2009-01-14-皮尤-Strong_Confidence_in_Obama_-_Country_Seen_As_Less_Politically_Divided_48页_193kb

Summary of America's Pre-Inauguration Mood Poll (January 2009)

• Overview: A Pew Research Center poll found high public confidence in President-elect Barack Obama, with many viewing him as a unifier and effective leader. Overall, political optimism increased compared to previous years, with fewer Americans seeing the country as politically divided.

• Confidence in Obama:

  • Approval ratings for Obama were the highest on record for any incoming president. 79% of Americans had a favorable view of him, and 70% approved of his handling of policies so far.
  • Democrats were the most supportive, with 95% approving, followed by independents and Republicans. Obama was seen as particularly confident in addressing the economy, terrorism, and Iraq, with Democratic voters expressing the highest levels of trust.
  • Trust in Obama's problem-solving abilities grew as the inauguration neared, reflecting a post-election rebound that included increased support from Republicans and independents.
  • Despite high approval, views leaned toward bipartisan cooperation, with many hoping for parties to work together more. Republicans showed more skepticism, with confidence in Obama lower among this group.

• Reduced Political Division: Compared to January 2007, when 66% saw increased political division, only 46% thought so in January 2009. Democrats and independents felt less divided nation than Republicans.

• Economic Optimism and Stimulus: Coping with the recession, 52% of Americans expected 2009 to be better than 2008, driven by optimism about the transition. Their confidence in Obama's economic plans was strong, with 75% believing he would do well on fixing the economy. Obama's $800 billion stimulus plan was viewed positively by 57% of those who heard about it, but Democrats were more supportive (75%) than Republicans.

• Public Safety and War Opinions: America's confidence rose in dealing with terrorism, with 71% approving, but divisions emerged on wars: support for the Iraq mission rose to 59% (up from 35% in 2007), while opinions on Afghanistan remained lackluster. Most favored decreasing troops from Iraq (69%), while no consensus existed in Afghanistan.

• Winners and Losers: Surveys indicated that groups like the poor, young people, and blacks were expected to gain influence under Obama. Business corporations, the wealthy, and conservative Christians saw greater losses in influence. This mirrored pre- Clinton sentiments but suggests new divides.

• Favorability for Political Figures: Names like Michelle and Laura Bush/O, Joe Biden, and George W. Bush saw shifts in perception. Laura Bush's popularity rebounded, while Obama's favorability surged as Trump increased after the election.

• Inauguration Plans: With an expected high turnout, 67% planned to watch Obama's January 20th inauguration, particularly among Democrats and African Americans. Lower recession hopes, however, point to challenges ahead, driven by economic concerns.