Poll: Americans Tuned In to the Campaign

By Dalia Sussman

It’s the middle of summer and months before the first vote is cast, yet polls confirm what the political cognoscenti suspect: most Americans are already tuning into the presidential election.

More than two-thirds of respondents in a New York Times/CBS News poll earlier this month said they were paying at least some attention to the 2008 presidential campaign. That is up substantially from this time four years ago, when 4 in 10 Americans were paying attention.

Attention is higher now than it was in July 2003 among both men and women and across all age groups. As was the case four years ago, older respondents are more likely to be engaged.

Still, attention among younger Americans is up considerably: 36 percent of those under age 30 were paying attention to the election at this point four years ago; 65 percent of them are now.

Attention among Democrats increased more than it did among Republicans (polls have shown that Democrats are much more satisfied with their party’s presidential candidates than Republicans are).

More than 7 in 10 Democrats are now engaged in the campaign, compared with just over 4 in 10 in 2003. That compares with two-thirds of Republicans who are now paying attention, up from about half.

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Patricia Barry July 30, 2007 · 6:01 pm

Glad the Democrats are so interested this early. Hope this means a higher voter turnout starting with Iowa and New Hampshire.

Maya Teague July 30, 2007 · 6:01 pm

Thank goodness for that. The spike of interest in the campaign, across all age groups, shows how desperately and maniacally Americans want change.

Perhaps it is the war. Perhaps it is the culture of corruption and oligarchy in this administration, or perhaps it is the environment our progeny will inherit.

Whatever the reasons are, it is such welcome news. I am heartened to know that we are slowly waking up from our deep, protracted slumber.

Liz Mac July 30, 2007 · 6:44 pm

So glad to see America get the wake up call.

Jessica July 30, 2007 · 6:51 pm

I would like to see all the candidates address the United States’ commitment to the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, which call for cutting world hunger in half by 2015 and eliminating it altogether by 2025. Indeed, it is estimated that the expenditure of a mere $19 billion would eliminate starvation and malnutrition worldwide. In a time when the current defense budget is $522 billion, the goal of eradicating world hunger is clearly well within reach and it is my hope that whoever becomes president in 2008 addresses this pressing issue.

Arun Mehta July 30, 2007 · 7:59 pm

The attention amongst the younger age group is thanks to the use of new media like internet blogs and You tube. Let’s hope this attention gets converted to their lining up at the polling stations.

Andy July 30, 2007 · 8:14 pm

I think what’s funny is that Dmocrats think they have 2008 wrapped up. Democrats always finf a way to lose, just like they will in 2008. Ithink it is hillarious that President Bush won twice what does that sy for losers like Gore and Kerry. Then libs want ot run out AL GORBAL WARNING again, why not trot out McGovern or the dictator ass Jimmy Carter. You know Hillary is going to get is but handed to her and the Dems will be losers again. Can you say President Guiliani anyon, well learn it, spell it, love it. That mean you Chris Matthews and the rest of Hard Blather and Keith Olberliberal and Countdown. I countdown when the day Olberman will be of the air. Should be soon with both of there ratings……..

Mstessyrue July 30, 2007 · 8:24 pm

It is refreshing to hear that American people are paying attention to, soon going to be, one of the most influential presidential campaign. However, this administration needs to realize that there are many other issues in the world that needs to addressed. Issue such as world poverty. As one of the nation that has pledge to fulfill the goals of Millienium Development Project, whose goal is the elimination of world hunger and poverty, this administration has not shown any substantial action to bring this fundamental problem to a stop. According to the Borgen Project, dedicated to fighting and ending Poverty around the world, only $19 billion dollars are needed annually to stop world wide poverty, hunger and malnutrition. However, more than $340 billion dollars has been poured into this “war on terror.” And each year, our country has a military budge of $522 billion dollars. It’s time for a new leader who will be addressing an issues that affects 1.2 billion people everyday worldwide.

joseph July 30, 2007 · 8:33 pm

Which ever way things go, I find it encouraging to hear that more attention is being paid to our political process.

Patrick July 30, 2007 · 8:50 pm

The American public is crying out for change, after the Bush administration disaster. Our great nation just needs to get back on the right track, and the person who will lead us there is Hillary Clinton. She offers so much to the job and will be one of the “greatest” leaders this nation has ever had.See for yourself… hillaryclinton.com you will be glad you did.

bob July 30, 2007 · 8:58 pm

You’re exactly why we need a draft Andy. If you aren’t serving our country then Bud you need to suit up and go house to house murdering Iraqi residents resisting our invasion. It’s your calling Andy, be somebody, somebody who can spell if you live through it and can graduate from college. Go fetch up some forty weight for Exxon Andy. The Republican candidates think they have a right to murder innocent Iraqis in a defenseless country who never fired a bullet at us. It isn’t manly or patriotic. It’s psychotic and murder and an oil theft. Only a Republican could say only an American can fix it, only because what’s broken is atop the oil Bubba is stealing for Jesus. You and Mary Matalin and lots of ole white trash like Bat and Gay Buchanan. We’ve been listening to those liars for fifty years. Run em for pres Andy. What has a boy like you got to lose?

cliff jones July 30, 2007 · 9:12 pm

Americans are paying attention? That is bad news for the front runners. Americans have a short attention span. TV news programs use this concept.Six months form now they will probably be asking ; Barrack who? Hillary who?

Jeremy McNamara July 30, 2007 · 9:24 pm

Regardy post #6 by Andy

How are the conservatives going to overlook Rudy’s three marriages, his adultery, which he showed no shame about? He is pro-choice, anti-gun (NY has among the toughest gun laws in the nation), he is pro-environment. He does not sound Republican on social issues, and he is immoral. He will have to pander (flip-flop) on many social issues. Just how do you people forget Rudy’s adulterous lifestyle? He is running by exploiting 9/11. Rudy keeping this nation safe from terrorism has got to be the biggest joke of all. He is the idiot who put the command center at the World Trade Center complex, 7 World Trade Center to be exact, and that was after the first attack in early 1993. Only an idiot would do that. He could not make a sound decision on that, and he expects people to believe he can handle the entire country. Rudy was running for his life after the Twin Towers were struck. His bunker was demolished. He did nothing for NYC. Only fools will fall for Rudy.

Steve Bie July 30, 2007 · 9:28 pm

I would be nice if everyone who voted for Bush and supported his illegitimate war had to pay the price themselves. On average, each U.S. taxpayer has been forced to contribute about $3,000 dollars (so far), not to mention the greater price paid by the troops and their families. The least Republicans could do is stop asking for tax cuts and send the U.S. government an extra several thousand dollars to pay for the war they wanted. Let’s just say that when liberals force conservatives to donate to make sure the working poor have health care, I won’t shed any tears for Republicans who whine and cry “big government”.

Calvin Preddie July 30, 2007 · 9:37 pm

It is good to know that Americans are paying attention. But it is not only Americans and I am proof of this. Americans must realize that they do not simply elect a President of the USA, they elect the leader of the free world so they must pay attention to more than just American only issues.

Americans need also to become very conversant with their Constitution, especially as it relates to the separation of powers. This type of awareness would help Americans to uinderstand that because the Democrats have the slimmest of majorities in the Senate, they do not have the power to do what many Americans expect regarding an end to the war in Iraq because they must garner 60 votes to over ride a Presidential veto.

Americans need to elect the person they consider to be best capable to meet the needs of America today in regaining its leadership position in the world through working with other nations and the U.N. Charisma and oratorical skills are needed and useful, but political manouvreing and the ability to work with leaders at the highest level is what is most needed now.

In 2000, America appears to have gone for change, for a new face with a new promise and a voiced commitment to be a uniter and to defeat the Washington insiders. But things did not work out. America needs to be more tuned in to the needs that affect all of our society much more than the needs of the American people alone.
America must also understand that separation of Church and state relates to separation of religion and government but not separation of faith and government. Faith in humanity and the brotherhood of man along with faith in the values of freedom and in a divine purpose to life are all part of what should be considered in electing such an important world government leader.

Jessica July 30, 2007 · 9:38 pm

Glad to see people are finally starting to wake up to whats going on in this country. After so many years I have realized we cannot come to just voting on a party. We have to look at the canidates and vote on the issues. That’s why my vote is going to Ron Paul.. and thats my reason for following this election. We need a major change and he is the only one that can make it happen.

Catherine July 30, 2007 · 9:58 pm

It is good news that people are more interested in the 2008 election. Perhaps it is due to what has happened during the Bush/Cheney years. It will be more interesting to see if people stay tuned in or get disgusted by how the politicians campaign. Even now, it is looking like the same old tired thing from the candidates. I wish they could run and govern in a manner that would give me a reason to respect them.

Dan B July 30, 2007 · 10:49 pm

Calvin Preddie,
Good points you made about the US needing to pay more attention to the international community. But it takes 67 votes in the senate to override a presidential veto.

Sam July 30, 2007 · 11:21 pm

After eight years, America has the opportunity to change, and after seeing these poll numbers, it is obvious that we are searching for something different. One major point that we must remember is that the Republican presidential candidates wish to remain in Iraq, Giuliani included. Democrats want out, whether that means immediate withdrawl or an effective timeline. As the leader of the free world, America must set an example and allow ourselves to admit our mistake. Invading Iraq was wrong, and the continuation of this absurd foreign policy will deteriorate America’s image further in the global community. We need experience, and we need out, but we also need change. I think that a Hillary/Obama ticket would propel America in the right direction. Remember- a vote for a Republican is a vote for the war.

Joe July 31, 2007 · 12:18 am

Ah yes. It is presidental debate time again. After reading about Rudy’s health plan I came up with my own decision on that topic. How about you focus on getting America back in shape so the American people’s chances of getting sick are reduced. Yes, how about a healthy America. To be enviromently friendly we need to look to our European friends for help. One country we should idol is Germany. We need more public transportation. This will be a hard concept for Americans but it will save the enviroment. Instead of interstates and highways, how about some European based designed transit trains. Raise the prices of gas and get the people out of their Hummers and suburbans. Instead set up biking and walking routes for fast commuting. If needing motorized transportation, how about using mopeds. Reducing personal motor vehicle transportation and increasing public transportation. Buying locally grown food will also help the enviroment along with your local economy. Another thing that needs fixed is some education policys set up by the “Bush regime” actually hurt not helped public education. I really don’t want to get talking on the wars but it is a major that needs to be addressed. We have to finish what we started and then get the heck out. From being in these wars against terrorism we have lost many allies. Regaining the help of those allies should be a major focus point, but it is easily overlooked. For all those “bashers” out there that like to talk smack of the other party, please keep your mouth shut unless you actually have something to really talk about and if you do, know how to spell it. Well that’s all I have for right know. Remember that America needs to start modeling Europe. Europe is a wonderful place, especially Germany. Sorry from any spelling or grammar errors, please remember this is coming from a 15 year old from Nebraska.

cliff joes July 31, 2007 · 1:03 am

Quick, lets do a poll. Why are Americans tuned in to the primary elections? Could it be the presence of the first serious female candidate,or the presence of the first serious clean 50/50 black candidate, or to watch John Edwards get a hair cut, or the new fall tv lineups haven’t begun yet and people have nothing else to do. My guess is the later. You decide!

tom July 31, 2007 · 2:57 am

Dear Calvin Preddie # 14,

Excellent post. But let’s remember – we need to move to multilateralism. The President must not be the Leader of the Free World (that’s a Cold War concept), but the most power leader in the Free World. There’s a big difference, and its one the rest of the Free World (and others) expect us to start realizing.

Otherwise we’re stuck in the PNAC (Project for a New American Century) swamp with Wolfie, Kristof, Cheney, Bushie and all the other unilateralist interventionist empire builders, like it or not.

It certainly is excellent that we’re waking up as a democracy. I know that the YouTube-sparked arguments about the heart of our foreign policy change certainly woke me up and got me a’ typin.

Hillary first used Iraq war support to try and solidify her political support, and now she’s using our diplomatic efforts with key mid-East players as a political tool.

Enough. No more hypocrisy. Along with all the Republicans, Hillary will have no credibility in the Muslim Mid-East for minimizing the damage of our catastrophe.

Unlike the candidate who has more real-life experience with the real moderate Muslim world (as opposed to oil elites) than any other: Barack Hussein Obama. Moreover, much of his experience took place in the formative years of his childhood, so its sits deep in his personality.

Barack has the proven intellectual and political competence to turn this experience into practical results, and not just Bush-lite tough-man positions that channel and amplify our anger.

There are 5 stages of reaction to tragedy: shock, denial, anger, grief, and loss. We made the mistake of acting out blindly during our anger stage with 9/11, which has only led too an even greater tragic loss in Iraq. God forbid that we should continue to act out in anger again, the losses will be devastating and senseless. As we move to grief for Iraq, we will finally also truly grieve for 9/11, a process which has been unnaturally delayed.

As we move to return to reality and finally grieve our irretrievable losses, Barack, the only frontrunner not blinded by pandering to anger, will be our steady hand in finding us a new and perhaps even better place in the world to replace the one we’ve lost forever.

Steven Latimer July 31, 2007 · 8:15 am

Can’t we just get out of the UN and elect Ron Paul?

Jeff July 31, 2007 · 8:27 am

To Steve Bie –

Your comment suggests only Republicans voted to authorize the war. And that only Republicans have failed to vote for a withdrawal plan. Better check the voting records of ALL of our U.S. Senators.

Rob New York City July 31, 2007 · 8:46 am

Hillary Clinton is best choice for America.

I hope we can increase our numbers in the House & Senate too

Don Fitzgerald July 31, 2007 · 9:01 am

The citizens that we choose to represent us on the national and international stage are like all of us. They have their fine points and they have their flaws. I must constantly remind myself, they are not perfect, they make mistakes. The key in determining a worthy candidate is their ability to acknowledge their mistakes and to correct them, whenever and whereever possible. That is one reason we have this long drawn out electoral process; we can observe the candidates presenting positions and see, if a wrong conclusion to a given position is discovered, how will they deal with it. Will they ignore it, deny it. or will they admit to the error and correct it? We all want the later, but not all candidates respond that way and that is a telling sign, not haircuts, cleavage or pat answers.
I am tickled that voters are more engaged and I hope that continues, but it is the voters who must engage themselves not the candidates. It is the voters who must realize, it was they who allowed such ineptitude to sneak into our White House for the last six or seven years. It was the voter who alowed the Bush Blunder to unfold. It was the voter who allowed ideology to gut some of our agencies of our government. It was the voter who has allowed fraudulant judges to sit on the highest court of our land. That is why voting is so very important. When practiced correctly, we can eliminate the glaringly inept, the sanctimonious scoundrels and of course, the phony patriots, who are slithering around our halls of government, at present.
Come on America, the Beautiful, let’s clean House, our White House and both Houses of Congress. Come on voters, elect American’s who still believe in the dream, not the nightmare of lording over other people, be it with money or power or, even religion!!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.