5/8: Nearly Seven in Ten New Jersey Voters Applaud Christie’s Job Performance, Re-election Prospects Bright, But Not 2016

Six months after Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey residents are optimistic about their governor and the state in general.  Nearly seven in ten — 68% — approve of how Governor Chris Christie is doing his job.  24% disapprove, and 8% are unsure.  Registered voters share these views.  69% of registered voters give Christie a thumbs up as governor.  24% of voters disapprove, and 7% are unsure.

Click Here for Complete May 8, 2013 New Jersey NBC News/Marist Poll Release and Tables

“The key elements are in place for Governor Christie’s re-election…his high approval ratings, voters’ upbeat mood about the direction of the state, and, of course, his efforts following Hurricane Sandy,” says Dr. Lee M.  Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “This makes it extremely difficult for his Democratic challenger.”

The governor is lauded by residents for his handling of New Jersey’s recovery from Hurricane Sandy.  Eight in ten — 81% — approve of Christie’s hurricane recovery efforts.  13% disapprove and 5% are unsure.  56% also approve of how Christie is handling the state’s budget, and 33% disapprove.  11% are unsure.

Table: Governor Chris Christie Approval Rating (New Jersey Adults)

Table: Governor Chris Christie Hurricane Sandy Recovery Approval Rating (New Jersey Adults)

Table: Governor Chris Christie Budget Approval Rating (New Jersey Adults)

 

Many New Jersey residents view the state as on track.  62% believe it is moving in the right direction.  31% disagree and say New Jersey is on the wrong path.  Seven percent are unsure.

Table: Direction of New Jersey (New Jersey Adults)

Christie Leads Buono by More than Two-to-One in Governor’s Race

In the contest for New Jersey governor, Republican incumbent Chris Christie — 60% — outpaces Democratic State Senator Barbara Buono — 28% — by 32 percentage points among registered voters.  One percent supports another candidate, and 10% are undecided.  Among the probable electorate, including voters who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate, Christie has 62% to 28% for Buono.  One percent supports another candidate and 9% are undecided.

Key points:

• Party ID.  Most Republicans — 94% — support Christie while only a slim majority of Democrats — 51% — back Buono.  Among independent voters in New Jersey, 64% are for Christie while 22% are behind Buono.
• Intensity of Support.  Among registered voters in New Jersey who have a candidate preference, 56% strongly support their choice of candidate.  30% are somewhat committed to their pick while 11% might vote differently.  Three percent are unsure.  Among Christie’s supporters, 57% are firmly behind him while 55% of Buono’s backers are strongly in her camp.
• Gender.  Among men, 66% are for Christie while 24% support Buono.  A majority of women — 56% — support Christie compared with 32% for Buono.   
• Age.  Christie is ahead of Buono among all age groups.  Christie — 63% — leads Buono — 26% — among voters 60 and older.  Christie — 58% — also outdistances Buono — 30% — among those 45 to 59.  Looking at those 30 to 44, 60% support Christie compared with 29% for Buono.  63% of voters under the age of 30 are for Christie while 29% are behind Buono.
• Past Vote. Christie also receives notable support from those who voted for President Obama last fall.  42% of Obama backers support Christie while 46% support Democrat Buono.  32% of those who voted for Jon Corzine, the Democratic candidate in the 2009 gubernatorial race, now support Christie. 55% of Corzine voters plan to vote for Buono.

More than six in ten registered voters — 61% — are satisfied with the candidates running for governor in November while 28% are not satisfied with the candidates from which they have to choose.  11% are unsure.

Table: 2013 Gubernatorial Tossup (New Jersey Registered Voters)

Table: Intensity of Support (New Jersey Registered Voters with a Candidate Preference)

Table: Satisfied with Candidates Running for Governor (New Jersey Registered Voters)

Two-Thirds Have a Favorable Opinion of Christie…Buono Largely Unknown

Governor Chris Christie is perceived well by 67% of New Jersey residents.  28% have an unfavorable opinion of him, and 5% are unsure.  Registered voters have similar impressions.  68% of voters have a favorable view of the governor, 27% have an unfavorable one, and 4% are unsure.

However, Buono is little-known in the state.  Only 23% have a favorable view of Buono while 18% have an unfavorable impression of her.  Most residents statewide — 59% — have either never heard of Buono or are unsure how to rate her.  Buono is not much better known among registered voters.  24% of voters have a favorable impression of her, 18% have an unfavorable view, but 57% have either never heard of her or are unsure how to rate her.

Table: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Favorability (New Jersey Adults)

Table: New Jersey State Senator Barbara Buono Favorability (New Jersey Adults)

Majority Says Christie Should Not Run for President in 2016

Despite his popularity, when talk turns to a possible presidential run, 55% of New Jersey registered voters do not want Christie to throw his hat into the ring.  34% believe Christie should run for president, and 12% are unsure.

By Party:

• Among Republicans, 50% would like to see Christie run for President.  34% do not want him in the race, and 15% are unsure.
• 26% of Democrats want Christie in the presidential contest, but 64% do not.  Nine percent are unsure.
• 32% of independents want the governor in the 2016 race.  56% do not, and 12% are unsure.
• Among Tea Party supporters, 34% support a Christie 2016 run, and 55% are opposed to it. 11% are unsure.

In fact, in a hypothetical 2016 presidential match-up with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Christie trails Clinton, 41% to 52% among New Jersey voters.  Six percent are undecided.

Christie bests Vice President Joe Biden for president, 51% to 40%, among registered voters in the state.  Eight percent are undecided.

Table: Should Governor Chris Christie Run for President? (New Jersey Registered Voters)

Table: Christie vs. Clinton 2016 Toss-Up (New Jersey Registered Voters)

Table: Christie vs. Biden 2016 Toss-Up (New Jersey Registered Voters)

45% Approve of Job Senator Menendez is Doing in Office, 38% Believe He Acted Unethically in Donor Dust-Up

A plurality of residents — 45% — approve of the job Senator Robert Menendez is doing in office. 31% disapprove, and 24% are unsure. Registered voters have similar opinions.  46% of voters in the state rate Senator Menendez positively, 32% rate him negatively, and 22% are unsure.  Nearly two-thirds of Democrats — 65% — give the senator high marks, whereas 25% of Republicans and 39% of Independents say the same.

Opinion is divided about the investigation of Senator Menendez’ ties to a wealthy donor.  14% of New Jersey residents believe he did nothing wrong while 38% think he did something unethical but not illegal.  16% say he did something illegal. One-third — 33% — are unsure.

Table: Senator Robert Menendez Approval Rating (New Jersey Adults)

Table: Senator Menendez Ties to Wealthy Donor (New Jersey Adults)

Majority of New Jersey Residents Approve of Obama, Democratic Party, But GOP Doesn’t Fare So Well

President Obama has the approval of 57% of New Jersey residents.  38% disapprove of the job the president is doing in office, and 6% are unsure.  Similar proportions of registered voters share these views.  56% of voters approve of the president’s job performance, 38% disapprove, and 5% are unsure.  Among Democrats in the state, 88% give Obama a thumbs up, and 8% disapprove.  78% of Republicans, however, disapprove of the President’s job, and 16% approve.  Independents divide — 48% approve and 45% disapprove.  61% of residents view Obama favorably while 36% do not.  Three percent are unsure.  Registered voters agree.  60% approve of the job the president is doing, 37% disapprove, and 3% are unsure.

Table: President Barack Obama Approval Rating (New Jersey Adults)

Table: President Barack Obama Favorability Rating (New Jersey Adults)

The Democratic Party is viewed favorably by a slim majority — 51% — of New Jersey residents.  42% have an unfavorable impression of the party, and 7% are unsure.  Registered voters parallel these impressions.  50% of voters have a positive view, 43% have a negative one, and 6% are unsure.

The Republican Party is not highly regarded.  33% have a favorable view of the party while 58% of New Jersey residents view the party unfavorably.  Nine percent are unsure.  There is little difference in opinion among registered voters.  34% of voters have a favorable opinion, 59% do not, and 7% are unsure.

Table: Democratic Party Favorability Rating (New Jersey Adults)

Table: Republican Party Favorability Rating (New Jersey Adults)

Sequester Cuts Not Affecting Most, Two-Thirds Want Stricter Gun Laws

Nearly two-thirds of New Jersey residents — 65% — report they are not experiencing much impact personally from the federal spending cuts triggered by the sequester on March 1^st.  Seven percent say they have been affected a great deal, and 8% have been affected quite a bit.  16% have only been affected some, and 4% are unsure.

A plurality of New Jersey residents — 42% — say the sequester cuts will hurt the economy.  29% believe the cuts will have no impact, and 18% think the cuts will be good for the economy.  11% are unsure.

Table: Personal Impact of Automatic Spending Cuts (New Jersey Adults)

Table: Impact of Automatic Spending Cuts on the Economy (New Jersey Adults)

Most New Jersey residents think laws covering the sale of firearms should be stricter.  67% hold this view while 24% say current gun laws are sufficient.  Six percent say the laws should be less strict, and 3% are unsure.  Registered voters share these views.  Among gun owners, a plurality — 48% — believes gun laws should be kept as they are now, and 38% want stricter laws.  12% of gun owners think the laws should be less strict, and 2% are unsure.

Table: Gun Law Covering the Sale of Firearms (New Jersey Adults)

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

 

5/8: Tight Race for Governor in Virginia

In the race for governor in Virginia, Democrat Terry McAuliffe — 43% — and Republican Ken Cuccinelli — 41% — are in a close contest among registered voters including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate.  One percent are for another candidate, and 16% are undecided.

Among the probable electorate, including voters who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate, Cuccinelli has 45% to 42% for McAulifffe.  13% are undecided.

Click Here for Complete May 8th, 2013 Virginia NBC News/Marist Poll Release and Tables

“The contest is close, the candidates are not well defined, and they still need to connect with voters,” says Dr. Lee M.  Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “But, keep an eye on those who say they are going to vote.”

Key points:

• Party ID.  There is a wide partisan divide.  91% of registered Democrats support McAuliffe while 91% of registered Republicans back Cuccinelli.  Among independent voters statewide, Cuccinelli — 36% — and McAuliffe — 36% — are locked in a dead heat.  However, a notable proportion of independent voters — 27% — are undecided.
• Intensity of Support.  50% of registered voters in Virginia who prefer a candidate are strongly committed to their choice.  33% are somewhat behind their pick while 13% might vote differently.  Four percent are unsure.  Looking at the candidates’ supporters, 53% of those behind Cuccinelli strongly support him.  This compares with only 47% of McAuliffe’s backers who express a similar degree of support.
• Gender.  There is a wide gender gap.  McAuliffe — 50% — leads Cuccinelli — 34% — among women.  14% of women voters are undecided.  However, Cuccinelli — 49% — is ahead of McAuliffe — 34% — among men.  17% are undecided.
• Age.  McAuliffe — 48% — has the advantage over Cuccinelli — 35% — among registered voters under the age of 30.  Among those 30 to 44 years old, Cuccinelli receives 44% to 37% for McAuliffe.  Looking at those 45 to 59 McAuliffe has 45% to 41% for Cuccinelli.  Among Virginia registered voters 60 and older, McAuliffe — 43% — and Cuccinelli — 42% — are neck and neck.

Table: 2013 Gubernatorial Tossup (Virginia Registered Voters including leaners)

Table: Intensity of Support (Virginia Registered Voters with a Candidate Preference)

Slim Majority Satisfied with the Field

52% of Virginia registered voters are satisfied with the candidates from which they have to choose for governor this year.  One-quarter — 25% — are not satisfied, and 23% are unsure.  About six in ten Democrats — 58% — and Republicans — 61% — are satisfied while only a plurality of independents — 42% — feel the same.

Table: Satisfied with Gubernatorial Candidates (Virginia Registered Voters)

More Information Needed about Candidates, Say Many

Looking at the favorability ratings of the candidates, 31% of residents have a positive impression of McAuliffe.  23% have an unfavorable opinion of him, and a plurality — 46% — have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.  Registered voters have similar impressions.  32% of voters have a positive impression, 24% have a negative one, and 44% have either never heard of McAuliffe or are unsure how to rate him.

While Cuccinelli is better known among Virginians, he also needs to improve his standing.  40% have a favorable view of Cuccinelli while 26% have an unfavorable one.  34% have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.  Similar proportions of registered voters share these impressions.  42% of voters have a favorable view of Cuccinelli, 27% have an unfavorable one, and 32% have either never heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.

Table: McAuliffe Favorability (Virginia Adults)

Table: Cuccinelli Favorability (Virginia Adults)

Impressions of the Candidates

How do Virginia residents compare the gubernatorial candidates?

• 27% of adults think McAuliffe is too liberal.  Five percent say he is too conservative, and 32% think he is about right.  Almost four in ten though — 36% — are unsure where he stands politically.
• As for Cuccinelli, 6% of state residents see him as too liberal while 25% think he’s too conservative.  38% say he is about right while more than three in ten — 31% — are unsure how to assess him ideologically.
• When asked which candidate better understands the problems of people like themselves, 33% give Cuccinelli the nod and 29% pick McAuliffe.  31% are unsure.
• Who do Virginians trust more to do what’s best for the state?  37% choose Cuccinelli while 31% say McAuliffe.  26% are unsure.
• When it comes to social issues such as abortion, 31% of adults say Cuccinelli is closer to their position, and 30% say the same about McAuliffe.  34% are unsure.
• Residents divide about which candidate cares more about the middle class.  30% select Cuccinelli.  McAuliffe is the choice of 29%, and 34% are unsure.
• Which candidate do residents say shares their values?  Cuccinelli — 34% — has the advantage over McAuliffe — 28%.  31%, however, are unsure.

Table: McAuliffe Ideology (Virginia Adults)

Table: Cuccinelli Ideology (Virginia Adults)

Table: Candidate that Better Understands Problems (Virginia Adults)

Table: Candidate Trust More to Do What’s Best for Virginia (Virginia Adults)

Table: Candidate that is Closer on Social Issues (Virginia Adults)

Table: Candidate that Cares More About the Middle Class (Virginia Adults)

Table: Candidate that Shares Values (Virginia Adults)

Cuccinelli’s Performance as Attorney General

How do Virginia residents think Cuccinelli is doing as the state’s Attorney General?  49% approve while 23% disapprove.  28% are unsure.  Among registered voters, a majority — 51% — approve, 24% disapprove, and 25% are unsure.

By party, 74% of Republicans approve of the job Cuccinelli is doing in office, and only 6% disapprove.  49% of independent voters have a positive impression of the job Cuccinelli is doing as Attorney General, and 25% have a negative one.  Among Democrats, a plurality — 41% — disapprove while 32% approve.

Table: Cuccinelli Approval Rating (Virginia Adults)

Six in Ten Approve of McDonnell’s Job Performance

60% of Virginia adults approve of the job Governor Bob McDonnell is doing in office.  22% disapprove, and 18% are unsure.  Registered voters have similar views.  61% of registered voters give McDonnell a thumbs up.  24% of voters disapprove, and 15% are unsure.

When the NBC News/Marist Poll last reported this question in March 2012, 51% of registered voters in Virginia approved of the job he was doing in office.  30% disapproved, and 19% were unsure.

58% of Virginia adults currently have a favorable impression of McDonnell.  23% have an unfavorable one, and 19% are unsure.  Registered voters parallel these views.  60% of voters have a positive opinion of the governor, 24% have a negative one, and 16% are unsure.

Table: Governor Bob McDonnell Approval Rating (Virginia Adults)

Table: Governor Bob McDonnell Favorability (Virginia Adults)

Virginians Wouldn’t Mind Another Term for Governor McDonnell, But Say “No” to 2016 Prez Run

If Bob McDonnell was not limited to one term as governor, he would be the favorite for re-election against Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe.  In a hypothetical matchup, Governor McDonnell receives the support of 51% to 36% for McAuliffe among all registered voters.  One percent chooses another candidate, and 12% are undecided.

McDonnell’s gubernatorial support among voters in Virginia does not carry over to a bid for president.  58% of voters statewide do not want McDonnell to run for president in 2016.    24% would like to see him make a run, and 18% are unsure.  Democrats — 73% — and independents — 59% — do not support a McDonnell presidential run.  Republicans divide.  41% of registered Republican voters would like to see him on the presidential campaign trail while 43% would not.

How does McDonnell fare against Democrats Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden?  In a hypothetical matchup, Hillary Clinton — 52% — has the advantage over Bob McDonnell — 41% — among registered voters in the state.  Seven percent are undecided.

In fact, 60% of Virginia residents have a favorable impression of Hillary Clinton.  33% have an unfavorable view, and 7% are unsure.  There is little difference of opinion among registered voters.  60% of voters have a positive impression of Hillary Clinton, 34% have a negative one, and 6% are unsure.

In contrast, when matched against Joe Biden, McDonnell receives the support of 49% to Biden’s 42%.  Nine percent are undecided.

Table: Hypothetical 2013 Toss Up McAuliffe/McDonnell (Virginia Registered Voters)

Table: Want Bob McDonnell to Run for President in 2016? (Virginia Registered Voters)

Table: Hypothetical 2016 Toss Up Clinton/McDonnell (Virginia Registered Voters)

Table: Hillary Clinton Favorability (Virginia Adults)

Table: Hypothetical 2016 Toss Up Biden/McDonnell (Virginia Registered Voters)

Six in Ten Optimistic About the Direction of the State

60% of Virginia residents think the state is moving in the right direction.  33%, however, believe it needs a new course.  Seven percent are unsure.  Registered voters share similar views.  61% of registered voters think Virginia is on the correct course, and 32% say the state is headed in the wrong direction.  Seven percent are unsure.

Table: Direction of Virginia (Virginia Adults)

Majority Approve of Obama’s Performance and Like Him, Too; Political Parties Not as Popular

A slim majority of Virginia residents — 51% — approve of the job the president is doing in office.  45% disapprove, and 4% are unsure.  Registered voters reflect the views of adults.

Similarly, 53% of residents have a favorable impression of the president while 43% have an unfavorable impression of him.  Three percent are unsure.  Registered voters agree.  54% have a favorable view of the president, 44% have an unfavorable opinion, and 3% are unsure.

The Democratic and Republican parties do not fare as well.  44% of Virginians have a favorable impression of the Democratic Party.  45% give the party a thumbs down. 11% are unsure.  The opinions of registered voters differ little from residents.  44% have a positive view of the Democratic Party, 46% have a negative one, and 10% are unsure.

As for the GOP, only 36% of residents have a favorable opinion of the Republican Party.   A majority of Virginia residents — 52% — have an unfavorable view.  12% are unsure.  Registered voters concur.  37% have a positive view of the Republican Party, 53% have a negative impression, and 11% are unsure.

Table: Obama Approval Rating (Virginia Adults)

Table: Obama Favorability (Virginia Adults)

Table: Democratic Party Favorability (Virginia Adults)

Table: Republican Party Favorability (Virginia Adults)

Stricter Gun Laws Say Majority

55% of Virginia residents think laws covering the sale of firearms should be stricter than they are now.  Six percent say they should be less strict while 36% think they should be kept as they are.  Three percent are unsure.

Gun owners feel differently.  Nearly six in ten — 57% — want gun laws to remain as they are.  30% of gun owners think laws covering the sale of firearms should be stricter, and 11% would prefer these laws be less strict.  Two percent are unsure.

Table: Gun Law Covering the Sale of Firearms (Virginia Adults)

Across-the-Board Spending Cuts No Personal Impact for Majority, But Hurt Economy

Although a majority — 54% — of Virginia residents say the across-the-board automatic spending cuts that went into effect on March 1^st have not had an impact on them or their family, personally, 43% say they have felt at least some impact from the cuts.  This includes 12% who say the cuts have impacted them a great deal, 10% who say quite a bit, and 21% who report some impact.  Three percent are unsure.

Almost half — 49% — think these cuts will mostly hurt the economy.  18% think the across-the-board cuts will help the economy, and 26% think they will have no impact.  Eight percent are unsure.

Table: Personal Impact of Automatic Spending Cuts (Virginia Adults)

Table: Impact of Automatic Spending Cuts on the Economy (Virginia Adults)

 

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

 

4/24: Majority View New York Economy as Steady State, Most Believe Cuomo Inherited Economic Conditions

A slim majority of New York State registered voters — 51% — thinks the state’s economy is staying about the same, but nearly three in ten — 29% — say it is getting worse.  21% think the economy is improving, a slight uptick from about two months ago.

Click Here for Complete April 24, 2013 The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll NYS Release and Tables

“Although New Yorkers still see a sluggish state economy, they don’t think Governor Cuomo is to blame,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “By more than four to one, voters believe the economic condition of the state is something the governor inherited not the result of his policies.  In fact, a majority think the state is headed in the right direction.”

When The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported this question in early March, a majority — 53% — perceived the economy as status quo.  29% thought it was getting worse while 18% said it was getting better.

Voters believe the current economic conditions in New York are something that Governor Cuomo inherited and not a result of his own policies.  74% of registered voters statewide agree the state’s economic difficulties existed when Governor Cuomo assumed office, and only 17% believe the conditions are a result of his policies.  Nine percent are unsure.

The view that Cuomo inherited the economic conditions of the state extends across political party lines.  77% of Democrats, 72% of Republicans, and 75% of non-enrolled voters share this opinion.

A majority of voters — 53% — believes the state is moving in the right direction.  41% think it is moving in the wrong one, and 6% are unsure.  Nearly two months ago, 51% of registered voters statewide said the state was moving in the right direction, and 44% said it was going in the wrong one.  Four percent were unsure at that time.

Do New York voters think the Empire State is still in a recession?  Almost six in ten — 58% — do while 39% do not.  Three percent are unsure.

There has been a slight decrease in the proportion of voters who say the state is in a recession.  In March, 61% thought New York was in a recession while 35% did not characterize the state in this way.  Four percent, at that time, were unsure.  This is the lowest proportion of voters who believe the state’s economy is in a recession since before the spring of 2008.

Table: New York State Economy

Table: New York State Economy Over Time

Table: New York State Economic Conditions Inherited or Result of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Policies

Table: Direction of NYS

Table: Direction of NYS Over Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table: NYS in a Recession?

Table: NYS in a Recession Over Time

 

Cuomo Approval Rating Holds Steady

A majority of registered voters in New York State — 54% — approve of the job Governor Cuomo is doing in office.  This includes 12% who think he is doing an excellent job and 42% who believe Cuomo is doing a good job as governor.  Another 27% give Mr. Cuomo a fair rating and 14% give him a poor one.  Five percent are unsure.

When The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported this question, in early March, 12% of registered voters said Cuomo was doing an excellent job, and 44% said he was doing a good one.  At that time, 27% rated his job as fair, 13% thought his performance was poor, and 5% were unsure.

By region:

• Governor Cuomo’s approval rating is steady among upstate registered voters. Currently 48% approve of his job in office.  49% approved in March.
• His approval rating is also little changed in New York City.  58% currently approve of his job performance, and 60% of registered voters reported the same in March.
• In the city’s suburbs, 59% approve.  In March, 60% of registered voters approved of the job he was doing in office.

 By party:

• Governor Cuomo fails to impress the majority of Republicans.  37% currently rate his job performance as excellent or good, down from 46% in March.
• However, he is steady with non-enrolled voters.  46% give him high marks, the same proportion that did almost two months ago.
• Mr. Cuomo’s approval is 66% among registered Democrats, similar to 67% in March.

 New Yorkers have consistently expressed favorable views of Governor Cuomo.  Almost two-thirds of registered voters in New York State — 65% — have a positive opinion of the governor.  27% view him negatively, and 8% are unsure.

The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll reported similar numbers in early March.  At that time 66% viewed Governor Cuomo favorably, 25% viewed him negatively, and 9% were unsure.

Among Democrats, this rating is steady.  There has been some shifting among Republicans and non-enrolled voters.

By Party:

• 79% of Democrats view Governor Cuomo favorably, while 77% did so in March.
• Among non-enrolled voters, the governor’s favorability rating has risen from 55% in March to 62% now.
• Cuomo’s favorability among Republicans continues to slide.  Just under half of Republican voters statewide — 46% — view him favorably, whereas 60% did in March.

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Approval Rating

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Approval Rating Over Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Favorability

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Favorability Over Time

Majority Approve of Cuomo’s Handling of the Budget

 54% of registered voters in New York State approve of how the governor is handling the state budget.  34% disapprove, and 12% are unsure.  These numbers are mostly unchanged since March when 55% of voters approved of Governor Cuomo’s budget handling, 36% disapproved, and 9% were unsure.

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Handling of the New York State Budget

Governor Cuomo’s Re-election Prospects

If Governor Cuomo runs for re-election in 2014, right now 47% of registered voters would cast their ballot for him.  25% think they would vote against the incumbent governor, and 15% say it depends on who runs against him.  13% are unsure.

“Should the governor seek re-election, he starts with a base of support of nearly half the electorate,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “That makes for an uphill fight for anyone looking to replace him next year.”

The governor’s support is strongest in New York City where a majority — 57% — would vote to re-elect him.  About half of voters in the city’s suburbs — 51% — would cast their ballot to give Governor Cuomo a second term.  The governor’s support is weakest upstate. There, 39% of voters say they are ready to re-elect the governor while 33% say they would vote against him.

Table: Re-elect Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2014

 Governor Cuomo’s image:

• Perceptions of the governor’s ideology have not changed since The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported it.  Currently 34% of registered voters believe him to be liberal, 38% say that he is moderate, and 13% think of him as conservative.  15% are unsure.  In March, 35% said he was liberal.  37% placed him in the moderate category, and 14% thought he was conservative.  13%, at that time, were unsure.
• 67% of New York State voters think Cuomo is a good leader for the state.  28% disagree, and 5% are unsure.  This is little changed from about two months ago when 69% agreed that the governor is a good leader, 25% disagreed, and 6% were unsure.
• 64% of registered voters agree Governor Cuomo cares about the average person, while 30% do not share this view.  Six percent are unsure.  In March, 66% said that the governor cares, 28% disagreed, and 6% were unsure.
• Nearly six in ten voters — 58% — believe that Mr. Cuomo is changing the way things work in Albany for the better.  33% disagree, and 9% are unsure.  In March, 61% agreed that the governor was changing the State Capitol for the better, 32% disagreed, and 7% were unsure.
• As for whether the governor pays too much attention to national politics and not enough attention to New York State, registered voters statewide mostly disagree. 40% think he pays too much attention to national politics, but a slim majority — 51% — disagrees.  Nine percent are unsure.  This is little changed since March when 40% agreed that Cuomo’s attention is too fixed on the national scene, and 53% disagreed.  7%, then, were unsure.

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Ideology

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Ideology Over Time

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo as Leader

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo as Leader Over Time

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Cares About Average Person

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Impact on Albany

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

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Attention to National Politics

Senate and Assembly Ratings Stagnant

 After seeing a bump in the legislative bodies’ ratings in a similar poll conducted in March, there has been little movement since then.

29% of registered voters statewide approve of the job the State Senate is doing.  Of these, 3% say the State Senate is doing an excellent job, and 26% say it is doing a good one.  41% rate its performance as fair while 26% give it a poor rating.  Four percent are unsure.

In March, 30% of registered voters approved of the job the State Senate was doing, including 3% who gave it an excellent rating and 27% who said it was doing a good job.  At that time, 39% said the legislative body was doing a fair job, and 25% rated it as poor.  6% were unsure.

27% of registered voters approve of the job the State Assembly is doing, including 3% who rate the Assembly’s performance as excellent and 24% who rate it as good.  42% say the legislative body is doing a fair job, and 24% believe it is doing a poor one.  Six percent are unsure.

Nearly two months ago, 30% of voters approved of the job the State Assembly was doing.  41% gave it a fair rating, and 24% believed it was doing a subpar job.  Five percent were unsure.

Table: New York State Senate Job Approval Rating

Table: New York State Senate Job Approval Rating (Over Time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table: New York State Assembly Job Approval Rating

Table: New York State Assembly Job Approval Rating (Over Time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearly Half Approve of U.S. Senator Gillibrand

 Just under half of registered voters in New York State — 48% — approve of the job Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is doing in office.  This includes 13% of voters who think Gillibrand is doing an excellent job and 35% who believe she is doing a good one.  More than one in four voters — 27% — say Senator Gillibrand is doing a fair job in her post while 9% think she is performing poorly.  17% are unsure.

When The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported this question almost two months ago, Senator Gillibrand’s approval rating was 50%.  24%, then, thought she was doing a fair job while 12% believed she fell short.  14% were unsure.

Table: Gillibrand Approval Rating

Table: Gillibrand Approval Rating (Over Time)

 Schumer Approval Rating Improves

 Senator Chuck Schumer enjoys a job approval rating of 58%.  Included here are 19% who think the senator is doing an excellent job and 39% who believe he is doing a good one.  24% rate his performance as fair while 13% say he is performing poorly.  Six percent are unsure.

In The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll in March, 54% gave Schumer a thumbs-up.  26% thought he was doing an average job while 13% believed he fell short.  Seven percent were unsure.

Table: Schumer Approval Rating

Table: Schumer Approval Rating (Over Time)

Majority in New York State Approves of Obama’s Job Performance

 Among registered voters in New York State, just over half — 52% — approve of the job President Barack Obama is doing in office.  This includes 19% who think he is doing an excellent job and 33% who say he is doing a good one.  22% give Obama fair marks while 26% say his performance is poor.  One percent is unsure.

When The Wall Street Journal/NBC New York/Marist Poll last reported this question in March, 50% approved of Mr. Obama’s job performance.  22% thought he was doing an average job, and 27% thought his performance fell short.  Less than 1% was unsure.

Table: Obama Approval Rating

Table: Obama Approval Rating Over Time

 

 

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

 

 

4/4: Half of Voters Trust Obama More than Republicans to Deal with Budget…More Blame GOP for Gridlock

When it comes to the federal budget, 50% of registered voters nationally trust President Barack Obama to make the right decisions.  This compares with 41% who have more faith in the Republicans in Congress to make the correct choices.  Eight percent trust neither the president nor the Congressional GOP while only 1% of voters have confidence in both.  Two percent are unsure.

Click Here for Complete April 4, 2013 USA McClatchy-Marist Poll Release and Tables

“There are no winners when it comes to the budget battles in Washington,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “If forced to choose, more voters side with President Obama over the Congressional Republicans.”

By party:

• Voters’ views fall along party lines.  88% of Democrats have more faith in the president to make the appropriate budgetary decisions.
• 85% of Republicans have more confidence in the Congressional GOP.
• Among independent voters, 46% express more trust in the president to decide on fiscal matters while 37% place greater faith in the hands of the Republicans in Congress.

Who is to blame for the gridlock on the federal budget?  Nearly half of registered voters — 48% — point a finger at the Republicans in Congress for the stalemate.  34% place the onus on the president while 11% say both parties are responsible.  Seven percent of voters report neither are to blame or are unsure.

By party:

• While there is a partisan divide, about one in six Republicans blame the Congressional GOP for the stalemate.  68% of Republicans say President Obama is at fault, but 17% blame the Republicans in Congress.
• Among Democrats, 79% place the blame on the Republicans in Congress and only 10% fault the president.
• A plurality of independents — 45% — say the Republicans in Congress are the cause of the gridlock while 32% point a finger at the president.

Table: Who Voters Trust More to Deal with Budget

Table: Blame for Gridlock on the Federal Budget

No Winners in Budget Give and Take

President Obama, however, does not come out unscathed in the budget debate.  A majority of voters — 56% — disapprove of how he is handling the budget negotiations with the Republicans in Congress.  38% approve, and 6% are unsure.

By party:

• 88% of Republicans believe the president is falling short in the negotiating process.
• While 67% of Democrats praise Mr. Obama’s efforts, nearly one in four Democrats — 24% — disapprove of how the president is handling the process.
• More than six in ten independents — 61% — think the president needs to revamp his negotiating skills.

The Republicans in Congress fare worse than the president.  Almost seven in ten registered voters — 69% — disapprove of how they are conducting themselves during the budget negotiations with President Obama.  24% approve of their actions, and 7% are unsure.

By party:

• Even a slim majority of Republicans — 51% — disapprove of how the GOP in Congress is handling budget negotiations while 45% approve.
• 84% of Democrats are dissatisfied with how the Republicans are negotiating with the president.
• 70% of independents disapprove of the way the Congressional Republicans are negotiating with the president.

Table: President Obama’s Handling of Budget Negotiations

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Handling of Budget Negotiations

More Americans View Sequester Cuts as No Big Deal than a Month Ago

When it comes to the impact of the automatic spending cuts on the economy, 40% of adults nationally say they have had no effect on the economy.  36% believe they have had a negative impact while 14% say the sequester cuts have had a positive one.  10% are unsure.  Similar proportions of registered voters share these views.

There has been an increase in the proportion of Americans who think these across-the- board spending cuts have had little impact on the nation’s economy.  When McClatchy-Marist reported this question last month, 27% of residents thought sequestration would not affect the economy.  Nearly half — 47% — said the economy would be adversely affected, and 19% thought it would be positively impacted.  Seven percent, at that time, were unsure.

On the personal side, almost two-thirds of adults — 65% — say these automatic budget cuts have not had any effect on their family.  26% report the sequestration has had a negative impact while 6% think it has had a positive one.  Three percent are unsure.  Registered voters reflect the views of Americans.

Here, too, there has been an increase in those who aren’t feeling the impact of sequestration.  Last month, 48% of Americans did not anticipate any effect on their family.  39% said the automatic spending cuts would have a negative impact on their personal finances while 10% thought it would have a positive impact on them.  Three percent were unsure.

Table: Impact of Sequester on Economy

Table: Personal Impact of Sequester

Half Approve of Obama’s Job Performance

50% of registered voters nationally approve of how the president is doing his job.  46% disapprove, and 4% are unsure.  When this question was last reported in March, 48% disapproved of President Obama’s job performance.  45% approved, and 7% were unsure.

The president’s image has improved, as well.  53% have a favorable impression of President Obama while 45% have an unfavorable one.  Two percent are unsure.  In March, voters divided.  48% had a positive opinion of the president.  48% had an unfavorable view of him, and 4% were unsure.

The Democrats and Republicans in Congress continue to struggle to make inroads with U.S. voters.  32% of registered voters approve of how the Democrats in Congress are performing in office while 62% disapprove.  Six percent are unsure.

There has been little change on this question since McClatchy-Marist’s previous survey when 31% approved of how Congressional Democrats were doing their job.  62% disapproved, and 7% were unsure.

Congressional Republicans are also swimming against the tide of public opinion.  24% of voters approve of how they are performing in office.  71% disapprove, and 6% are unsure.  Last month, 68% of voters disapproved of the Congressional GOP’s job performance.  26% approved, and 7% were unsure.

Table: President Obama Approval Rating

Table: President Obama Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: President Obama Favorability

Table: President Obama Favorability (Over Time)

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Majority Still Disapproves of Obama’s Handling of the Economy

When it comes to how President Obama is handling the nation’s economy, 53% disapprove of how he is tackling the issue.  44% approve, and 2% are unsure.  Last month, 57% of registered voters gave the president’s handling of the economy a thumbs-down while 40% thought he was doing a good job in this area.  Four percent were unsure.

Table: President Obama’s Handling of the Economy

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

Mixed Reviews for Obama’s Handling of Foreign Policy

48% of registered voters approve of how President Obama is handling foreign policy.  46% disapprove, and 6% are unsure.  When McClatchy-Marist last reported this question, voters also divided.  47% disapproved of how the president was dealing with the issue while 46% approved.  Eight percent were unsure.

Table: Handling Foreign Policy

Table: Handling Foreign Policy (Over Time)

Nearly Six in Ten Think the Nation Needs a Course Correction

58% of adults nationally think the country is moving in the wrong direction.  38% believe it is traveling in the right one, and 4% are unsure.  Little has changed on this question since last month when 60% said the nation was off track.  35% believed it was on the correct path, and 5% were unsure.

Table: Right or Wrong Direction of the Country

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

 

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

3/12: Obama Approval Rating Drops…Plurality Blames GOP for Sequester

President Barack Obama’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest point in sixteen months.  Currently, more registered voters nationally disapprove of the president’s job performance –   48% — than approve of how he is doing in office — 45%.  Seven percent are unsure.  This is the first time Mr. Obama’s approval rating has been upside down since November 2011 when 50% believed he fell short, and 43% gave the president high marks.  Seven percent, at that time, were unsure.

Click Here for Complete March 12, 2013 USA McClatchy-Marist Poll Release and Tables

When McClatchy-Marist last reported this question in December 2012, half of voters — 50% — applauded the job the president was doing.  44% thought his performance was subpar, and 6% were unsure.

“The political wrangling in Washington has taken its toll on President Obama and hasn’t done Congress any good either,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.

While there has been some change in the president’s job performance rating among Democrats and Republicans, there has been more of a shift among independent voters.  Just 37% of these voters approve of how the president is doing in office while a majority — 55% — disapprove.  Eight percent are unsure.  In December, 46% of independents approved of Mr. Obama’s performance, 45% disapproved, and 9% were unsure.

There has also been a decline in the president’s favorable rating.  Here, voters evenly divide.  48% have a favorable impression of President Obama while the same proportion — 48% — has an unfavorable one.  Four percent are unsure.  In December, a majority — 53% — had a positive view of the president.  44% had an unfavorable opinion of him, and 3%, at that time, were unsure.

President Obama fares better in voters’ eyes than do Congressional Democrats and Republicans.  Only 31% of registered voters nationally approve of how the Democrats in Congress are performing in office.  More than six in ten — 62% — disapprove, and 7% are unsure.  In McClatchy-Marist’s previous survey, 35% approved of the job of Congressional Democrats, 58% disapproved, and 7% were unsure.

Looking at Congressional Republicans, just 26% approve of their job performance.  68% disapprove, and 7% are unsure.  In December, similar proportions of registered voters shared these views.  26% gave the Congressional GOP high marks, 67% disapproved, and 7% were unsure.

Table: President Obama Approval Rating

Table: President Obama Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: President Obama Favorability

Table: President Obama Favorability (Over Time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

Republicans Take Brunt of Blame for Sequester…Nearly Half Expect Negative Impact on Economy

Eighty-five billion dollars in automatic spending cuts took effect when President Obama and Congressional Republicans failed to reach an agreement to avoid them.  Who is more to blame?  46% of adults nationally point a finger at the Republicans.  But, President Obama does not go unscathed.  36% of adults think the president is at fault.  12% of Americans say both are to blame while 7% report neither is to blame or are unsure.  Similar proportions of registered voters have these opinions.

When it comes to the effect of the sequester on the economy, 47% of residents believe there will be a negative impact while only 19% say there will be a positive one.  More than one in four — 27% — think there will be no effect on the economy, and 7% are unsure.  Here, too, similar proportions of registered voters share these views.

But, what about the personal toll of sequestration?  Nearly half of adults nationally — 48% — don’t think their family will feel any difference.  39% believe they will be adversely affected while 10% say they will benefit from the experience.  Three percent are unsure.  Nearly identical proportions of registered voters agree.

Table: Who is to Blame for Sequester?

Table: Impact of Sequester on Economy

Table: Personal Impact of Sequester

Majority Favors Divided Government…Compromise is a Must, Say More Than Seven in Ten

55% of residents nationally think it is better if the president and the majority who controls Congress are from different political parties.  35% say it would be advantageous if they were from the same party, and 10% are unsure.  Registered voters share these views.

For more than seven in ten adults nationally, compromise is the key.  71% believe it is more important for government officials to compromise to find a solution.  However, 24% think it is better if politicians stand on principle even if it means gridlock.  Five percent are unsure.

When McClatchy-Marist last reported this question in December, 74% of adults thought it was more important to compromise.  21% said an official’s principles should not be forsaken, and 5% were unsure.

When Washington comes to a political standstill, who do registered voters blame for the gridlock?  45% say the Republicans in Congress are culpable.  37% blame President Obama while 12% say both are at fault.  Six percent say neither are to blame or are unsure.

Table: Views on Divided Government

Table: Better to Compromise to Find Solutions or Stand on Principle?

Table: Cause of Gridlock in Washington

The Great Deficit Divide

When it comes to closing the federal budget deficit, registered voters divide.  44% think Congressional Republicans have the better approach to deficit reduction.  42%, however, believe President Obama has the better plan.  Seven percent think neither has the better approach while 2% report both are adept at handling the situation.  Six percent are unsure.

To close the federal budget deficit, a majority of voters nationally — 53% — prefer lawmakers cut programs and services than increase taxes and fees — 37%.

However, when asked about specific policy areas, there are several notable exceptions.

• Almost two-thirds of registered voters — 65% — would rather increase revenues such as taxes and fees than experience cuts to education spending — 31%.  Four percent are unsure.
• Six in ten registered voters — 60% — would prefer to increase taxes and fees than cut Social Security spending — 33%.  Seven percent are unsure.
• 57% would prefer increasing revenues than reduce spending for Medicare — 36%.  Seven percent are unsure.
• A majority of registered voters — 53% — would rather increase revenues such as taxes and fees than cut transportation spending — 40%.  Seven percent are unsure.
• Half — 50% — would prefer to increase taxes and fees than cut Medicaid spending — 42%.  Eight percent are unsure.
• However, nearly six in ten voters — 57% — would rather cut energy spending than increase revenues — 35%.  Eight percent are unsure.
• 55% would prefer cuts in unemployment assistance over increases in taxes and fees — 38%.  Seven percent are unsure.
• A majority — 53% — would rather have defense spending cut than experience higher taxes or fees — 39%.  Seven percent are unsure.

Table: Whether Congressional Republicans or President Obama has the Better Approach to Deal with the Deficit

Table: Increase Taxes and Fees or Cut Programs and Services

Table: Increase Revenues or Cut Education Spending

Table: Increase Revenues or Cut Social Security Spending

Table: Increase Revenues or Cut Medicare Spending

Table: Increase Revenues or Cut Transportation Spending

Table: Increase Revenues or Cut Medicaid Spending

Table: Increase Revenues or Cut Energy Spending

Table: Increase Revenues or Cut Unemployment Assistance

Table: Increase Revenues or Cut Defense Spending

Dip in Those Who Approve of Obama’s Handling of the Economy 

When it comes to the economy, in general, 40% of registered voters approve of how President Barack Obama is handling it.  Nearly six in ten — 57% — disapprove.  Four percent are unsure.

This marks a decline from when McClatchy-Marist last reported this question in December.  At that time, 44% of voters gave Obama a thumbs-up on his fiscal management, 52% disapproved, and 4% were unsure.

Do Americans think the nation is in a recession?  63% of adults nationally do while 33% do not.  Four percent are unsure.  Little has changed on this question since McClatchy-Marist reported it last March when 66% thought the country was in a recession.  30% disagreed, and 4% were unsure.

Table: President Obama’s Handling of the Economy

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

Table: U.S. in a Recession

Table: U.S. in a Recession Over Time

On the Personal Side…More Americans See Finances on Decline than a Year Ago

Nearly half of Americans — 48% — believe their personal family finances in the coming year will remain about the same.  26% believe their financial picture will get better while the same proportion — 26% — think it will get worse.

The proportion of residents who think their personal finances will deteriorate has grown.  Last March, 14% thought their family finances would get worse.  32%, at the time, believed they would get better while a majority — 55% — said they would stay about the same.

When it comes to whether or not adults nationally will feel economically better off in the coming year, one in four — 25% — believe they will while 36% say they will be worse off.  40% think they will be about the same economically.  There has been little change on this question since December 2012 when 27% reported they would be better off, 32% thought they would be worse off, and 40% said they would feel no differently.

Table: Your Personal Family Finances – Better, Worse, or the Same?

Table: Your Personal Family Finances – Better, Worse, or the Same? (Over Time)

Table: Economically Better Off in the Next Year?

More View Nation as Headed in the Wrong Direction 

What does all of this mean for the trajectory of the nation?  Six in ten Americans — 60% — believe the country is moving in the wrong direction while 35% say it is traveling in the right one.  Five percent are unsure.

When McClatchy-Marist last reported this question in December, 55% of adults nationally thought the country was on the wrong path.  40% said it was on the correct one, and 5% were unsure.

Table: Right or Wrong Direction of the Country

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

Michelle Obama Consistently Scores High with American Voters 

President Obama may want to take a few lessons from his wife.  When it comes to Michelle Obama’s favorable rating, 63% of voters have a positive impression of her.  26% have an unfavorable one, and 11% are unsure.

In McClatchy-Marist’s survey last April, 65% thought highly of Mrs. Obama while 23% had a negative view of her.  12%, at that time, were unsure.  Since December 2009, more than six in ten registered voters nationally have given Mrs. Obama high marks.

Table: Michelle Obama Favorability

Table: Michelle Obama Favorability Over Time

How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

 

3/8: Gillibrand Approval Rating Dips

Half of registered voters in New York State — 50% — approve of the job Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is doing in office.  This includes 9% of voters who think Gillibrand is doing an excellent job and 41% who believe she is doing a good one.  Nearly one in four voters — 24% — say Senator Gillibrand is doing a fair job in her post while 12% think she is performing poorly.  14% are unsure

Click Here for Complete March 8, 2013 Marist Poll Release and Tables

“Senator Gillibrand scored her best rating during the height of her re-election campaign,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “Now, the partisan climate felt nationally has spilled to affect her New York standing.”

Gillibrand’s approval rating has dropped from when Marist last reported this question in October.  At that time, Gillibrand achieved her highest approval rating since taking office — 55%.  28%, then, thought she was doing a fair job while 8% believed she fell short.  10% were unsure.

Looking at party, the change has occurred among Republicans and non-enrolled voters.  37% of Republicans have a positive view of Gillibrand’s job performance.  This compares with 47% last fall.  Among non-enrolled voters in the state, 41% approve of how Gillibrand is doing in office, down from 48% in October.  Gillibrand’s support among her base, however, has changed little.  64% of Democrats statewide applaud her job performance.  63% did so in the fall.

Table: Gillibrand Approval Rating

Table: Gillibrand Approval Rating (Over Time)

Schumer Approval Rating Steady

Senator Chuck Schumer enjoys a consistent job approval rating.  A majority — 54% — give the senator high marks.  Included here are 16% who think the senator is doing an excellent job and 38% who believe he is doing a good one.  26% rate his performance as fair while 13% say he is performing poorly.  Seven percent are unsure.

In Marist’s October survey, 55% gave Schumer a thumbs-up.  27% thought he was doing an average job while 13% believed he fell short.  Five percent were unsure.

Table: Schumer Approval Rating

Table: Schumer Approval Rating (Over Time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obama Approval Rating at 50% in New York State 

Among registered voters in New York State, half — 50% — approve of the job President Barack Obama is doing in office.  This includes 21% who think he is doing an excellent job and 29% who say he is doing a good one.  22% give Obama fair marks while 27% say his performance is poor.  Less than 1% is unsure.

When Marist last reported this question in April, 47% approved of Mr. Obama’s job performance.  22% thought he was doing an average job, and 31% thought his performance fell short.  Less than 1% was unsure.

Table: Obama Approval Rating

Table: Obama Approval Rating Over Time

 How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

12/12: Four In Ten with High Expectations for Obama’s Second Term…Approval Rating at 50%

Looking ahead to President Barack Obama’s second term in office, 40% of registered voters nationally expect his second go around to be better than his first term.  30% think it will be about the same while 28% believe it will be worse.  Two percent are unsure.

Click Here for Complete December 12, 2012 USA McClatchy-Marist Poll Release and Tables

“Expectations for President Obama’s second term divide along party lines; Democrats are optimistic and Republicans are not,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “But, a majority of Democrats, Republicans, and independents believe the president is going to have more of a say than Congress in his second term.”

While nearly three in four Democrats nationally — 73% — believe the president’s second term will trump his first, independent voters temper their expectations.  Four in ten independents — 40% — think it will be about the same as the last four years while 32% say it will be better.  Not surprisingly, a majority of Republicans — 59% — report President Obama’s second term will be worse than his first four years in office.

When it comes to the president’s overall job performance, half of U.S. registered voters — 50% — approve of how he is doing in office while 44% disapprove.  Six percent are unsure.  This matches his approval rating just prior to his re-election, the highest rating he had achieved in more than three years.  In October of 2009, 53% of voters gave the president high marks.  41% thought his performance fell short, and 6% were unsure.

When McClatchy-Marist last reported this question in July of 2012, voters divided.  47% approved of how the president was doing his job while 47% disapproved.  Six percent were unsure.

But, do voters think well of the president?  53% have a favorable view of President Obama while 44% have an unfavorable impression of him.  Three percent are unsure.

In July, 49% of voters had a positive view of the president while 46% had an unfavorable one.  Five percent, at the time, were unsure.

Table: Will President Barack Obama’s Second Term Be Better Than the First?

Table: President Obama Approval Rating

Table: President Obama Approval Rating (Over Time)

Table: President Obama Favorability

Table: President Obama Favorability (Over Time)

Majority Approves of Obama’s Handling of Foreign Policy…Disapproves on Economy

51% of registered voters approve of how President Obama is addressing foreign policy.  42% disapprove, and 7% are unsure.  Little has changed on this question since McClatchy-Marist last reported it in March.  At that time, 50% gave the president a thumbs-up, 45% said he fell short, and 5% were unsure.

On the economy, it’s a different story.  44% of registered voters nationally approve of how the president is dealing with the economy while a majority — 52% — disapproves.  Four percent are unsure.  This is little changed from March when 46% gave the president high marks on the economy.  51%, then, believed he missed the mark, and 3% were unsure.

When it comes to the future of the U.S. economy, a majority of Americans — 53% — think the worst of the nation’s economic conditions are still to come while 42% say the worst is over.  Five percent are unsure.  In McClatchy-Marist’s March survey, 45% of adults nationally thought more bad economic news was ahead while 49% thought the nation had turned the economic corner.  Six percent, then, were unsure.

On the personal side, 40% of American adults believe their financial situation will be about the same in the next year.  32%, however, think they will be worse off while 27% say they will be better off.

In December of 2008, 50% of Americans expected there to be little change in their economic situation in the coming year.  This compares with 26% who thought they would be better off and 24% who said they would be worse off.

Table: Handling Foreign Policy

Table: Handling Foreign Policy Over Time

Table: President Obama’s Handling of the Economy

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

Table: U.S. Economy — Will It Get Worse?

Table: U.S. Economy — Will It Get Worse? (Over Time)

Table: Economically Better Off in the Next Year?

Obama in the Driver’s Seat, Say Nearly Two-Thirds

65% of registered voters nationally believe President Obama will have more of an influence over the direction of the nation in the next two years than the Republicans in Congress.  However, about one in four — 26% — thinks the Republicans in Congress will hold sway while 3% report both will have an equal amount of influence.  Six percent are unsure.

77% of Democrats and 61% of independents believe the president will have more input.  Even a majority of Republicans — 56% — say the same.

Do Americans believe the nation is moving in the right or wrong direction?  Well, it depends.  Overall, a majority — 55% — thinks the nation is on the wrong path while 40% say it is on the right one.  Five percent are unsure.  This is little changed from McClatchy-Marist’s March survey when 53% said the country was off course.  43%, then, thought the nation was on the right track, and 4% were unsure.  But, in the current survey, 70% of Democrats are positive about the country’s trajectory compared with only 9% of Republicans and 35% of independents who share this view.

Table: Whether President Obama or the Republicans in Congress Will Have More Influence in the Next Two Years

Table: Right or Wrong Direction of the Country

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

Political Environment Conducive to Compromise?

When it comes to the degree of compromise voters expect from the president and the Republicans in Congress over the next four years, 45% think it will be about the same as it has been.  35% believe they will compromise more while 17% say they will be less willing to bend.  Two percent are unsure.

While 54% of Democrats report there will be greater compromise, Republicans and independent voters are not as optimistic.  Half of Republicans — 50% — and 51% of independents say the amount of compromise will change little from the first term.

Table: Amount of Compromise Over the Next Four Years

Both Democrats and Republicans Go Too Far, Say Pluralities…Congressional Approval Ratings Low

46% of registered voters nationally believe the Republican Party is too conservative.  32% believe it’s ideologically about right while 15% say it is too liberal.  Seven percent are unsure.

When it comes to the Democratic Party, 47% of voters believe it is too liberal.  41% say the party’s ideology is about right, 8% think they are too conservative.  Five percent are unsure.

Voters remain dissatisfied with the job performance of the Republicans in Congress.  67% disapprove of how they are doing while 26% approve.  Seven percent are unsure.  When McClatchy-Marist last reported this question in March of 2012, 62% thought the job performance of the GOP in Congress was subpar while 31% approved of their performance.  Eight percent were unsure.

Looking at the Democrats in Congress, 58% say the job they are doing currently falls short.  35% approve of how they are doing, and 7% are unsure.  Six months ago, 59% gave the Democrats in Congress low marks while 34% approved of their job performance.  Seven percent, then, were unsure.

Table: Republican Party Ideology

Table: Democratic Party Ideology

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Republicans’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating

Table: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Rating (Over Time)

 

 

How the Survey Was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

 

8/3: Turned Around? Voters More Positive About Direction of New York State

For the first time in more than four years, less than a majority of registered voters in New York think the state is headed in the wrong direction.  According to this NY1/YNN-Marist Poll, voters currently divide about the state’s trajectory.  46% report New York State is moving along the right path while 45% say it is on the wrong course.  Nine percent are unsure.

Click Here for Complete August 3^rd, 2011 NYS NY1/YNN-Marist Poll Release and Tables

This NY1/YNN-Marist Poll marks a major shift in voters’ perceptions toward the future of New York.  This is the first time since March of 2007 that voters are more optimistic about the direction of the state.  At that time, 49% believed New York was moving in the right direction, 43% thought it was moving in the wrong one, and 8% were unsure.

“New York State voters are responding to what they see as change in Albany,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “Governor Cuomo still has a way to go before confidence is restored, but this represents a step in the right direction.”

When NY1/YNN-Marist last reported this question in May, 41% thought New York was moving in the right direction while a majority — 54% — said it was traveling in the wrong one.  Six percent, at the time, were unsure.

Looking at party, highlights include:

• Among Democrats, 59% believe the state is on the proper track while 34% say it needs its course corrected.  Eight percent are unsure.  In May, those proportions stood at 50%, 45%, and 6%, respectively.
• Although there has been little change among non-enrolled voters who think the state is moving in the right direction, there has been a decrease in those who believe it is moving in the wrong one.  53% of non-enrolled voters say New York needs a new compass.  66% said the same in May.
• There has been little change among Republicans.  38% say New York is on the right track.  35% shared this opinion three months ago.

Regionally, highlights include:

• Voters in the suburbs of New York City and upstate are more positive about the future of the state.  In the suburbs, a majority — 52% — believe the state is chugging along the right track.  Just 37% said New York’s direction was on target in May.
• Upstate, 45% of voters report the state is moving in the right direction while 33% reported New York was on the correct road in NY1/YNN-Marist Poll’s previous survey.
• There is decreased optimism in New York City.  44% now say the state is on the right path while 55% reported the same three months ago.

Table: Direction of NYS
Table: Direction of NYS (Over Time)

 

Cuomo Approval Rating Steady … Viewed Favorably by About Two-Thirds

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to receive high marks from registered voters in New York State.  A majority — 56% — think Mr. Cuomo is doing either an excellent or good job in office.  Included here are 12% who say he is excelling as governor and 44% who report he is doing a good job.  Nearly one in four voters statewide — 24% — rate Mr. Cuomo’s job performance as fair while only one in ten — 10% — believe he is performing poorly.  An additional 10% are unsure.

Governor Cuomo’s job approval rating has remained consistent since NY1/YNN-Marist’s previous survey.  In May, 54% approved of his job performance.  31% said he was doing a fair job while 6% gave Cuomo failing grades.  Nine percent, at that time, were unsure how to rate him.

There has been a bump in Cuomo’s approval rating among Democrats and non-enrolled voters.  65% of Democrats and 57% of non-enrolled voters currently approve of the job the governor is doing while 56% and 41%, respectively, did so in May.  Mr. Cuomo has lost some traction with Republicans statewide.  While half — 50% — now praise Cuomo, 62% applauded him in NY1/YNN-Marist’s previous survey.

When it comes to the governor’s favorability, 67% of registered voters in New York State have a positive impression of Mr. Cuomo.  Almost one in four — 23% — has an unfavorable view of him, and 9% are unsure.

In May, 72% thought highly of Governor Cuomo while 16% did not.  12% were unsure.

While Governor Cuomo’s favorability rating has remained relatively unchanged among Democrats and non-enrolled voters statewide, fewer Republicans have a positive impression of him.  57% of Republicans currently think well of Cuomo compared with 69% who did so in May.

On the specifics of Cuomo’s image, other highlights include:

• 72% of registered voters think Governor Andrew Cuomo is a good leader for the state.  19% do not, and 9% are unsure.  Little has changed on this question since NY1/YNN-Marist’s May survey when 72%, 16%, and 12%, respectively, shared these views.

o   On this question, there has been a slight bump in the proportion of Democrats who think Mr. Cuomo is a good leader.  However, there has been a slight decline in the proportions of Republicans and non-enrolled voters who have this opinion.

• 66% of registered voters believe Cuomo is fulfilling campaign promises while 19% do not.  15% are unsure.  In May, 64% said he was keeping his word, 23% believed he was not, and 13% were unsure.

o   More Democrats, compared with NY1/YNN-Marist’s May survey, say Cuomo is fulfilling campaign promises.  Again, there has been a decrease in the proportion of Republicans who feel this way.  Since May, there has been little change among non-enrolled voters.

• 60% of registered voters say Cuomo is changing the way things work in Albany for the better. 25% disagree, and 14% are unsure.  Here, too, there has been little change since May.  At that time, 62% believed Cuomo was having a positive impact on Albany.  27% didn’t think that was the case, and 11% were unsure.

o   There has been an increase in the proportion of non-enrolled voters who believe Cuomo is positively impacting Albany.  Fewer Republicans share this view, and the proportion of Democrats is relatively unchanged since May.

Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Approval Rating
Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Approval Rating Over Time
Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Favorability
Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo Favorability Over Time
Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo as Leader
Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo as Leader Over Time
Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo as Fulfilling Campaign Promises
Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo as Fulfilling Campaign Promises Over Time
Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Impact on Albany
Table: Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Impact on Albany Over Time

Obama Approval Rating Below 50%

President Barack Obama’s approval rating has dipped down to 46% among registered voters in New York State.  This includes 12% who say he is doing an excellent job in office and 34% who report he is doing a good one.  One in four — 25% — says he is doing a fair job while 28% think he is performing poorly.  Only 2% are unsure.

When NY1/YNN-Marist last asked this question in January, a majority — 53% — praised President Obama.  25% gave him fair marks, and 22% said he was falling short.  At that time, just 1% was unsure.

President Obama’s approval rating has dropped among Democrats and Republicans statewide.  Currently, 66% of Democrats and 14% of Republicans in New York approve of Mr. Obama’s job performance.  This compares with 75% and 26%, respectively, who thought this way in January.  42% of non-enrolled voters give the president a “thumbs-up” which is little changed from the 45% who did so in January.

Table: Obama Approval Rating
Table: Obama Approval Rating Over Time

 

NY1/YNN-Marist Poll Methodology

1/14: Expectations High for Second Half of Obama’s Term

Midway into his term, President Barack Obama may be finding his political sea legs.  According to this national McClatchy-Marist Poll, when asked about how the president will perform during his next two years in office, 61% of registered voters are optimistic, saying the president will do better than he did in the previous two years of his term.  About one in five voters — 21% — think he will do a worse job, and 5% believe he will perform about the same as he already has.  12% are unsure.

Click Here for Complete January 14, 2011 USA McClatchy-Marist Poll Release and Tables

A majority of independent voters — 55% — and even a plurality of Republican voters — 41% — think the president will make greater strides in his performance during the next two years than he has in the past two.  Not surprisingly, most Democrats — 85% — also expect the president to do better in the future.

“Looking ahead to the next two years, voters are once again hopeful about President Obama,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.

Also noteworthy, 35% of registered voters who disapprove of the president’s job performance think he will do better in the second half of his term than he did in the first two years.

Table: Obama’s Future Performance

Obama Approval Rating Rebounds

Voters’ positive attitude toward the president is reflected in his job approval rating.  48% of registered voters nationally approve of the job President Obama is doing in office while 43% disapprove.  Nine percent are unsure.  After declining to its lowest point at the end of 2010, the president’s approval rating is back up.  When McClatchy-Marist last asked about the president’s approval rating in December, Mr. Obama’s approval rating stood at 42%.  Half — 50% — disapproved, and 8% were unsure.

The president has improved his standing among independent voters.  Currently, members of this key voting group divide.  44% approve of the job the president is doing while the same proportion — 44% — disapprove.  11% are unsure.  This is a notable change from McClatchy-Marist’s December survey when only 39% of independents gave the president high marks, and a majority — 52% — shook their heads in disapproval.  Nine percent, at that time, were unsure.  The president’s base has also solidified.  84% of Democrats approve of Mr. Obama’s job performance while 9% disapprove.  Seven percent are unsure.  In December, those proportions stood at 74%, 21%, and 5%, respectively.  Among the national GOP, little has changed.  Nine percent approve of the president’s job performance, 83% disapprove, and 8% are unsure.  This compares with 7%, 87%, and 6%, respectively, who shared these views in December.

“President Obama is back on firmer footing politically,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  ”His Democratic base is more secure, and his improvement among independent voters is key.”

Mr. Obama’s support among women is also up.  A majority — 51% — now say the president is doing well in office compared with 44% in December.  Among men, 44% currently give the president a positive score compared with 39% last month.

Table: Obama Approval Rating
Table: Obama Approval Rating (Over Time)

Majority View Obama Favorably

Registered voters also have a more positive overall impression of the president.  A majority — 53% — report they have a favorable view of President Obama compared with 40% of those who say they have an unfavorable impression of him.  Eight percent are unsure.  Voters divided in McClatchy-Marist’s November 24th survey. Then, 47% had a favorable opinion of the president while 49% did not.  Four percent were unsure.

Independents make the difference here, as well.  A majority of these voters — 53% — have a positive view of Mr. Obama while 42% hold him in low esteem.  Five percent are unsure.  The president’s favorability rating has flipped among independents since late November.  At that time, a majority — 52% — perceived the president unfavorably while 44% saw him favorably.  Four percent were unsure.

Table: Obama Favorability
Table: Obama Favorability Over Time

 

Nation on the Straight and Narrow

President Obama is benefitting from a narrowing of the gap between Americans who think the country is moving in the wrong direction and those who think it is on the right course.  For the first time since December of 2009, a majority of Americans do not think the country is moving in the wrong direction.  Currently, 47% believe the country is traveling on the wrong path while 41% say it is on the right path, 12% are unsure.  When McClatchy-Marist last asked this question in December, nearly six in ten adults — 58% — believed the nation needed to be re-directed while 34% said it was on the proper course.  Eight percent were unsure.

Democrats are most positive.  66% believe the nation is moving in the right direction while 23% do not.  In December, those proportions stood at 56% and 37%, respectively.  Although a majority of independents still see the country as traveling on the wrong road, the proportion that share this view has declined.  Among independents, 40% currently say the nation is moving in the right direction compared with 51% who think it is on the wrong path.  In December, 32% said the nation was headed in the correct direction while 62% thought it needed a new compass.  More than seven in ten Republicans — 72% — think the country is moving in the wrong direction.  In December, 79% had this view.

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

Obama Leads Potential 2012 GOP Challengers

Looking ahead to 2012, when paired up against three prominent members of the GOP, Obama currently has the advantage.

First, when matched up against former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Obama outpaces Palin by 26 percentage points.  Obama receives the support of a majority of voters — 56% — to Palin’s 30%.  13% are undecided.  When McClatchy-Marist last asked about this potential contest in December, Obama had a 12 percentage point lead over Palin, 52% to 40%, respectively, with 9% reporting they were undecided.

Among women, Obama has a 33 percentage point advantage over Palin.  Among this group of voters, the president receives 60% to Palin’s 27%.  In December, the president garnered the support of 50% of women to Palin’s 39%, an 11 percentage point difference.  Looking at men, Obama receives 52% to 35% for Palin.  In McClatchy-Marist’s previous survey, 53% of men backed Obama while 40% supported Palin.

Obama also leads former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.  A slim majority — 51% — back Obama compared with 38% for Romney.  11% are undecided.  In December, voters divided with 44% backing the president and 46% supporting Romney.  10% were undecided.

Independent voters make the difference in this hypothetical contest.  A plurality of independents — 47% — report they would back Obama while 37% support Romney.  16% are undecided.  Last month, Romney had the advantage among this group of voters.  At that time, 47% of independent voters were behind Romney while 39% said they supported Obama.  14% were undecided.

When matched up against former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Obama also outpaces his GOP challenger.  Half of voters — 50% — support Obama while 38% rally for Huckabee.  12% are undecided.  When McClatchy-Marist last asked about this contest in December, Obama edged Huckabee with 47% for Obama and 43% throwing their support behind Huckabee.  11% were undecided.

Obama’s support has grown among women.  A majority — 52% — now support Obama compared with 36% for Huckabee.  12% are undecided.  Last month, women divided.  44% backed Obama while 43% touted Huckabee, and 12% were undecided.

This poll was conducted from Thursday, January 6^th, 2011 through Monday, January 10th, 2011, including the Saturday when the tragic shooting occurred in Tucson, Arizona.

Table: 2012 Hypothetical Presidential Tossup: Obama/Palin
Table: 2012 Hypothetical Presidential Tossup: Obama/Palin (Over Time)
Table: 2012 Hypothetical Presidential Tossup: Obama/Romney
Table: 2012 Hypothetical Presidential Tossup: Obama/Romney (Over Time)
Table: 2012 Hypothetical Presidential Tossup: Obama/Huckabee
Table: 2012 Hypothetical Presidential Tossup: Obama/Huckabee (Over Time)

McClatchy-Marist Poll Methodology

Related Story from McClatchy:

Poll: Obama rebounding with voters, would beat GOP rivals, crush Palin

12/8: Obama’s Hope to Unite Falls Short

Registered voters nationally are divided about President Barack Obama’s job approval rating.  46% approve of his job performance while 44% disapprove.  One in ten voters is unsure.

This is the first time the president has lost majority support on this question since taking office.  When Marist last asked this question in October, 53% of voters gave the president high marks.

Click Here for Complete December 8, 2009 USA Poll Release and Tables

Partisanship is alive and well here, but Mr. Obama has slipped slightly among voters in both parties.  77% of Democrats approve of the president’s job performance compared with 12% of Republicans.  Two months ago, 84% of Democrats and 21% of Republicans gave him a thumbs-up.  Independents remain divided, 41% approve while 44% disapprove.

“As 2009 comes to a close, President Obama’s goal of unifying the nation and reducing the partisan divide is coming up short,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Poll.

Table: Obama Approval Rating

Great Expectations…More Than Four In Ten Say Obama Is Missing the Mark

The national electorate also divides about whether the president is meeting their expectations.  44% say Obama has while 42% report he has fallen short.  Just 9% believe the president has exceeded their expectations.  5% are unsure.

Looking at party, a majority of Democrats — 58% — say the president has met their expectations.  However, a notable proportion within Obama’s own party — 20% — reports he has missed the mark.  17% think he has gone above and beyond.  On the Republican side, 67% believe Obama has fallen short while 26% report he has met their expectations.  2% think he’s exceeded their expectations.  Independent voters closely reflect the overall electorate.

Table: Obama Meeting Expectations?

Obama on Course?

More than four in ten registered voters — 44% — think President Obama is changing the country for the better while 35% say he is making the nation worse.  18% believe he has made no impact on the country at all.  Little has changed on this issue since Marist last asked this question in October.

Table: Direction President is Moving the Country

A Fork in the Road…Americans Divide Over Direction of Country

When it comes to the overall direction of the nation, there is a split decision.  46% of residents say the nation is moving in the wrong direction while 46% say it’s headed on the right path.  This is relatively unchanged from two months ago when similar proportions of residents viewed the trajectory of the nation in this regard.

Table: Right Direction or Wrong Direction of the Country

But, Voters Still Like Obama

Although President Obama’s approval rating has slipped, and he has lost some ground with voters on the handling of the economy, the electorate still views the president favorably.  A majority of voters — 55% — have a positive impression of Mr. Obama compared with 41% who have an unfavorable view of him.  4% are unsure how to rate him.

Not surprisingly, there is a partisan divide on this question.  Most Democrats — 85% — have a favorable impression of the president while 75% of Republicans view him unfavorably.  Nearly half of Independent voters — 49% — think well of the president.

Table: Obama Favorability

Marist Poll Methodology

Related Stories:

12/8: Economic Tides Turn for Obama

12/8: Slight Bounce in Obama’s Policy in Afghanistan

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