Looking Ahead to 2009: New Year’s Resolutions & Expectations

While a notable number of Americans plan to make a New Year’s resolution this year, a majority — 60% — say it is not likely at all that they will pledge to change in 2009. That’s compared with 40% who report it’s very likely or somewhat likely they will turn over a new leaf. Those results are mostly unchanged from last year. Slightly more women than men are likely to adjust their way of life. 44% of women versus 37% of men say there’s a good chance they will make a New Year’s resolution this year. Compared with last year, though, the number of women wanting to revamp an aspect of their life drops from 49%.

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Election Night: Witnessing History

It was an unusually warm November evening marred only by a few sporadic raindrops — Election Night 2008. A hum of anticipation weaved its way through a growing crowd gathered on NBC’s “Election Plaza,” and within hours, that buzz escalated into a symphony of cheers, chants and applause, climaxing the moment NBC declared Barack Obama the first African-American president of the United States.

For pollsters and political junkies, few things compare with the excitement of Election Night. This year, though, was different. History would be made regardless of who won, and the team at the Marist Poll had ringside seats to witness the monumental event unfold.

Nestled seven floors above “Election Plaza,” the “MIPO” staff crunched exit poll numbers in the WNBC newsroom. After releasing an exhilarating and exhausting 29 high-stakes polls this general election season, the team was primed for the outcome. Throughout the evening, the staff analyzed data and prepared stories for NBC New York’s coverage. One-by-one, the network called the states, and just after eight o’clock, Barack Obama achieved a major victory and John McCain a crushing blow. Pennsylvania went blue. Like so many of the political pundits, the pollsters at Marist spent many days (and nights) discussing the importance of Pennsylvania. When the announcement was made, a colleague and I looked up from the stack of papers assembled between us and stared at each other. Pennsylvania had fallen quickly — a major indicator of the direction of the national electorate. A little more than an hour later, what many considered John McCain’s political death knell rang. Barack Obama carried Ohio.

As each state fell, an explosion of cheers erupted outside. The crowd’s elated cries permeated the walls of 30 Rock. Then, it happened. Just before eleven o’clock, NBC News announced internally they were going to declare Barack Obama the 44th president of the United States.

With cameras in hand, the MIPO staff raced down to WNBC’s broadcast platform overlooking the Rockefeller Center Skating Rink. There, Dr. Lee Miringoff, Director of the Marist Institute, sat with WNBC anchor David Ushery awaiting their next report. Throughout the evening, Dr. Miringoff provided WNBC viewers with exit poll analysis, and everyone on the staff was familiar with the route down to the rink. On this, our final journey down to the location, however, the end was far different. We gathered, not only to help ensure a successful broadcast but to witness a great first in American history.

Atop the platform, an overwhelming energy emanated from the crowd surrounding us. When the official call came down declaring Barack Obama the next president of the United States, the scene mirrored that which is seen in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. While many listened politely, the chants and cheers continued as Senator John McCain made his concession speech. But, soon the mood changed. The giant plasma screens hoisted high above the plaza showcased President-elect Obama inside Chicago’s Grant Park, and as he approached the podium, the crowd outside of 30 Rock hushed – a silence seldom heard in New York’s bustling midtown. If for just one brief moment, white, black, young and old were joined together to witness history and bound by a renewed sense of hope toward the future.

Holiday Hijinks: Movies, Music, and Family

There’s a reason Frank Capra’s 1946 Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, shows up around this time every year. It’s the favorite holiday movie of 19% of Americans. Little Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB rifle aren’t far behind! A Christmas Story tops the list for 17% of U.S. residents. 9% of Americans prefer Miracle on 34th Street, and 7% enjoy watching Bing Crosby croon in White Christmas. A Christmas Carol and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer each receive 6%.

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Talking Transition: 63% Approve of Obama’s Performance

A considerable majority of registered voters in the United States are giving President-elect Barack Obama high marks for the job he’s doing during his transition into office. 63% say they approve of his performance while just 10% of voters disapprove. 27% are on the fence, reporting they are unsure about how the president-elect is doing. In the wake of this year’s bitter campaign battle, prominent partisan differences linger. 86% of Democrats approve of President-elect Obama’s job performance.

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Season’s Spending? Many Americans Cutting Costs

More then two-thirds of Americans say they are spending less this holiday season. 68% of residents nationally report they are cutting costs, including 32% who say they are reducing their spending by a great deal and another 36% who are cutting back somewhat. 14% report they aren’t changing their shopping habits all that much while 18% say they aren’t reducing their purchases at all. Not surprisingly, households earning less are spending less.

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Congressional Overdrive? 48% Disapprove of Auto Rescue Plan

The U.S. House of Representatives may have approved a $14 billion plan to rescue the American auto industry, but nearly half of Americans say they disapprove of the government’s intervention. With action on the legislation expected in the U.S. Senate as early as today, 48% of U.S. residents nationwide disapprove of Congress providing federal loans to the automakers while 41% approve of the federal assistance. Looking at registered voters in the United States, the numbers are similar.

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Cuomo and Kennedy Deadlocked, High Hopes for Clinton

While much of the buzz has shifted toward Caroline Kennedy since news broke of her interest in assuming Hillary Clinton’s Senate seat, she is not New Yorkers’ clear choice. 25% of registered voters in the state say Governor David Paterson should select Kennedy to replace the senator if Clinton is confirmed as Secretary of State. New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo receives the exact same proportion of support from voters. 25% say he should be the one chosen to replace Clinton. However, a notable 26% of voters say they aren’t sure who should fill the sitting senator’s seat.

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