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2008 Election More Meaningful for Americans
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States believe next year’s presidential ballot is crucial, according to a poll by Knowledge Networks released by the Associated Press and Yahoo. 77 per cent of respondents think it matters more than usual who gets elected in 2008.
Respondents are divided in the way they choose prospective candidates, with 46 per cent focusing on their personal qualities such as experience and leadership ability, and 44 per cent preferring to assess their positions on specific issues.
In American presidential elections, candidates require 270 votes in the U.S. Electoral College to win the White House. In November 2004, Republican incumbent George W. Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states. Democratic nominee John Kerry received 252 electoral votes from 19 states and the District of Columbia. As far as the popular vote is concerned, Bush garnered 51.03 per cent of all cast ballots, with Kerry getting 48.04 per cent.
On Nov. 20, Bush discussed the upcoming election, saying, "These candidates don’t really understand how complex the environment is inside the Oval Office. And how important it is to have a set of principles from which you will not deviate, and, so that you can make good sound decisions. It is impossible—maybe not, but I think it’s impossible for anybody to fully comprehend, you know, how much incoming there is into the Oval Office."
Polling Data
Which comes closest to your view?
|
It matters more than usual who gets elected in the next presidential election |
77% |
|
It doesn’t matter any more than usual who gets elected in the next presidential election |
23% |
Which is more important to you in choosing a candidate for president?
|
Their personal qualities such as experience and leadership ability |
46% |
|
Their positions on specific issues |
44% |
|
Neither |
10% |
Source: Knowledge Networks / Associated Press / Yahoo
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,230 American adults, conducted from Nov. 2 to Nov. 12, 2007. Margin of error is 2.1 per cent.