We're finally starting to see some real polls about how the American people feel about Bush's domestic spying. This new one is from Newsweek.
The Washington Post and ABC did a flash poll the same day the USA Today story broke about Bush collecting all of our phone records. The problem with that poll is that other than a few geeks like us, and the readers of USA Today, most Americans would not have even heard about the new scandal when they were being asked their opinion of it. This new poll was conducted on Thursday AND Friday, and had double the number of respondents as the flawed Washington Post poll.
Editor & Publisher agrees:
So what happened? Most likely views changed that much in one day after more negative media reports (including many from conservative commentators such as MSNBC's Joe Scarborough) surfaced. The Washington Post survey took place before many Americans had heard about, or thought about, the implications. The Newsweek Poll also reached twice as many Americans.The results:
53% of Americans think a database of US-based calls goes too far in invading privacy. 41% feel the database is necessary - that's a healthy 12 point spread, so none of this "evenly divided" garbage from the media. (Remember when 72% of the public opposed the Republicans on Terri Schiavo and the media said the public was bitterly divided?) Though, I will say, I'd like to see the disapprove numbers higher on this.
57% says Bush has gone too far in expanding presidential power. 38% says Bush has not gone too far. That's a great spread.
Would you rather see… (RESPONSE CATEGORIES ROTATED) the Republicans keep control of Congress or the Democrats win enough seats to take over Congress?
Republicans keep control 35%, Dems take over 52%.
Which party is...
Is concerned with the needs and interests of the disadvantaged
Republicans: 22
Democrats: 63
Able to manage the federal government well
Republicans: 30
Democrats: 47
Can bring about the kind of changes this country needs
Republicans: 30
Democrats: 53
Is concerned with the needs and interests of business and other powerful groups
Republicans: 59
Democrats: 24
Is concerned with the needs of people like you
Republicans: 31
Democrats: 54
Governs in an honest and ethical way
Republicans: 29
Democrats: 41
This poll has Bush's approval at 35%, but that's a decrease from the previous poll's 36%.
