfortable 29%
• Somewhat comfortable 19%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 22%
• Entirely uncomfortable 25%

Among Republicans

• Entirely comfortable 11%
• Somewhat comfortable 14%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 21%
• Entirely uncomfortable 51%

Among Independents

• Entirely comfortable 22%
• Somewhat comfortable 17%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 28%
• Entirely uncomfortable 29%

If you honestly assessed yourself, thinking in general about a Mormon president of the United States, is that something you'd be entirely comfortable with, somewhat comfortable, somewhat uncomfortable or entirely uncomfortable with?

• Entirely comfortable 35%
• Somewhat comfortable 25%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 19%
• Entirely uncomfortable 17%

Among Democrats

• Entirely comfortable 28%
• Somewhat comfortable 21%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 24%
• Entirely uncomfortable 22%

Among Republicans

• Entirely comfortable 38%
• Somewhat comfortable 30%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 14%
• Entirely uncomfortable 15%

Among Independents

• Entirely comfortable 38%
• Somewhat comfortable 26%
• Somewhat uncomfortable 20%
• Entirely uncomfortable 12%

Would you say you have a generally favorable or unfavorable opinion of the Mormon religion?

• Favorable 45%
• Unfavorable 32%

Among Democrats

• Favorable 39%
• Unfavorable 38%

Among Republicans

• Favorable 51%
• Unfavorable 31%

Among Independents

• Favorable 48%
• Unfavorable 26%

Survey of 1,946 registered voters was conducted May 31 - June 6, 2011.  The margin of error is +/- 2.2 percentage points.  Results from the poll conducted November 8-15, 2010 are in parentheses.

Gallup: Republicans and Democrats Disagree on Muslim Hearings

52% of Americans say congressional hearings scheduled for Thursday are appropriate

Note: Fifty percent (50%) of Republicans think Muslims living in the U.S. are too extreme in their religious beliefs.  And 38 percent of GOPers say Muslim-Americans are sympathetic to Al Qaeda.