No surprise here: Voters are overwhelmingly concerned most about the economy and energy prices, according to a new nationwide Quinnipiac Polling Institute survey released Wednesday.
Pollsters asked an open-ended question. They asked people to identify the most important problem facing the United States, and 44 percent named the economy while 10 percent cited energy. Only 12 percent said the war in Iraq.
Some 86 percent said the economy is "not so good," and about one-third of those polled said their biggest financial concern is gasoline prices. Another 21 percent were most worried most about health care costs and 18 percent worry most about food prices.
The results had some good news for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. If Obama wins, 38 percent said the economy would improve, while only 20 percent said it would get better under Republican John McCain.
Poll analysts took special note of the energy number, saying it was the highest total the issue has received in seven years of national polling by the Connecticut-based unit.
People were willing to accept almost any potential solution. They said, by a 62-32 margin, they would back drilling in offshore areas. And nearly half said they have changed their summer vacation plans because of high gasoline prices.
In addition to offshore drilling, American voters support every measure suggested to help solve the energy crisis and reduce dependence on foreign oil:
• 56 – 35 percent in favor of building new nuclear plants;
• 51 – 42 percent back drilling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge;
• 87 – 10 percent back government funds for renewable energy such as wind and solar power;
• 78 – 18 percent for mandating higher mileage standards for cars.
Two-thirds of voters said gas prices are a “very serious” or “somewhat serious” problem for them and their family.
"Americans worry about gasoline prices and half say prices have forced them to change their vacation plans,” said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “Before this summer, this issue barely rated a mention. Now voters say gas prices are a bigger problem than health care or terrorism and almost as big a problem as Iraq.”
The emphasis on energy offered more good news for Obama. By a 37-32 margin, voters said he had a better energy program than Republican rival John McCain.
A total of 86 percent of American voters say the overall economy is “not so good” or “poor,” while one percent say “excellent” and 12 percent say “good.” Their biggest financial worry is the price of gas, 34 percent say, down from 50 percent July 15. Another 21 percent worry most about health care costs and 18 percent worry most about food prices.
The poll surveyed 1,547 likely voters nationwide from August 12 –17.
Read more poll data.
87% back renewable energy subsidies. Yet Congress is letting current subsidies expire, not increasing them. Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans hold media stunts for offshore drilling. Ever wonder why Congress' approval rating is so low?
Posted by: A L Flanagan | August 20, 2008 at 05:30 PM