AEI Political Report, June 2012
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In the June edition of AEI’s Political Report, the AEI Politics team explores public attitudes on the politics of the economy, the role of government, feelings towards the rich, Obama’s support for gay marriage, women’s reproductive health and more.
• Despite dismal news on the economy, 36 percent say the economy is getting better, the highest number in two years.
• By a hair, Americans think Obama would handle unemployment better than Romney. But Romney has more support when it comes to dealing with weak economic growth. Interestingly, both receive roughly equal marks on handling government regulations on private enterprise (46 percent for Obama and 49 percent for Romney).
• According to the exit polls from Wisconsin’s recall election, 52 percent of voters said they approved of the recent changes in state law that limit the ability of government workers to bargain collectively over pay and benefits. Forty-seven percent disapproved. Based on the 21 demographic variables we examine, the electorate for this race looked remarkably similar to that for the 2010 gubernatorial election.
• In a dramatic change in attitudes, a plurality of 47 percent now believe that Obama’s approach has made things better for the American auto industry.
• Eighty-two percent consider Romney to be rich, while 68 percent consider Barack Obama to be rich. Most have never heard of Bain Capital.
• Only 13 percent told Gallup that Obama’s support of same sex-marriage would make them more likely to vote for him. Most think his decision was politically motivated.
• How do you like your hamburger? A plurality (36 percent) of Americans like theirs well done. But there’s a gender gap on this issue: 40 percent of women versus 31 percent of men.
