Polls & Research

U.S. Ponders Woman, African American President

(ARGM) - Many Americans believe their country is adequately prepared to have a female or an African American serving as head of state, according to two recent public opinion polls. In a survey by Opinion Research Corporation released by CNN, 60 per cent of respondents think the U.S. is ready for a woman president, and 62 per cent feel the same way about a black president.

In a study by Princeton Survey Research Associates published in Newsweek, 55 per cent of respondents say America is ready to elect a woman president, and 56 per cent believe the country is ready to elect a black or African American president.

Neither of the two major political parties in the U.S. has ever nominated a woman or an African American for president. In 1984, New York congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro was Walter Mondale's vice-presidential nominee in the Democratic ticket.

In 1999, North Carolina senator Elizabeth Dole pulled out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination before the primaries. In late 2003, former ambassador and Illinois native Carol Moseley Braun sought the Democratic presidential nomination, but withdrew in January 2004 to support former Vermont governor Howard Dean.

In 2004, two African Americans—Moseley Braun and Al Sharpton—sought the Democratic presidential nomination.

Earlier this month, African American leader Jesse Jackson discussed a possible White House bid by Democratic Illinois senator Barack Obama, saying, "I see America growing and maturing in its choices every day. Can we pass the test? We will not know until the test is given. Not that long ago could a black play quarterback? Could a black coach a football team? We're gone through these stages in our development."

Polling Data

a) Is the U.S. ready for a woman president?

Is the U.S. ready for a black president?

b) Do you think America is ready to elect a woman president, or not?

Do you think America is ready to elect a black or African American president, or not?