February 03, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States believe Washington can be changed, according to a poll by Knowledge Networks released by the Associated Press and Yahoo. 55 per cent of respondents think that the right president can modify how things work in the nation’s capital.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States believe Washington can be changed, according to a poll by Knowledge Networks released by the Associated Press and Yahoo. 55 per cent of respondents think that the right president can modify how things work in the nation’s capital.

Conversely, 44 per cent of respondents believe it will be impossible to change the way things work in Washington, no matter who is elected president.

When asked which of two traits they prefer in a president, 52 per cent of respondents choose someone with experience in Washington and who can get things done, while 47 per cent select a Washington outsider who will change how things are done.

Arizona senator John McCain, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, and Texas congressman Ron Paul are still contending for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in 2008, while New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Illinois senator Barack Obama are seeking the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

On Jan. 30, Romney discussed his credentials, declaring, "We have people who feel there needs to be a change in Washington, and that’s what I represent." On Jan. 31, Rodham Clinton referred to herself and Obama, saying, "Look at us. We are not more of the same. We are not more of the same. We will change our country."

In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. In November 2004, Republican 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.

Bush is ineligible for a third term in office. The presidential election is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Polling Data

Which comes closest to your view?

If we elect the right person as president, we can really change how things work in Washington	55%
We will never really be able to change the way things work in Washington, no matter who is elected president	44%
Refused / Not Answered	1%

If you had to choose, which would you prefer in a president?

Someone who has experience in Washington and can get things done	52%
Someone who is a Washington outsider who will change how things are done	47%
Refused / Not Answered	1%

Source: Knowledge Networks / Associated Press / Yahoo
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,016 American adults, conducted from Jan. 18 to Jan. 28, 2008. Margin of error is 2.3 per cent.