4/16: Clinton with Majority Support against GOP Hopefuls

Tags: Chris Christie, Election 2016, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Jeb Bush, Paul Ryan

4/15: McClatchy-Marist Poll

April 15, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, National, National Poll Archive, Politics

Looking ahead to 2016, what would Hillary Clinton’s electoral chances be if she decided to run for president? Is there a clear front-runner among the potential Republican candidates? Find out in the latest national McClatchy-Marist Poll.

To read the full McClatchy article, click here.

Tags: McClatchy-Marist Poll

4/15: Majority Considers Ukraine in U.S. Interest, but Most Oppose Use of Force

April 15, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, National, National Poll Archive, Politics

Click Here for Complete April 15, 2014 USA McClatchy-Marist Poll Release and Tables

A majority of Americans — 55% — considers Ukraine to be key to the national interest. This includes 13% who say it is very important and 42% who consider it to be important. 39%, however, report it is either not very important — 30% — or not important at all — 9% — to the United States. Six percent are unsure.

POLL MUST BE SOURCED: McClatchy-Marist Poll

“There is a good deal of ambivalence about Ukraine as far as U.S. public opinion is concerned,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “Americans think it’s important to the national interest, and Russia may expand the conflict. But, there is little public consensus in the U.S. to take a tough stand.”

Regardless of political party, a majority thinks Ukraine is of consequence to America’s interests. Republicans, however, are the most likely to feel this way. 61% of Republicans say Ukraine is either very important or important to the United States. This compares with 52% of Democrats and 53% of independent voters who have the same opinion.

There are gender differences on this question. Six in ten women — 60% — say the region is of value to the United States. 48% of men say the same.

However, when it comes to whether or not the United States should draw a hard line against Russia because of Ukraine, half of residents — 50% — do not think the United States should take such a firm stance because it could mean losing Russia’s cooperation on other issues like Iran and Syria. 42% disagree and report America should take a tough stand against Russia. Eight percent are unsure.

What, if anything, should the United States do to address the situation in Ukraine? Only 7% of Americans think military options should be considered. 46% say the best way to deal with the crisis in Ukraine is through economic and political means, and 43% think the United States should not get involved at all. Four percent are unsure.

A majority of Republicans — 54% — wants America to handle the situation diplomatically. A plurality of Democrats — 47% — says the United States should stay out of the situation entirely while 43% believe the best options are political and economic. Nearly half of independent voters — 48% — say America should address the situation through non-military measures.

Table: Importance of Ukraine to the National Interest of the United States

Table: Should the United States Draw a Hard Line Against Russia in Ukraine?

Table: How the United States Should Handle the Situation in Ukraine

About Two-Thirds Say Russia will Send Troops Beyond Crimea…Divide about Possibility of New Cold War

66% of Americans think Russia will not stop at Crimea and will deploy troops to other parts of Ukraine. One in four — 25% — thinks Russia will keep its word and will stop at Crimea. Nine percent are unsure.

Do residents think the situation in Ukraine will lead to another cold war between the United States and Russia? Americans divide. 49% report it is either not very likely — 37% — or not likely at all — 12% — that this will occur. 46%, however, think a second cold war is either very likely — 13% — or likely — 33%.

Republicans are more likely than Democrats to think another cold war is looming. A majority of Republicans — 54% — says a cold war is very likely or likely to take place. This compares with 41% of Democrats and 45% of independent voters who share this view.

Table: Will Russia Send Troops to Other Regions of Ukraine?

Table: Likelihood the Situation in Ukraine will Lead to Another Cold War

Obama’s Handling of Ukraine Crisis Receives Mixed Reviews

45% of Americans approve of how President Barack Obama is dealing with the situation in Ukraine. 45% disapprove, and 10% are unsure.

There is a partisan divide. 72% of Republicans are dissatisfied with how the president is addressing the situation in Ukraine while 69% of Democrats approve. Still, 21% of Democrats disapprove of the way Mr. Obama is handling the conflict. Independents divide. 46% of these voters think the president is dealing with the situation appropriately while 47% disapprove of his approach.

Table: President Obama’s Handling of the Situation in Ukraine

Majority Still Disapproves of Obama’s Performance as President

When it comes to the overall job performance of President Obama, a majority of registered voters nationally — 52% — disapproves of how the president is doing. 45% approve, and 3% are unsure. These views are similar to those in McClatchy-Marist’s previous survey. In February, 52% of voters thought the president’s job performance was lacking. 42% gave him high marks, and 5% were unsure.

When it comes to how President Obama is handling the economy, a majority of voters — 54% — disapproves. 44% approve, and 2% are unsure. Last time, 54% thought Mr. Obama fell short on the economy while 41% gave him a thumbs-up. Five percent were unsure.

In the foreign policy arena, 52% of voters disapprove of how the president is doing. 42% approve, and 6% are unsure. Two months ago, 50% disapproved of how President Obama was handling foreign policy. 43% approved, and 8%, then, were unsure.

Looking at President Obama’s image, voters divide. 49% have a favorable opinion of him while 49% have an unfavorable view of him. Two percent are unsure how to rate him. In February, 47% thought well of the president while half — 50% — had a lesser view of him. Three percent were unsure how to rate him.

Table: President Obama Approval Rating

Table: President Obama Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: President Obama’s Handling of the Economy

Table: President Obama’s Handling of the Economy (Over Time)

Table: President Obama’s Handling Foreign Policy

Table: President Obama’s Handling Foreign Policy (Over Time)

Table: President Obama Favorability

Table: President Obama Favorability (Over Time)

Fight for Congress: Dem’s Edge GOP in Generic Midterm Matchup

If November’s election for Congress were held today, the Democrats would have an edge over the Republicans as far as the total national vote is concerned. Nearly half of registered voters nationally — 48% — would support the Democrat on the ballot in their district while 42% would back the Republican candidate. Four percent would vote for neither, and 6% are undecided.

When McClatchy-Marist last reported this question in February, voters divided. 46% favored the Democrat while 44% were for the Republican. Four percent reported they would not vote for either candidate, and 5% were undecided.

Not surprisingly, there is a partisan divide. Most Democrats — 90% — favor the Democratic candidate while most Republicans — 94% — support the Republican. Among independent voters, 43% are for the Democrat while 40% are for the Republican.

Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans in Congress are held in high regard by voters. Only 32% of registered voters approve of how the congressional Democrats are doing in office. 63% disapprove, and 5% are unsure. In February, 33% of voters were satisfied with how the Democrats were performing in Congress. 60% disapproved, and 7% were unsure.

Looking at congressional Republicans, 26% of voters approve of their job performance while 69% disapprove. Five percent are unsure. In the February McClatchy-Marist Poll, 22% approved of how the congressional GOP did their job. 72% disapproved, and 6% were unsure.

Table: 2014 Congressional Elections

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

Nearly Two-Thirds Pessimistic about the Direction of the Nation

64% of adults think the country is moving in the wrong direction. 32% believe it is on the right path, and 3% are unsure. There has been virtually little change from McClatchy-Marist’s previous survey. In February, 64% of residents reported the nation was on the wrong road. 33% said it was on the right track, and 3% were unsure.

Table: Right or Wrong Direction of the Country

Table: Right or Wrong Direction of the Country (Over Time)

Tags: congress, President Barack Obama, Ukraine

4/14: McClatchy-Marist Poll

April 14, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, National, National Poll Archive, Politics

What are Americans’ views on the situation in Ukraine? Is the region important to the national interests of the United States? Should the U.S. take military action, and do Americans approve of how President Barack Obama is handling the situation? Find out in the latest national McClatchy-Marist Poll.

To read the full McClatchy article, click here.

Tags: McClatchy-Marist Poll

3/26: Bowser and Gray Neck and Neck in Democratic Primary Race for D.C. Mayor

March 26, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, National, National Poll Archive, Politics

Click Here for Complete March 26, 2014 NBC4/Marist Poll Release and Tables

Muriel Bowser has eroded Mayor Vincent Gray’s once eight percentage point lead in the race for the Democratic nomination for D.C. mayor. With a week to go before the primary, among likely Democratic voters including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate and those who voted early or by absentee ballot, Bowser has the support of 28% compared with 26% for Gray.

POLL MUST BE SOURCED: NBC4/Marist Poll

“There are two very different paths to victory for Councilwoman Bowser and Mayor Gray,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “Bowser has picked up support among white voters and is the most popular second choice as voters make their final decision. Gray has a strong base of support among African American voters and greater enthusiasm among his backers.”

Here is how the contest for the Democratic nomination for D.C. mayor stands among likely Democratic primary voters including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate and those who voted early or by absentee ballot:

28% Muriel Bowser
26% Vincent Gray
11% Tommy Wells
9% Jack Evans
4% Andy Shallal
4% Vincent Orange
2% Reta Lewis
<1% Carlos Allen
1% other
15% undecided

When the NBC4/Marist Poll reported this question last month, Gray — 28% — was ahead of Bowser — 20% — by eight percentage points among District Democrats likely to vote in the primary. Evans received 13% of the vote while Wells garnered 12%. Six percent backed Shallal, and 4% supported Orange. Lewis had the backing of 3%, and less than 1% of D.C. Democrats were for Allen. One percent wanted another candidate to receive the party’s nod, and 12% were undecided.

Looking at race, among likely Democratic voters who are African American, Gray — 43% — leads Bowser — 22% — by almost two to one. Among whites, Bowser — 36% — has the advantage over Wells — 19% — and Evans — 15%. Only 7% are for Gray.

While Gray maintains his lead over Bowser among African American Democrats likely to vote, Bowser has advanced to the front of the pack among likely Democratic voters who are white. Last month, 24% of white voters supported Wells, 21% backed Evans, and 18% were behind Bowser. Gray garnered 10%. Among African American voters likely to vote, 41% backed Gray while 23% were for Bowser. 55% of likely Democratic voters with a candidate preference including those who voted early or by absentee ballot are strongly committed to their choice of candidate. 30% are somewhat behind their pick while 14% might vote differently. One percent is unsure. In the previous NBC4/Marist Poll, 44% of likely Democratic voters expressed a high level of support for their candidate. 36% were somewhat committed to their selection while 19% reported they might cast their ballot differently. One percent, at that time, was unsure.

Looking at the depth of commitment for the top two candidates, nearly seven in ten of those who are behind Gray — 69% — strongly support him while 49% of likely Democrats for Bowser are firmly in her corner. Last month, 53% of Gray’s backers were strongly committed to him. This compares with 50% of Bowser’s supporters who said the same about their candidate.

Who is the second choice of likely Democratic voters with a candidate preference? With 22%, Bowser takes the top spot followed by Evans with 18% and Wells with 12%. Gray garners 8%, and another 8% say Orange is their second choice candidate. Seven percent pick Shallal, 2% cite Lewis, and 1% mentions Allen. Four percent choose another candidate as their second choice, and 20% are undecided.

In February, 21% selected Bowser as their backup candidate while 18% reported Evans was their second choice. Wells and Gray each received 12% while 9% said Orange was their second choice. Seven percent reported Shallal was their second choice candidate while 4% said the same of Lewis. One percent, at that time, selected Allen. Another 1% believed someone else was their backup candidate, and 15% were undecided.

Are likely Democratic voters enthusiastic about going to the polls on Tuesday? 39% are very enthusiastic and 42% are moderately so. 13% are not too enthusiastic, and six percent are not enthusiastic at all.

Likely Democrats for Gray express more enthusiasm to vote than those for Bowser. 47% of Gray’s supporters are highly enthusiastic. This compares with 38% of likely Democrats who back Bowser and have a similar level of enthusiasm about going to the polls.

Table: 2014 District of Columbia Democratic Mayoral Primary (D.C. Likely Democratic Voters with Leaners Including Absentee and Early Voters)

Table: Intensity of Support for District of Columbia Democratic Mayoralty Candidates (D.C. Likely Democratic Voters with a Candidate Preference Including Absentee and Early Voters)

Table: Second Choice for the District of Columbia Mayoral Primary (D.C. Likely Democratic Voters with a Candidate Preference)

Table: Enthusiasm to Vote in District of Columbia Mayoral Primary (D.C. Likely Democratic Voters)

Jobs and Economy Top of Mind for Many D.C. Democrats

42% of Democrats in the District say, when it comes to deciding their vote, jobs and the economy matter most. One in four Democrats — 25% — mentions ethics as their motivating factor while 17% report housing is their priority. Crime is the leading concern of 11% of Democratic voters, and 4% are unsure.

These findings reflect those reported last month. At that time, more than four in ten Democrats — 44% — reported the economy and jobs were the most important factor in deciding their vote. Ethics was the leading issue for 22% while another 22% said housing was their priority. 11% of Democrats cited crime as their top concern, and 2% were unsure.

A racial divide still exists. A majority of Democrats who are African American — 53% — say the economy and jobs are the most influential when deciding their vote. However, a plurality of white voters — 47% — says ethics are their priority. Little has changed since last month when 50% of African American Democrats cited the jobs and the economy, and 43% of white Democrats mentioned ethics as their leading issue.

Table: Most Important Issue in Deciding Vote for Mayor in April’s Democratic Primary (D.C. Democrats)

Campaign Finance Investigation Hard Hit for Gray?

From what they know or have heard about the investigation into Mayor Gray’s finances from his 2010 campaign, a majority of Democratic voters — 56% — says they are less likely to vote for Gray. Only 8% are more likely to support him, and 31% report it makes no difference to their vote. Five percent are unsure.

These results are similar to those found last month. At that time, 53% were less likely to back Gray. Seven percent said they would be more likely to vote for him, and 36% thought the scandal would not impact their vote. Four percent of Democrats were unsure.

How do D.C. residents, overall, describe Gray’s 2010 campaign activities? 35% think he did something unethical but not illegal. 29% say he was involved in illegal activities, and 14% believe he didn’t do anything wrong. 23% are unsure. Similar proportions of registered voters agree.

There has been an uptick in the proportion of D.C. residents who believe Gray’s involvement in the scandal included illegal activities. Last month, 42% of adults in the District said Gray did something unethical but not illegal. 24% believed his involvement was illegal, and 14% thought he did nothing wrong. 20%, at that time, were unsure.

While 36% of D.C. Democrats currently say Gray took part in unethical but not illegal behavior, 30% say he was involved in illegal actions. 16% believe Gray did nothing wrong, and 18% are unsure. However, in February, 46% called Gray’s involvement unethical while 24% thought something illegal occurred. 15% of Democrats, at that time, said Gray was on the up-and-up, and 15% were unsure.

Table: Does 2010 Investigation into Mayor Vincent Gray’s Campaign Finances Make You More or Less Likely to Vote for Him (D.C. Democrats)

Table: Did Mayor Vincent Gray Perform Illegal or Unethical Actions (D.C. Adults)

Bowser Stronger Democratic Candidate over Catania in General Election

In a hypothetical matchup for the general election in November, Bowser, as the Democratic candidate for mayor, has a 20 percentage point advantage against independent candidate David Catania. 46% of registered voters in D.C. say they would vote for Bowser while 26% would support Catania. 28% are undecided.

What do Gray’s general election chances look like if he wins next week’s Democratic primary? 43% of voters would support Gray in November while 37% are for Catania. 20% are undecided.

Looking at race, while Gray — 57% — and Bowser — 54% — each carries a majority of African American voters against Catania, Bowser is the stronger Democratic candidate among whites. Against Catania, 39% of white voters would back Bowser. The same proportion — 39% — is for Catania. However, against Gray, Catania receives 56% of white voters to 24% for Gray.

Table: 2014 Race for D.C. Mayor: Bowser/Catania (D.C. Registered Voters)

Table: 2014 Race for D.C. Mayor: Gray/Catania (D.C. Registered Voters)

Skepticism about Gray

Only 34% of adults in D.C. say, if Gray receives the Democratic nomination, they definitely plan to vote for him. 40% report they definitely will not vote for him, and 26% are undecided. Among registered voters in the District, 33% would absolutely cast their ballot for him. 41% would definitely vote against him, and 26% are undecided.

Uncertainty about Gray has increased. In last month’s NBC4/Marist Poll, more than four in ten D.C. residents — 43% — said they would definitely vote for Gray. 40% would definitely not, and 17% were undecided. Among registered voters, 42% reported they would back Gray, 42% would cast their ballot for someone else, and 16% were undecided.

Nearly six in ten residents — 59% — think it’s time to elect someone else. 29% believe Gray deserves to be re-elected, and 13% are unsure. Similar proportions of registered voters share these views. 60% of voters want a change while 27% think Gray should receive a second term. 12% are unsure.

In February, 60% of adults wanted a new mayor to take charge. 31%, however, thought Gray should be re-elected. Nine percent were unsure. Among registered voters in the District, 62% said someone new should take the reins of the city. 30% wanted Gray to be re-elected, and 8% were unsure.

Table: Will You Definitely Vote For or Against Mayor Gray in General Election? (D.C. Adults)

Table: Does Mayor Vincent Gray Deserve to be Re-elected? (D.C. Adults)

Decline in Gray Approval Rating… Fewer with Positive Opinion of Mayor

Half of D.C. residents — 50% — approve of the job Gray is doing in office. 35% disapprove, and 16% are unsure. Looking at registered voters, 49% give Gray high marks. 37% think he has fallen short, and 14% are unsure.

There has been a drop in Gray’s approval rating over the last month. In February, a majority of adults — 56% — thought well of how he was doing his job. 36% disapproved of his performance in office, and 8% were unsure. Among registered voters, at that time, 55% approved of the mayor’s job performance. 38% disapproved, and 6% were unsure.

Gray’s image has also suffered. 35% have a favorable view of Gray while 47% have an unfavorable opinion of him. 17% have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him. Looking at registered voters, 35% like Gray while 49% have a negative view of the mayor. 16% have either never heard of Gray or are unsure how to rate him.

Last month, 45% of residents had a favorable impression of Gray while 46% had an unfavorable one. Nine percent had either never heard of Gray or were unsure how to rate him. Among registered voters, 45% thought well of the mayor, and 48% had a negative opinion of him. Seven percent had either never heard of Gray or were unsure how to rate him.

Overall, do D.C. residents think the city is moving in the right direction? Close to two-thirds — 65% — think the District is on course while 21% say it has fallen off track. 14% are unsure. Similar proportions of registered voters share these opinions.

When this question was last reported, 71% of adults in D.C. said the city was moving in the right direction. 24% reported it was travelling in the wrong one, and 5% were unsure.

Table: Mayor Vincent Gray Approval Rating (D.C. Adults)

Table: Vincent Gray Favorability (D.C. Adults)

Table: Direction of the District of Columbia (D.C. Adults)

Tags: D.C. Mayor's Race, Direction of D.C., Muriel Bowser, Vincent Gray

3/7: New Mayor, but City Still Divides

March 7, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, NYC, NYC Poll Archive, Politics

Click Here for Complete March 7, 2014 The Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 New York/Marist Poll NYC Release and Tables

Two months after taking office, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is well-liked among registered voters. Many think de Blasio cares about the average person, is fulfilling campaign promises, can unify the city, and is a good leader. However, there is a significant racial divide, and fewer than four in ten registered voters in the city approve of de Blasio’s overall job performance as mayor. Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s job approval rating at this time in his first term was 50%.

POLL MUST BE SOURCED: The Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 New York/Marist Poll

“Many voters like the qualities that de Blasio has as mayor, and they are comfortable with him,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “But, race matters, and he still has some convincing to do when it comes to carrying out his responsibilities at City Hall.”

39% of registered voters in New York City approve of the job Mayor de Blasio is doing in office. This includes 10% who think he is doing an excellent job and 29% who say he is doing a good one. 37% rate de Blasio’s performance as fair while one in five voters — 20% — thinks he is performing poorly. Five percent have either never heard of de Blasio or are unsure how to rate him.

By race:

Among African American voters, 50% approve of the job de Blasio is doing. 40% give him fair marks, and 7% rate his performance as poor.
45% of Latino voters give de Blasio high marks. This compares with 32% who think he is doing an average job, and 19% who call his job performance poor.
30% of white voters think well of how Mayor de Blasio is doing his job. 34% rate his performance as fair, and 30% say he is doing poorly.

By borough:

44% of Bronx voters approve of how de Blasio is doing in office. About one-third — 33% — rate his performance as fair, and 19% say he is doing a poor job.
In Brooklyn, 43% give de Blasio a thumbs-up. 37% believe he is doing a fair job, and 14% think he is performing poorly.
36% of voters in Queens and Staten Island think de Blasio is doing either an excellent or good job as mayor. 40% describe his performance as fair, and 22% say it is poor.
Three in ten Manhattan voters — 30% — approve of how de Blasio is doing in office. 36% say he is doing a fair job, and 26% think his performance falls short.

Despite de Blasio’s approval rating, nearly six in ten voters — 59% — have a favorable opinion of him. About one in three — 33% — has an unfavorable one, and 8% have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.

In The Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 New York/Marist Poll reported in December before de Blasio took office, 56% said they liked de Blasio, 20% had a lesser opinion of him, and 23% had either never heard of him or were unsure how to rate him. Just before Election Day, 64% thought well of de Blasio. 26% had a negative impression of him, and 10% had either never heard of him or were unsure how to rate him.

There is a racial divide. While 78% of African American voters say they like de Blasio, 55% of Latino voters and 49% of white voters say the same.

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio Approval Rating (NYC Registered Voters)

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio Favorability (NYC Registered Voters)

The Nitty-Gritty of de Blasio’s Image

Close to two-thirds of voters think de Blasio cares about people like them, and more than six in ten say he is fulfilling his campaign promises. Majorities of voters also say he can unify the city and is a good leader for the Big Apple. When it comes to whether de Blasio is changing New York City for the better, a plurality of voters think he is, and nearly half think he is meeting their expectations.

65% of voters citywide say de Blasio cares about people like them. 31% disagree, and 4% are unsure. Race matters on this question. While 86% of African American voters think de Blasio is concerned about them, 66% of Latinos and 51% of white voters say the same.
More than six in ten New York City voters — 63% — think de Blasio is fulfilling campaign promises. One in four — 25% — does not think he is, and 11% are unsure. By race, more than seven in ten African American voters — 72% — believe de Blasio is keeping his word. This compares with 61% of Latino voters and 57% of whites.
59% of registered voters think de Blasio can unify the city. 34% do not have confidence in him to do so, and 7% are unsure. There are racial differences. 79% of African American voters and 64% of Latinos think de Blasio is a unifying force. This compares with only 42% of white voters who share this opinion.
When it comes to de Blasio’s leadership, 58% believe he is a good leader for the city. About one in three — 33% — says he is not, and 9% are unsure. Again, race comes into play. Nearly eight in ten African American voters — 79% — have confidence in de Blasio’s leadership ability while 57% of Latinos and 46% of whites agree.
Nearly half of registered voters — 48% — think de Blasio is meeting their expectations as New York City mayor. Six percent say he is exceeding them while 35% believe he is falling below what they had anticipated. 11% are unsure. By race, more than six in ten African American voters — 63% — say he is meeting their expectations. This compares with 48% of Latino voters and 39% of white voters who have this opinion.
43% of voters say de Blasio is changing New York City for the better. 20% think he is having a negative impact, and 25% believe he is having no effect at all. 12% are unsure. While about two-thirds of African American voters — 66% — think de Blasio is having a positive impact on the city, 44% of Latino voters and 30% of white voters say the same.
59% of voters say de Blasio’s political ideology is about right. 28% think he is too liberal, and 7% say he is too conservative. Six percent are unsure. In December’s survey, 61% said his ideology was about right, 21% reported he was too liberal, and 4% thought he was too conservative. 14%, then, were unsure.

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio Cares About Average Person (NYC Registered Voters)

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio as Fulfilling Campaign Promises (NYC Registered Voters)

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio as a Unifier (NYC Registered Voters)

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio as Leader (NYC Registered Voters)

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Meeting Expectations (NYC Registered Voters)

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Impact on New York City (NYC Registered Voters)

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Ideology (NYC Registered Voters)

Majority of Adults Approves of de Blasio’s Handling of Winter Storms… Schools Tell a Different Tale

56% of New York City residents are satisfied with how de Blasio and his administration managed this winter’s snowstorms. 41% disapprove, and 3% are unsure. Racial differences exist. More than seven in ten African Americans — 72% — think well of how de Blasio handled the snowfalls. This compares with 50% of Latinos and 49% of whites.

But, do adults citywide agree with how de Blasio handled school closings during those storms? 50% do not think he dealt with the situation correctly. 46% believe he did, and 4% are unsure. While majorities of African Americans — 55% — and Latinos — 53% — say de Blasio’s assessment was spot on, just 40% of whites agree. Parents of public school children divide. 50% think de Blasio correctly addressed the situation while 50% think he fumbled it.

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Handling of Winter Snowstorms (NYC Registered Adults)

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Handling of School Closings During Winter Snowstorms (NYC Registered Adults)

Six in Ten Agree with de Blasio’s Focus on Public Schools

In contrast with former Mayor Bloomberg’s strong support for charter schools, Mayor de Blasio wants a better balance with public schools. And, six in ten residents in the city — 60% — approve of that emphasis. 34% disapprove, and 6% are unsure.

Among parents with school children in the city’s public school system, 65% think de Blasio has the correct stance on charter schools. 31% disagree, and 4% are unsure.

Race is a factor. 67% of Latinos and 64% of African Americans agree that de Blasio should emphasize public schools over charter schools. This compares with 49% of whites in the city who say the same. By borough, 64% in Queens and Staten Island, 61% of those in Brooklyn, and 60% of residents in the Bronx agree with de Blasio’s focus on public schools. 51% of Manhattan adults share this opinion.

Table: Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Emphasis on Public Schools (NYC Adults)

52% Have Positive View of Chirlane McCray

A majority of registered voters — 52% — like Mayor de Blasio’s wife, Chirlane McCray. 19% have an unfavorable impression of her, and 29% have either never heard of her or are unsure how to rate her. When The Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 New York/Marist last reported this question in December, 46% thought well of McCray, 8% had a lesser view of her, and 45% had either never heard of her or were unsure how to rate her.

Table: Chirlane McCray Favorability (NYC Registered Voters)

City’s Compass Pointing in the Right Direction, Says Majority

53% of voters think New York City is moving in the right direction. 42% think it is moving in the wrong one, and 5% are unsure. In December, 51% thought the city was on course. 36% believed it was off track, and 13% were unsure.

However, there has been a shift in the specific groups who think the city is on the right path. There has been an increase in the proportion of African American voters who say the city is on course. 60% have this view now compared with 49% in December. There has been a slight decline among white voters. 45% say the Big Apple is on track while a slim majority — 52% — did so in that previous survey. Among Latinos, there is little change. Half — 50% — currently say New York City is on track while 47% had this opinion three months ago.

Table: New York City Direction (NYC Registered Voters)

Table: New York City Direction Over Time (NYC Registered Voters)

Click Here for Complete March 6, 2014 NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist Poll Release and Tables

Tags: Chirlane McCray, de Blasio Approval Rating, Direction of NYC, Mayor Bill de Blasio

3/6: Cuomo Pummels GOP Opponents, But…

March 6, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, NY State, NY State Poll Archive, Politics

2 Comments

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s re-election prospects are promising. Cuomo outdistances each of his potential GOP rivals by at least 40 percentage points. Cuomo also remains well-liked by most registered voters despite the lowest job approval rating the governor has received since taking office in 2011. So, what accounts for the sharp drop in Cuomo’s job performance rating? The view of many voters that the state’s economy is still struggling plays a role.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (courtesy of N.Y. State)

“Governor Cuomo’s opponents face an uphill fight to unseat him this November,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “Voters are comfortable with Cuomo but he still needs to convince many that the economy is turning around.”

POLL MUST BE SOURCED: NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist Poll

Looking ahead to this November’s gubernatorial election, Cuomo maintains a robust lead over his potential Republican challengers. Among registered voters in New York State, here is how these hypothetical contests stand:

Cuomo — 65% — outpaces Rob Astorino — 25% — by 40 percentage points. One in ten voters in New York State — 10% — is undecided. Cuomo — 65% — had a similar advantage against Astorino — 23% — when NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist last reported this question last November. At that time, 12% of voters were undecided.
Against Carl Paladino, Cuomo has the support of nearly seven in ten voters — 68%. This compares with 25% for Paladino. Eight percent are undecided. Last fall, 67% backed Cuomo while 24% were for Paladino. Nine percent, then, were undecided.
Cuomo — 70% — trounces Donald Trump — 26% — by 44 percentage points. Five percent are undecided. In that previous survey, 70% supported Cuomo compared with 24% for Trump. Seven percent were undecided.

Cuomo’s re-election chances stand firm despite a steep decline in his job approval rating. 42% of registered voters statewide approve of how Cuomo is doing his job. This includes 7% who think he is doing an excellent job and 35% who believe he is doing a good one. 38% rate Cuomo’s job performance as fair, and nearly one in five voters — 18% — calls it poor. Three percent are unsure.

In November, 52% of voters gave Cuomo high marks. Included here were 8% who thought Cuomo was doing an excellent job and 44% who said he was doing a good one. 31%, at that time, thought the governor was doing an average job while 13% reported he was doing a poor one. Three percent were unsure.

Regardless of party, region, or race, there has been a drop in Cuomo’s approval rating. However, the largest change has occurred among Latino and African American voters.

By race:

Among registered voters who are Latino, 41% approve of how Cuomo is doing his job. This compares with 62% who had this view in NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist’s previous survey.
42% of African American voters, compared with 57% in the fall, think well of how Cuomo is performing as governor.
Among white voters, 44% approve of Cuomo’s job performance. This compares with 49% in November.

By party:

51% of Democrats give Cuomo high marks while 63% did so in that previous survey.
Among Republicans, 33% approve of Cuomo’s job performance. 39% shared this view in November.
34% of non-enrolled voters give Cuomo high marks while nearly half — 48% — did so in the fall.

By region:

50% of voters in New York City approve of Cuomo’s job performance. This compares with 56% in NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist’s previous survey.
In the suburbs of New York City, 45% think well of how Cuomo is doing his job while 57% said the same in November.
35% of upstate voters give Cuomo high marks while 47% had this opinion in that previous survey.

Voters’ views of the recession have impacted Cuomo’s job approval rating. A slim majority of those who think the Empire State is not in a recession — 51% — think Cuomo is doing either an excellent or good job in office. This compares with only 37% of voters who say New York is in a recession.

How many voters statewide think New York is in a recession? Close to two-thirds — 65% — believe the state is under the cloud of a recession. 34% say we are not in an economic slump, and 1% is unsure. There has been an increase in the proportion of voters who think New York is in a recession. When this question was last reported in NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist’s survey last April, 58% said the state was in a recession. 39% thought New York was not, and 3% were unsure.

While Cuomo’s approval rating has fallen, his favorability remains strong. 63% of voters have a positive view of the governor while 33% have a negative impression of him. Four percent have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him. This is little changed from November when 66% said they liked the governor. 28% reported they disliked him, and 6% had either never heard of him or were unsure how to rate him.

“Governor Cuomo is bolstered by a high favorability rating,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “His lower job performance score is not costing him at the ballot box.”

Table: 2014 New York State Governor’s Race: Cuomo/Astorino

Table: 2014 New York State Governor’s Race: Cuomo/Paladino

Table: 2014 New York State Governor’s Race: Cuomo/Trump

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Approval Rating

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Approval Rating Over Time

Table: NYS in a Recession?

Table: NYS in a Recession Over Time

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Favorability

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Favorability Over Time

Voters Weigh In on Potential GOP Hopefuls

Are Cuomo’s potential challengers viewed positively by voters? 61% of voters have an unfavorable view of Donald Trump. 36% think well of him, and 4% have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him. Looking at Carl Paladino, 30% like him while 40% have a lesser opinion of him. Three in ten voters — 30% — have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him. Rob Astorino is little known to a plurality of voters. While 25% think well of him and 29% have a negative impression of Astorino, 46% have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.

When looking at Republicans statewide, Trump has the highest favorable rating. 60% of Republican voters like Trump while 37% do not. Three percent have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him. When it comes to Paladino, there is little consensus among Republicans. 38% think highly of him while 31% do not. 32% have either never heard of Paladino or are unsure how to rate him. Astorino is not well known among Republicans. 34% have a positive view of him while 17% have a negative opinion of him. However, nearly half of Republicans — 49% — have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.

Table: Donald Trump Favorability

Table: Carl Paladino Favorability

Table: Rob Astorino Favorability

Making Headway?

While a majority of voters think Governor Cuomo is improving Albany for the better, fewer say he is having a positive impact on the state, overall.

56% of New York voters think Cuomo is changing the way things work in Albany for the better. This compares with 40% who disagree with that opinion. Three percent are unsure. In November, 61% thought Cuomo was making positive inroads in Albany while 35% did not think Cuomo was changing it for the better. Four percent, at that time, were unsure.

However, when it comes to the impact Cuomo is having on New York State, 45% say he is improving it. 23% report Cuomo is changing it for the worse, and 29% think he is not having any effect on the Empire State. Three percent are unsure.

What do voters think of Cuomo’s political ideology?

36% call him a liberal. 46% say he is a moderate, and 12% describe him as a conservative. Six percent are unsure. There has been little change on this question since November when 35% thought the governor was liberal. 45% believed he was a moderate, and 11% said he was conservative. Nine percent were unsure.

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Impact on Albany

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Impact on Albany Over Time

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Impact on New York State

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Ideology

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Ideology Over Time

Directional Divide

50% of New York voters think the state is moving in the right direction. However, 47% say it is moving in the wrong one. Three percent are unsure. In NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist’s previous survey, 50% thought the state was on course. 45% reported it had fallen off the track, and 5% were unsure.

Table: Direction of NYS

Table: Direction of NYS Over Time

Status Quo for Schumer and Gillibrand

53% of registered voters believe Senator Chuck Schumer is doing either an excellent — 15% — or good — 38% — job in office. 30% describe his performance as fair while 14% believe he is doing a poor job. Three percent have either never heard of Schumer or are unsure how to rate him. Schumer’s approval rating is solid. In the fall, 56% thought highly of how Schumer was doing in the U.S. Senate. 26% rated his performance as average while 15% thought he fell short. Four percent had either never heard of him or were unsure how to rate him.

When it comes to Kirsten Gillibrand’s job approval rating, 45% say she is doing either an excellent — 10% — or good — 35% — job in office. 31% say she is doing a fair job while 12% think she is performing poorly. 11% have either never heard of her or are unsure how to rate her. Previously, 47% gave Gillibrand high marks. 30% thought her performance was fair, and 12% said it was lacking. 12% had either never heard of Gillibrand or were unsure how to rate her.

Table: Schumer Approval Rating

Table: Schumer Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: Gillibrand Approval Rating

Table: Gillibrand Approval Rating (Over Time)

Click Here for Complete February 26, 2014 NBC4/WAMU/Washington Informer/Marist Poll Release and Tables

Tags: Andrew Cuomo, approval rating, Carl Paladino, Charles Schumer Approval Rating, Direction of New York State, Donald Trump, Gillibrand Approval Rating, recession, Rob Astorino

2/26: Gray Leads Democratic Challengers in D.C. Mayor’s Race, but Faces Difficult Primary Campaign

February 26, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, National Poll Archive, Politics

1 Comment

District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray has the advantage against the Democratic candidates challenging him in April’s Democratic primary. Among District Democrats likely to vote in the primary, Gray leads his closest competitor, Muriel Bowser, by eight percentage points. District residents, including a majority of Democrats, are satisfied with Gray’s job performance and are pleased with the direction of the District. However, Gray’s 2010 campaign finance scandal has muddied his image and may be a difficult issue for some voters to overlook.

POLL MUST BE SOURCED: NBC4/WAMU/Washington Informer/Marist Poll

“In the Democratic primary, Mayor Gray benefits from a very crowded field, but there are many persuadable voters,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “Voters’ second choice may be key in the closing weeks of the campaign.”

Here is how the contest stands among likely Democratic primary voters including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate:

28% Vincent Gray
20% Muriel Bowser
13% Jack Evans
12% Tommy Wells
6% Andy Shallal
4% Vincent Orange
3% Reta Lewis
<1% Carlos Allen
1% other
12% undecided

There are differences by race. 41% of likely Democratic voters who are African American support Gray, and 23% are for Bowser. Among white Democrats who are likely to vote on primary day, Wells receives 24% to 21% for Evans, and 18% for Bowser. Gray trails with 10%.

How strongly do likely Democratic voters in the District with a candidate preference support their choice? 44% are strongly committed to their choice for the Democratic nomination. 36% are somewhat behind their candidate while 19% might vote differently. One percent is unsure. Looking at the level of commitment for the top two candidates, 53% of Gray’s backers strongly support him. This compares with 50% of Bowser’s supporters who express a similar level of commitment.

Looking at the second choice of likely Democratic voters with a candidate preference, only 12% pick Gray. 21% cite Bowser as their backup candidate. 18% say Evans is their second choice, and 12% report Wells is their second pick. Orange is the second choice of 9% while 7% say the same of Shallal. Four percent mention Lewis while Allen is the backup candidate for 1%. One percent say someone else is their second choice candidate, and 15% are undecided.

When it comes to the level of enthusiasm Democrats have about voting in April’s primary for mayor, 32% are very enthusiastic. 46% are moderately enthusiastic while 16% are not too enthusiastic. Six percent are not enthusiastic at all.

Table: 2014 District of Columbia Democratic Mayoral Primary (D.C. Likely Democratic Voters with Leaners)

Table: Intensity of Support for District of Columbia Democratic Mayoralty Candidates (D.C. Likely Democratic Voters with a Candidate Preference)

Table: Second Choice for the District of Columbia Mayoral Primary (D.C. Likely Democratic Voters with a Candidate Preference)

Table: Enthusiasm to Vote in District of Columbia Mayoral Primary (D.C. Democrats)

Democrats Like Bowser, Evans, Wells… Divide over Gray

When it comes to the candidates’ favorability, how do they compare?

50% of Democrats in the District have a favorable impression of Bowser. 28% have an unfavorable one, and 22% have either never heard of her or are unsure how to rate her.
46% have a positive opinion of Evans. This compares with 29% who have a negative view of him. One in four Democrats — 25% — has either never heard of Evans or are unsure how to rate him.
A plurality of Democrats — 46% — has a favorable impression of Wells. This compares with 28% who have an unfavorable one, and 26% who have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.
46% of Democrats think well of Gray while 48% have a lesser opinion of him. Five percent have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.
Orange’s favorable rating is lopsided. 32% have a favorable opinion of Orange while 50% have a lesser view of him. 18% have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.
While 34% of Democrats have a positive opinion of Shallal and 26% have an unfavorable one, 40% have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.
Lewis is also little known to a slim majority of D.C. Democrats. 21% have a favorable opinion of her, and 28% have an unfavorable view of Lewis. However, 51% have either never heard of her or are unsure how to rate her.
Allen is the least known of the candidates. Only 10% of Democrats have a favorable view of him, and 26% have an unfavorable opinion of Allen. More than six in ten — 63% — have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.

Table: Muriel Bowser Favorability (D.C. Democrats)

Table: Jack Evans Favorability (D.C. Democrats)

Table: Tommy Wells Favorability (D.C. Democrats)

Table: Vincent Gray Favorability (D.C. Adults)

Table: Vincent Orange Favorability (D.C. Democrats)

Table: Andy Shallal Favorability (D.C. Democrats)

Table: Reta Lewis Favorability (D.C. Democrats)

Table: Carlos Allen Favorability (D.C. Democrats)

Economy and Jobs Most Important Issue to Many D.C. Democrats

More than four in ten Democrats — 44% — say that the economy and jobs is the most important factor in deciding their vote for mayor in April’s primary. Ethics is the top issue for 22%, and the same proportion — 22% — reports housing is their leading motivator. 11% of Democrats cite crime as the most important factor when deciding their vote. Two percent are unsure.

There is a racial divide. While 50% of Democrats who are African American cite the economy and jobs as their top priority, 43% of white Democrats mention ethics as their leading issue.

Table: Most Important Issue in Deciding Vote for Mayor in April’s Democratic Primary (D.C. Democrats)

Gray’s Clouded by Campaign Finance Investigation, but Bolstered by Approval Rating

A majority of Democrats — 53% — say they are less likely to vote for Mayor Gray given the 2010 investigation into his campaign finances. Seven percent report the scandal makes them more likely to cast their ballot for him, and 36% say the inquiry makes no difference to their vote. Four percent of Democrats are unsure.

Most Democrats who are white — 82% — are less likely to support Gray due to the investigation into his campaign. This compares with 33% of African American Democrats who say the same. A slim majority of African American Democrats — 51% — says this investigation makes no difference to their vote.

Looking at the overall D.C. population, 42% of adults think Gray did something unethical but not illegal. Close to one in four — 24% — believes he did something illegal, and 14% say he did nothing wrong. One in five D.C. residents is unsure. Similar proportions of registered voters share these views.

Among Democrats, 46% think Gray was involved in unethical, but not illegal, actions. 24% believe he was behind something illegal while 15% say he did nothing wrong. 15% of Democrats are unsure.

Gray has a strong job approval rating. A majority of adults — 56% — approves of how Gray is doing in office. 36% disapprove, and 8% are unsure. Among registered voters, a similar 55% applaud Gray’s job performance. 38% disapprove, and 6% are unsure. Here, too, D.C. Democrats reflect these views. 56% of Democrats give Gray high marks. This compares with 39% who think he has fallen short. Five percent are unsure.

Slightly more than seven in ten residents — 71% — believe things in the District are headed in the right direction. 24%, though, say they are on the wrong track, and 5% are unsure. Nearly identical proportions of registered voters share these views. Looking at Democrats, 74% say D.C. is on track. 22% believe it has lost course, and 4% are unsure.

Table: Does 2010 Investigation into Mayor Vincent Gray’s Campaign Finances Make You More or Less Likely to Vote for Him (D.C. Democrats)

Table: Did Mayor Vincent Gray Perform Illegal or Unethical Actions (D.C. Adults)

Table: Mayor Vincent Gray Approval Rating (D.C. Adults)

Table: Direction of the District of Columbia (D.C. Adults)

Residents Mixed about Casting Ballot for Gray in November

If Gray wins the Democratic nomination, 43% of adults in D.C. say they will definitely vote for him. However, 40% report they definitely will not. Nearly one in five residents — 17% — is undecided. Among registered voters, similar proportions share these views. 42% plan to support Gray while 42% say they will not cast their ballot for him. 16% are undecided. Democrats also divide.

But, does Gray deserve to be re-elected? Six in ten adults in D.C. — 60% — think it is time to elect someone else. 31%, however, say Gray deserves to be re-elected. Nine percent are unsure. The views of registered voters in the District mirror those of residents, overall. 62% of registered voters think D.C. should have a new leader. 30% believe Gray should stay in power, and 8% are unsure. Democrats agree with these opinions.

Table: Will You Definitely Vote For or Against Mayor Gray in General Election? (D.C. Adults)

Table: Does Mayor Vincent Gray Deserve to be Re-elected? (D.C. Adults)

More than Eight in Ten Approve of Obama’s Job Performance

85% of D.C. adults think President Barack Obama is doing well in office. 11% disapprove, and 4% are unsure. Registered voters agree. 87% of registered voters in the District approve of the president’s job performance. 10% disapprove, and 3% are unsure.

More than nine in ten Democrats — 93% — applaud Mr. Obama’s job performance. Four percent disapprove, and 2% are unsure.

Table: President Obama Approval Rating (D.C. Adults)

Click Here for Complete February 13, 2014 USA McClatchy-Marist Poll Release and Tables

Tags: D.C. Mayor's Race, Direction of D.C., Muriel Bowser, Vincent Gray

2/13: Many Americans Lack Confidence in Obama and Congressional GOP

February 13, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, National, National Poll Archive, Politics

1 Comment

Americans’ faith in their elected officials in Washington is in short supply. Nearly two-thirds of adults nationally report they do not have confidence in President Barack Obama to make headway on important issues facing the country this year, and more than seven in ten have this view of the Republicans in Congress. When it comes to the grade Americans give to their elected officials in Washington, nearly six in ten residents say they deserve below average marks.

whitehouse.gov

POLL MUST BE SOURCED: McClatchy-Marist Poll

“Americans paint a very stark picture of their leaders in Washington,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “They’re fatigued by political infighting and see recent agreements as too little too late.”

65% of U.S. residents are not very confident — 34% — or not confident at all — 31% — that President Obama will advance the key issues facing the nation in the coming year. However, about one in three Americans — 33% — has faith in President Obama to make headway on important issues on the national agenda. Included here are 7% who are very confident and 26% who are confident. Two percent are unsure. Similar proportions of registered voters share these views.

While 62% of Democrats express confidence in the president’s ability to move the national conversation forward, 37% are not that certain. Not surprisingly, most Republicans — 91% — do not believe President Obama will be able to advance the important issues facing the country. Nearly three in four independents — 74% — agree.

When it comes to the Republicans in Congress, 71% of adults nationally do not think they will be able to advance the key issues on the national agenda. This includes 43% who are not very confident in them to do so and 28% who are not confident at all. Only 26% of Americans believe the GOP in Congress can make headway on these issues. Included here are 3% who are very confident and 23% who are confident. The views of registered voters mirror those of Americans, overall.

By party, more than three in four Democrats — 77% — and close to eight in ten independents — 79% — lack confidence in Congressional Republicans to advance the important issues facing the nation. Even six in ten Republicans — 60% — have this opinion.

Overall, Americans are dissatisfied with the performance of elected officials in Washington. 57% of adults nationally give elected officials below average grades. This includes 28% who say they deserve a “D” and 29% who report they should be given an “F.” Only 1% thinks the country’s representatives in Washington have earned an “A,” and 12% believe they should receive a “B.” 29% bestow an average grade of “C” on public officeholders in Washington.

There has been some improvement on this question. When McClatchy-Marist last reported it in December, 68% of adults thought federal officials deserved below average grades. One percent said they should receive an “A” while 7% reported “B” was sufficient. Close to one in four — 24% — thought elected officials in Washington earned a “C.”

Table: Confidence Level in President Obama to Make Headway on Important Issues

Table: Confidence Level in the Republicans in Congress to Make Headway on Important Issues

Table: Grade Given to Elected Officials in Washington, D.C.

Majority Disapproves of Obama’s Job Performance

52% of registered voters nationally disapprove of how President Obama is doing his job. 42% approve, and 5% are unsure. There has been little movement on this question since December when 53% believed the president had fallen short. 43%, at that time, approved of the president’s job performance, and 4% were unsure.

A partisan divide exists. While 80% of Democrats approve of the job Obama is doing, 88% of Republicans disapprove. Nearly six in ten independents — 58% — are dissatisfied with how the president is performing his job.

On the specifics of the president’s job performance, a majority of voters — 54% — disapproves of how he is handling the economy. 41% approve, and 5% are unsure. In McClatchy-Marist’s December survey, 58% disapproved of how Obama was dealing with the economy. 40% approved, and 2% were unsure.

Half of voters — 50% — are also displeased with how President Obama is handling foreign policy. 43% approve of the president’s approach, and 8% are unsure. These results are similar to those found in December when 51% of voters nationally disapproved of how President Obama tackled foreign policy issues. 46% approved, and 4%, then, were unsure.

When it comes to the president’s favorability, voters divide. 50% have a negative opinion of Mr. Obama while 47% have a favorable one. Three percent have either never heard of the president or are unsure how to rate him.

Perceptions of the president have improved slightly. When this question was last reported in January, 48% of voters had an unfavorable impression of him, and 41% had a favorable one. 11%, at that time, had either never heard of the president or were unsure how to rate him.

Table: President Obama Approval Rating

Table: President Obama Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: President Obama’s Handling of the Economy

Table: President Obama’s Handling of the Economy (Over Time)

Table: Handling Foreign Policy

Table: Handling Foreign Policy (Over Time)

Table: President Obama Favorability

Table: President Obama Favorability (Over Time)

Voters Still Sour on Congressional GOP and Dems

Members of Congress are also feeling the heat from voters. More than seven in ten voters — 72% — disapprove of the job the Republicans in Congress are doing, including a majority of Republicans. 22% of registered voters approve, and 6% are unsure. Congressional Republicans have not been able to reverse public opinion. In December, 74% of voters gave them low marks. 22% thought they were doing a good job, and 4% were unsure.

Impressions of the Republican Party, overall, are far from stellar. More than six in ten voters nationally — 62% — have an unfavorable view of the GOP. 32% think well of the party, and 6% have either never heard of it or are unsure how to rate it.

Independents are key. 65% of independent voters have a negative view of the Republican Party, and even 29% of Republicans have this view. Not surprisingly, more than eight in ten Democrats — 84% — have an unfavorable opinion of the GOP.

Congressional Democrats don’t fare much better. Six in ten voters — 60% — disapprove of the job they are doing. About one-third — 33% — approves, and 7% are unsure. There has been little change since December when 64% of the national electorate believed the Democrats in Congress fell short. 33% thought they were doing well in their post, and 3%, then, were unsure.

When it comes to what voters think of the Democratic Party, 53% have an unfavorable impression of it. 43% have a favorable view of the party, and 4% have either never heard of it or are unsure how to rate it.

Again, independent voters play a pivotal role. 56% of independents have a negative opinion of the Democratic Party. 91% of Republicans share this view. However, more than eight in ten Democrats — 82% — have a positive impression of their political party.

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: Republican Party Favorability

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: Democratic Party Favorability

The Battle for Congressional Control: Voters Divide

Looking to this year’s mid-term elections, 46% of voters say they would support the Democratic candidate. 44% would back the Republican while 4% would vote for another candidate. Five percent are undecided.

These results reflect those found in December’s survey. At that time, 43% of voters said they would support the Democrat for Congress while 43% said they were for the Republican. Six percent would vote for someone else, and 8% were undecided.

The parties are polarized with 88% of Democrats saying they would support the Democratic candidate and 96% of Republicans reporting they would back the Republican candidate. Among independents, they divide. 43% would support the Democrat while 40% would back the Republican for Congress in their district.

Table: 2014 Congressional Elections

Nearly Two-Thirds of Americans Believe Nation is on the Wrong Track

64% of adults nationally believe the country is on the wrong track. 33% say it is on the right one, and 3% are unsure. When this question was last reported earlier this month, 63% of Americans believed the country was moving in the wrong direction while 30% thought it was traveling in the right one. Eight percent, then, were unsure.

Table: Right or Wrong Direction of the Country

Table: Right or Wrong Direction of the Country (Over Time)

Tags: Confidence, Congressional Elections, Democrats in Congress, Direction of Country, Economy, foreign policy, Obama Approval Rating, Obama Favorability, Republicans in Congress

2/12: McClatchy-Marist Poll

February 12, 2014 by Marist Poll
Filed under Featured, National, National Poll Archive, Politics