GALLUP POLL: Top-of-Mind Perceptions of the Candidates (2006 vs. Now)

[jefferson_dem]

Top-of-Mind Candidate Perceptions In-Depth Mix of positive and negative in Americans’ perceptions of each
USA Democrats Election 2008 Republicans Americas Northern America
by Jeffrey M. Jones

PRINCETON, NJ -- Over the course of the presidential campaign, Americans have become increasingly likely to view John McCain as too old and Hillary Clinton as dishonest. Barack Obama is much better known today than before the campaign got underway, but the dominant perceptions of him (as being young and inexperienced and a fresh face with new ideas) have changed little.

These findings are based on results from the latest Gallup Panel survey, which asked respondents to describe in their own words "what comes to mind" when they think of the three leading presidential candidates. The question had been previously asked in late 2006, before the candidates officially announced their intentions to run for president.

The current data show that the most commonly mentioned characteristics about McCain are that he is "too old," that he is a "good man"/"likable," that he would give the country more of the same/be another George W. Bush, that he had a good military background, and basic dislike of him.



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Obama himself was not well known when the open-ended question was first asked. In November 2006, 36% of Americans were either not familiar enough with Obama to provide a response or had no opinion of him. Now, just 9% fall into these categories. Even with the increase in familiarity with Obama, the most commonly held perceptions about him have not changed -- namely, that he is "young and inexperienced" and "a fresh face with new ideas." Equal percentages volunteer that they like and dislike him.



Perhaps the most notable change in perceptions of Obama is that he is "dishonest." Five percent now mention this, but it did not make the list in November 2006. Other newly formed characterizations of Obama are that he lacks substance/is all talk and no action, disagreement with his religious views -- a possible reflection on his membership in the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's church -- and that he is an "elitist" or a "snob." But none of these views are widely held.

The most commonly held perceptions of Hillary Clinton are that she is dishonest or not trustworthy, past scandals or "baggage" associated with husband Bill Clinton, that she is qualified and capable, basic dislike of her, and that she is strong.



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http://www.gallup.com/poll/106909/TopofMind-Candidate-Perceptions-InDepth.aspx

[Qutzupalotl]

1. Obama comes out on top

just like in the election.