Voters are unhappy with Republicans and Democrats in Congress. 57% of voters said they disapprove of the Democrats on Capital Hill and 60% said they disapprove of Republicans. In generic Congressional race neither party came out ahead.
Voters on both sides of the aisle are dissatisfied, but those who disapprove of Democrats are more eager to get to the polls this fall; 62:59.
Republicans generally are more enthused about the upcoming coming elections. 66% of Republican voters are very excited about voting in the upcoming midterm election in comparison to the 51% of Democrats. 52% of those who said they would vote for a Republican in a generic election are very excited, only 40% of those who said they would vote for Democrats are excited about casting their ballot.
Those who want to see change have more drive to vote. 64% of those who voted for John McCain said they are very excited, in contrast to the 54% of those who voted for President Obama. Many people who are unhappy with last year’s results are ready to have their say again.
“Republicans may win the midterms, not because they have more support but because their base is more energized and shows up to the polls in greater numbers,” said Dean Debnam President of Public Policy Polling.
PPP surveyed 667 American voters from July 9-12. The survey’s margin of error is +/- 3.8%. Other factors, such as refusal to be interviewed and weighting, may introduce additional error that is more difficult to quantify.
If you would like an interview regarding this release, please contact Dean Debnam at (888) 621-6988 or 919-880-4888.
Topline results are below. Full results, including crosstabs, can be found here.
Q1 How excited are you about casting your vote in
the midterm election this fall?
Very Excited……………………………………………. 57%
Somewhat Excited …………………………………… 22%
Not Very Excited……………………………………… 17%
Not Sure…………………………………………………. 4%
Q2 Do you approve or disapprove of the job
Democrats in Congress are doing?
Approve…………….. 33%
Disapprove………… 57%
Not Sure……………. 11%
Q3 Do you approve or disapprove of the job
Republicans in Congress are doing?
Approve…………….. 20%
Disapprove………… 60%
Not Sure……………. 19%
Q4 If the election for Congress was today would
you vote for a Democrat or a Republican?
Democrat ……………………………………………….. 43%
Republican……………………………………………… 43%
Undecided………………………………………………. 14%
Q5 Who did you vote for President last year?
John McCain…………………………………………… 45%
Barack Obama………………………………………… 46%
Someone else/don’t remember ………………….. 9%
Q6 Would you describe yourself as a liberal,
moderate, or conservative?
Liberal ……………………………………………………. 19%
Moderate………………………………………………… 38%
Conservative…………………………………………… 43%
Q7 If you are a woman, press 1, if a man, press 2.
Woman ………………………………………………….. 49%
Man……………………………………………………….. 51%
Q8 If you are a Democrat, press 1. If you are a
Republican, press 2. If you are an independent
or identify with another party, press 3.
Democrat ……………………………………………….. 39%
Republican……………………………………………… 34%
Independent/Other…………………………………… 27%
Q9 If you are Hispanic, press 1. If white, press 2.
If African American, press 3. If other, press 4.
Hispanic…………………………………………………. 10%
White …………………………………………………….. 74%
African American …………………………………….. 12%
Other……………………………………………………… 4%
Q10 If you are 18 to 29 years old, press 1 now. If
you are 30 to 45, press 2. If you are 46 to 65,
press 3. If older, press 4.
18 to 29………………………………………………….. 11%
30 to 45………………………………………………….. 26%
46 to 65………………………………………………….. 45%
Older than 65………………………………………….. 17%
