Republicans And Democrats Prefer The Company Of Different Nations, Especially Israel

[Scurrilous]

"A new Gallup Poll, based on data collected early in February, finds that when it comes to which countries they like and dislike partisanship plays a significant role in forming Americans opinions.

The most interesting gap showed in the survey is over Israel. While in the past Democrats were the party most would have identified as more supportive of the Jewish state, apparently the base is slipping. The poll found that 73% of Republicans have a favorable opinion of Israel, while 58% of Democrats think the same. The poll includes the opinion of independent voters who lean towards either of the two parties.

Republicans were also found to have a higher opinion of Afghanistan and Iraq, while Democrats have a higher opinion of France, Mexico and Venezuela."

http://www.nypress.com/blogx/display_blog.cfm?bid=40405021



Republicans' and Democrats' Ratings of Nations

http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=26659

GOP more favorable toward Israel, Afghanistan, Iraq; Democrats toward France

<snip>

"Gallup's Feb. 1-4 World Affairs poll finds Republicans and Democrats differ in their overall views of many nations around the world. Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to favorably rate Israel, Afghanistan, and Iraq, while Democrats are much more positive about France, Venezuela, and Mexico. Republicans' ratings of Iraq and Afghanistan have declined over the past year, and their ratings of Mexico have been lower over the past two years than at any other point since 2001. Ratings of France among Democrats are at their highest point since the Iraq war began, but are lower and have been relatively steady among Republicans in recent years. Republicans and Democrats show only modest variation in their views of North Korea and Iran.

Partisan Views of Nations

Republicans (including independents who lean toward the Republican Party) are much more likely than Democrats (including Democratic-leaning independents) to say they have a favorable opinion of Israel (73% vs. 58%), Afghanistan (30% vs. 19%), and Iraq (21% vs. 11%).

Democrats are more positive than Republicans in their views of France (69% vs. 40%), Venezuela (47% vs. 33%), and Mexico (65% vs. 55%). Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to rate Russia, Jordan, Syria, and Cuba favorably.

Even though the two party groups differ in their views of several countries around the world, Republicans and Democrats generally tend to agree in their overall rankings of countries. Additionally, the vast majority of Republicans and Democrats have favorable opinions of Australia, Canada, and Britain, and most have negative views toward Iran and North Korea."