February 24, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Consultants - CPOD Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States would not like their child to become the country's head of state, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 57 per cent of respondents say they would not want their son or daughter to grow up to be president.

(Angus Reid Consultants - CPOD Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States would not like their child to become the country's head of state, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 57 per cent of respondents say they would not want their son or daughter to grow up to be president.

In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. Last November, Republican incumbent George W. Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states. Democratic nominee John Kerry earned 252 electoral votes from 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Only twice have a father and son headed the American government. John Adams—the country's second president—was the father of John Quincy Adams. George H. Bush—who governed from 1989 to 1993—is the father of the current head of state.

The next presidential election in the U.S. is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2008.

Polling Data

If you had a young son or daughter, would you want that child to grow up to be president someday, or not?

Yes	40%
No	57%

Source: Gallup / CNN / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,008 American adults, conducted from Feb. 7 to Feb. 10, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.