Issue Watch
Track global public opinion on current issues.
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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Republicans Lead, But Get Mixed Reviews On Issues
(CPOD) May 27, 2003 - The ruling Republican Party leads the Democrats in the United States, 18 months prior to the next presidential election, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. More than half of all respondents have a favourable view of the Republicans, and believe the party has a clear plan for the country.
When assessing both political organizations on their approach to issues, the Republicans get high marks in dealing with the military and terrorism. The Democrats lead public opinion in environment, health care, jobs, education and tax proposals. Both parties are virtually tied in economic matters.
Despite the Democratic lead in several topics, most Americans are unaware of the party's presidential hopefuls. 66 per cent of respondents could not recall a single prospective candidate.
Polling Data
Do you have a favourable view of the Republican / Democratic party?
(Percentage who have a favourable view, respondents
were not asked to choose one party over the other)
May 2003 | Jan. 2003 | Oct. 2002 | |
Republican Party | 53% | 50% | 54% |
Democratic Party | 46% | 52% | 46% |
What party has a clear plan for the country?
May 2003 | Nov. 2002 | |
Republican Party | 53% | 46% |
Democratic Party | 40% | 31% |
What party is better for dealing with the following issues?
Rep. | Dem. | |
Making sure the military is strong | 66% | 19% |
Making the right decisions on terrorism | 58% | 18% |
Protecting the environment | 23% | 60% |
Making prescriptions drugs affordable | 26% | 57% |
Creating new jobs | 32% | 54% |
Improving the health care system | 29% | 51% |
Making sure the tax system is fair | 36% | 46% |
Improving education | 38% | 44% |
Ensuring a strong economy | 42% | 41% |
Can you name any Democratic presidential candidate?
(All respondents and Democrat supporters)
All | Dem. | |
No, cannot recall any | 66% | 64% |
Joe Lieberman | 9% | 10% |
John Kerry | 6% | 5% |
Dick Gephardt | 6% | 5% |
Bob Graham | 3% | 2% |
John Edwards | 2% | 4% |
Al Sharpton | 1% | 4% |
Others | 4% | 5% |
Source: CBS News / New York Times
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 910 American adults, conducted from May 9 to May 12, 2003. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
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