GALLUP POLL: McCain’s Age Seen as More of a Problem Than Obama’s Race

[jefferson_dem]

McCain’s Age Seen as More of a Problem Than Obama’s Race

Majority, however, see neither as an obstacle to effective governingUSA Democrats Election 2008 Republicans Americas Northern America by Frank Newport

PRINCETON, NJ -- Twenty-three percent of Americans say John McCain's age would make him a less effective president were he to win in November, while only 8% say Barack Obama's race would make him less effective.



These results emanate from two questions included in a July 15-19 USA Today/Gallup poll. One question asked respondents whether Obama's race would make him more effective, would make him less effective, or would make no difference if he were to be elected president. A parallel question asked about the perceived impact of the fact that McCain would be 72 when inaugurated next January, were he to win.

More than 8 out of 10 Americans say Obama's race would make no difference in terms of his effectiveness in the White House. Of the rest, just as many say his being black would make him more effective as president as say it would make him less effective. Thus, as far the public is concerned, Obama's race appears to be a wash in terms of perceptions about his ability to serve effectively as president.

There is more expressed concerned about McCain's age. As is the case with Obama's race, the majority of Americans say that McCain's being 72 next January would not make any difference in terms of his effectiveness in the White House. But 23% say McCain would be less effective as a result of his age, while 11% say he would be more effective. The net result is a slightly negative view of the impact of McCain's advanced age.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/108712/McCains-Age-Seen-More-Problem-Than-Obamas-Race.aspx

[Zynx]

1. 8%, 1 in 12 people, admit to thinking Obama's race makes him "less effective"?

Wow.

[jefferson_dem]

2. That's some scary shit.

...

[bunnies]

3. And *those* are just the people that admit it.

Racism? Nah. I heard its not even a factor. :eyes: