1/19: Vote for Colbert? 18% in South Carolina Kinda Somewhat Likely

If Stephen Colbert were to run for president of the United States of South Carolina, almost one in five of South Carolina’s potential Republican primary electorate — 18% — say they are at least kinda somewhat likely to cast their ballot for Colbert.  This includes 4% who are very likely, 7% who are somewhat likely, and 7% who are kinda somewhat likely to support Colbert.  However, 13% report they are not too likely, and 56% say they are not likely at all to back Colbert.  Eight percent don’t know enough about him, and 4% are unsure.

Click Here for Complete January 19^th, 2012 South Carolina Marist Poll Release and Tables

However, support for Colbert grows among members of South Carolina’s potential Republican primary electorate who are aware of his possible run.  Among these voters, 22% say they are at least kinda somewhat likely to rally for Colbert.

“There’s no doubt Stephen Colbert’s potential run for the presidency of the United States of South Carolina is being noticed,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “Not only do nearly one in five tell us they are kinda somewhat likely to support him, but he fares even better with those who are aware of his efforts.”

52% of the potential Republican primary electorate in South Carolina are aware that Stephen Colbert is exploring a potential candidacy for president of the United States of South Carolina.  48% are unaware or are unsure.

South Carolina does not allow for write-in candidates on its ballot.  However, Colbert may still be able to judge his support.  21% of the potential Republican primary electorate in the Palmetto State report they would be more likely to vote for former candidate Herman Cain if that vote served as encouragement for Colbert.  62% would be less likely to cast their ballot for Cain, and 9% are unsure.

On the specifics of Herman Cain’s image:

• More than three in four members of the potential Republican primary electorate in South Carolina — 76% — think Cain is hard working.  14% say he is not, and 11% are unsure.
• A majority — 58% — believes Cain embodies the American dream.  31% do not have this view, and 11% are unsure.
• The potential Republican primary electorate in South Carolina divides about Herman Cain’s family values.  While 43% think Cain stands for family values, 44% disagree, and 14% are unsure.

Table: Likelihood of Support for Stephen Colbert’s Candidacy
Table: Likelihood of Support for Stephen Colbert’s Candidacy (Combined)
Table: Awareness of Stephen Colbert’s Potential Candidacy for the President
of the United States of South Carolina
Table: Influence on Vote for Herman Cain if Support Encourages Colbert
Table: Agree-Disagree: Herman Cain is Hard Working
Table: Agree-Disagree: Herman Cain Embodies the American Dream
Table: Agree-Disagree: Herman Cain Stands for Family Values

Majority Thinks Colbert Would Be No Better or Worse Than Any Other POTUS of SC

If Colbert were elected president of the United States of South Carolina, 55% of the potential primary electorate believe Colbert would be no better or worse than any of his predecessors.  Six percent report he would be one of the best, and 19% think he would be one of the worst.  One in five — 20% — is unsure.

While 53% of South Carolina’s potential Republican electorate are satisfied with the current candidates in the race, a notable 41% would like to see someone else enter the contest.  Six percent are undecided.

Table: Stephen Colbert’s Potential Legacy as President of the United States
of South Carolina
Table: Satisfaction with Candidates Running for President of United States

Colbert Support Influenced by Possibility of Real Change in Washington

Which factors would make members of the potential Republican primary electorate in South Carolina more likely to vote for Colbert?  Bringing about real change in Washington is the key factor.  Colbert’s truthiness also ranks high with voters followed by his stands on the issues and his family values.

Voters least like the fact that Stephen Colbert once had a Super PAC or has the same initials as South Carolina.  Most are also not likely to vote for him if he were a she.

Key points among South Carolina’s potential Republican primary electorate:

• 49% of the potential Republican primary electorate would be more likely to support Colbert if he brings about real change in Washington while 37% would be less likely.
• When it comes to Colbert’s truthiness, four in ten — 40% — would be more likely to throw their support behind Colbert while 41% would be less likely to do so.
• Colbert’s stands on the issues would make 38% more likely to support him.  34% would be less likely to back him.
• Regarding his family values, 37% would be more likely to rally for him while 36% would be less likely to do so.
• Colbert is from South Carolina.  Does that positively impact the vote?  34% of South Carolina’s potential GOP electorate would be more likely to back him while 40% would be less likely to support Colbert.
• What about Colbert’s experience talking on television?  26% would be more likely to get behind Colbert while 53% would be less likely to back him.
• 18% would be more likely to support Colbert knowing that he is the most viable TV candidate.  62% are less likely.
• If Colbert were a woman named Stephanie Colbert, 14% would be more likely to rally for Colbert while 66% would be less likely to tout him.
• Having the same initials as South Carolina hurts Colbert’s level of support.  Only 13% would be more likely to back him while 70% would be less likely to throw their support toward Colbert.
• The fact that Colbert once had a Super PAC is least liked.  Here, 10% of the potential Republican primary electorate would be more likely to back Colbert while 63% would be less likely to do so.

Table: Influence on Vote: He Would Represent Real Change in Washington
Table: Influence on Vote: His Truthiness
Table: Influence on Vote: His Stands on the Issues
Table: Influence on Vote: His Family Values
Table: Influence on Vote: He’s From South Carolina
Table: Influence on Vote: His Experience Talking on Television
Table: Influence on Vote: He’s the Most Viable TV Candidate
Table: Influence on Vote: If Stephen Colbert Were Stephanie Colbert
Table: Influence on Vote: S.C.
Table: Influence on Vote: He Once Had a Super PAC

Defining People

Three in four members of the potential Republican primary electorate — 75% — think only people are people while 19% believe corporations are people.  Six percent are unsure.

Table: Definition of People

Getting Serious

More than four in ten members of South Carolina’s potential Republican electorate — 41% — report this is the most serious poll they have ever participated in.  58% say it is not, and 2% are unsure.

Table: Are You Serious?

This Marist Poll was sponsored by Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow.

How the Survey Was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

12/28: How Old is Old?

At what age is someone considered old?  The short answer is, “It depends.”  According to this study by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion conducted for Home Instead Senior Care, the answer is based on age.

The age at which someone is considered old increases slightly for each generation.  Among Baby Boomers, old age doesn’t start until 77.  But, to what age do all of the generations want and think they will live?  What role does gender play?

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, go to http://www.homeinstead.com.

Survey Findings for “How Old is Old?”

 

12/16: Whatever, Still Most Annoying Word, You Know. Like, Seriously? Just Sayin’

It’s that time of the year, again!  It’s time for The Marist Poll to reveal the word or phrase considered to be the most annoying in casual conversation.  And, for the third consecutive year, “whatever” receives the dubious honor.  Nearly four in ten adults nationally — 38% — say “whatever” grates on their nerves the most.  “Like” one in five — 20% — say that verbal filler is the most irritating while 19% despise “you know.”  “Just sayin’” gets on the nerves of 11% of the population compared with 7% who report “seriously” should be banned from casual conversation.  Five percent are unsure.

Click Here for Complete December 16, 2011 USA Marist Poll Release and Tables

Last year, 39% told the Marist Poll “whatever” is the most bothersome word in casual conversation while 28% thought “like” was the epitome of irritating.  At that time, the list also included “you know what I mean” — 15% — “to tell you the truth” — 10% — and “actually” — 5%.  Three percent were unsure.

Table: Most Annoying Conversational Word or Phrase

Marist Poll Methodology

8/12: Coming to the Neighborhood? More than Six in Ten Support Wal-mart in Community

The possibility of Wal-mart coming to New York City has stirred debate.  Do residents citywide want the store to lay down roots in the five boroughs?  More than six in ten — 64% — support a Wal-mart in their neighborhood while 31% oppose such a move.  Five percent are unsure.

Click Here for Complete August 12^th, 2011 NY1-Marist Poll Release and Tables

Although a majority of Manhattan residents would welcome the arrival of a Wal-mart, residents in this borough are less likely than those in the other boroughs to do so.  56% of adults in Manhattan support opening the store in their community.  This compares with 73% in the Bronx, 65% in Brooklyn, and 64% in Queens and Staten Island.

Women — 68% — are slightly more likely than men — 60% — to support opening a Wal-mart in their area.

While nearly three in four residents citywide — 74% — are at least likely to shop at a Wal-mart located in their community, a plurality of residents — 45% — don’t think the opening of the store makes any difference when it comes to the quality of their neighborhood.

Other highlights include:

• Of those who would shop at a Wal-mart in their area, 41% would be very likely to do so, and 33% would be likely to do so.  12% of New York City adults would not be very likely to shop at such a store, and 14% would not be likely at all.

o   Regionally, 80% of Bronx residents, 78% of Brooklyn adults, and 76% of those in Queens and Staten Island say they would shop in a local Wal-mart.  This compares with 63% of Manhattan residents.

• Looking at the impact of a Wal-mart in their area, 45% of New Yorkers say it would not make a difference to their neighborhood, 30% believe it would make it better, and 25% say it would make it worse.

o   Brooklyn residents — 39% — are more likely to say Wal-mart would have a positive impact on their neighborhood compared with those in the Bronx — 33% — residents in Queens and Staten Island — 26% — and adults living in Manhattan — 21%.

o   35% of those under the age of 45 believe Wal-mart would make their neighborhood better while 26% of those 45 and older agree.

Table: Support or Oppose Wal-mart in Neighborhood

Table: Likelihood of Shopping in Neighborhood Wal-mart

Table: Impact of Wal-mart in Neighborhood

NY1-Marist Poll Methodology

5/27: About Four in Ten Prefer Dentist’s Visit to Swimsuit Shopping

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer which means one thing — bathing suit season.  And, just the thought of squeezing into those skimpy garments strikes fear in the hearts of a good amount of Americans.

Click Here for Complete May 27, 2011 USA Marist Poll Release and Tables

According to this national Marist Poll, although a majority of residents — 55% — would rather shop for a bathing suit than visit the dentist, a sizeable proportion — 41% — would prefer to take a trip to their dentist.  Four percent are unsure.

Women are more reluctant than men to shop for a swimsuit.  A slim majority of women — 51% — would prefer to rummage through racks of swimsuits while 44% say they would rather sit in the dentist’s chair.  Five percent are unsure.  Among men, 59% think shopping for a bathing suit is the lesser of two evils while 38% believe going to the dentist is.  Three percent can’t choose.

Looking at age, 59% of residents younger than 45 years old choose purchasing a swimsuit over going to the dentist while 39% select the opposite.  Two percent are unsure.  52% of those 45 and older report they would prefer to shop for a bathing suit while 43% say they would rather visit the dentist.  Five percent can’t decide between the two.

Table: Bathing Suit Shopping vs. Going to the Dentist

Marist Poll Methodology

3/4: Road Rules: Re-Testing Drivers at Age 65?

There could be even longer lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles if nearly two-thirds of Americans have their way.  66% of adults nationally think licensed drivers should be required to re-take their road test once they reach the age of 65.  32% believe another road test is not necessary, and 3% are unsure.

Not surprisingly, younger Americans are more in favor of the suggestion than are older ones.  Most — 84% — of those younger than 30 years old, 76% of those 30 to 44, and 62% of those aged 45 to 59 think re-testing drivers at age 65 should be mandatory.  Even 48% of those 60 or older agree.

Table: Mandatory Road Test at 65

Marist Poll Methodology

 

2/13: NY1/YNN-Marist Poll: Romantic Moon Over Manhattan

Romantic Moon over Manhattan

Perhaps, it’s the iconic scenes in films like An Affair to Remember and When Harry Met Sally or New Yorkers’ own magical memories.  Whatever the reason, more than six in ten New York City residents — 64% — view Manhattan as the city’s most romantic borough.  Brooklyn comes in a distant second with 18% followed by Queens with 9%, Staten Island with 6%, and the Bronx with 3%.

Click Here for Complete February 13, 2011 NYC NY1/YNN-Marist Poll Release and Tables

And, fuhgeddaboud borough loyalty!  Manhattan takes the top spot regardless of New Yorkers’ borough of residence.  83% of those in Manhattan, 66% of those who live in Queens and Staten Island, 64% of Bronx residents, and nearly half of those in Brooklyn — 48% — call Manhattan the city’s most romantic borough.  However, Brooklynites divide.  Four in ten — 40% — say their borough is the most romantic.

Although majorities of all generations view Manhattan as the most amorous borough, more Gen Xers — 70% — and Millennials — 69% — think this to be true compared with 61% of New Yorkers in the Silent-Greatest generation and 57% of Baby Boomers.

More women — 68% — than men — 59% — consider Manhattan to be the most romantic borough in New York City.

Table: Most Romantic Borough

“Will You Marry US, Rudy,” Ask Nearly One-Third of New Yorkers

Which New York City mayor would New York City residents most want to be a part of their wedding ceremony?  Rudy Giuliani edges out Michael Bloomberg.  Giuliani receives 32% while Bloomberg garners 27%.  More than one in five — 23% — would prefer David Dinkins to be present while 19% think Ed Koch to be the best choice.

While Giuliani is the choice of 40% of residents in Queens and Staten Island and 38% in Brooklyn, Bloomberg is preferred by 35% of those in the Bronx.  Manhattan residents divide.  34% would want Dinkins to take part in their wedding ceremony while 32% think Bloomberg would be their best bet.

Generationally, there is little consensus.  A slim majority of Millennials — 51% — would invite Giuliani to their wedding while 31% of Baby Boomers would ask Dinkins.  About a third of the Silent-Greatest generation — 33% — would request Bloomberg.  There is no clear pick among those in Gen X.  Giuliani — 28% — and Bloomberg — 26% — vie for the top spot among this generation followed by Dinkins — 23% — and Koch — 22%.

Table: NYC Mayor in Wedding Ceremony

NY1/YNN-Marist Poll Methodology

2/10: “It’s Destiny!” Most Americans Believe in Soul Mates

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, just how many Americans believe in the concept of soul mates?  According to this Marist Poll, nearly 3 in 4 four residents — 73% — do, but 27% do not.

In fact, more Americans have caught the destined love bug.  When Marist last asked this question in its August survey, 66% reported they believed two people are meant to be together compared with 34% who did not.

Younger Americans are the most starry-eyed.  80% of those under the age of 30 and 78% of those 30 to 44 believe in the idea of soul mates.  This compares with 72% of residents 45 to 59 years old and 65% of those 60 and older.

Most men — 74% — and women — 71% — share this belief in finding the perfect partner.

Table: Americans Who Believe in Soul Mates

Marist Poll Methodology

2/8: Holy Super Powers, Batman! Mind Reading and Time Travel Top List

Superman, Spider-Man, and Wonder Woman step aside!  Americans have their own super hero dreams!  The Marist Poll asked which super power U.S. residents would like to have, and they answered.  More than a quarter — 28% — report they would like to have the ability to read people’s minds, and the same proportion — 28% — say they would like to be able to time travel.  The ability to fly is the preference of 16% while 11% say they wish they could teleport.  10% pick invisibility, and 8% are unsure.

Mind reading tops the list of those in Gen X — 36% — and Americans in the Silent-Greatest generation — 28%.  The number one pick of Baby Boomers — 33% — is time travel.  Time travel and reading minds are closely matched among Millennials, receiving 26% and 25%, respectively.

35% of men wish they could travel through time while 30% of women would like to read people’s minds.

Table: Super Power Preference

Marist Poll Methodology

1/25: President Outshines Athletes, Celebs as Most Wanted Autograph

Presidents have been known to sign an autograph or two as they leave the House Chamber following their State of the Union addresses, but members of the U.S. Congress aren’t the only ones who want the president’s signature.  The Commander in Chief’s John Hancock is the autograph most desired by Americans.

When asked from whom they would prefer to receive an autograph, a majority of U.S. residents — 52% — say they would like to get one from the president.  A professional athlete comes in a distant second with 18%.  And, while this year’s Academy Award nominees were just announced, expect only one in ten Americans to clamor for an autograph from an actor or actress.  Eight percent say they would value an autograph from a rock star, and 4% would cherish the signature of a newscaster.  Eight percent are unsure.

Although a plurality of younger Americans would most appreciate the president’s autograph, more older Americans have this view.  57% of those 45 or older would want the president’s autograph while 45% of those younger than 45 agree.  Slightly more women — 56% — than men — 48%– share this opinion.

Table: Autograph Preference

Marist Poll Methodology

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