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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHow the heck is public support for impeachment going DOWN??
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/impeachment-polls/?ex_cid=rrpromoThis is the lowest it's been since the Democrats first announced they were opening an impeachment inquiry. I DON'T understand how the heck it could be going DOWN since the public hearings started, even among Democrats. My only hope is there is no poll yet that accounts for Sondland's testimony. Anyone have any ideas?
mucifer
(23,565 posts)evertonfc
(1,713 posts)and the majority of people are simply not following as much as we are. There is risk to us if this is a long, drawn out process.
Amishman
(5,559 posts)Low/no information voters don't want the details, and are probably annoyed by the continued attention.
Sometimes I feel we deserve our broken dysfunctional government as punishment
a kennedy
(29,707 posts)marble falls
(57,208 posts)about the same as this.
PatSeg
(47,589 posts)It will only upset you and can't possibly be a valid representation of public opinion right now. I haven't taken a poll in years and no one I know has either.
RKP5637
(67,112 posts)never been contacted to participate in a poll like this, other than those I randomly see on websites.
PatSeg
(47,589 posts)They could be calling me, but I don't answer the phone if I don't recognize the number.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)they don't recognize the number. Whereas most older, conservative people with landlines pick up the phone no matter what. I never pick up my phone unless I know who is calling me. I have never, ever been polled.
I am not buying the results that these bullshit polls are selling. I think the data skews heavily toward the right for a number of reasons.
PatSeg
(47,589 posts)if I don't recognize the number and haven't for years. We have a landline because we get poor cell phone reception in the house, but I let calls I don't recognize go to voicemail. As I said in another comment, I am older (obviously not conservative though) and as such, I know a lot of older people. None of us picks up the phone if we don't recognize the caller.
Yes, I think they tend to skew to the right. I do remember in the past doing periodic online polls, but I haven't done one in a long time. I just can't take these polls seriously.
Bettie
(16,126 posts)how many people do you know who answer their phones if they don't know who is on the other end? Or even if they do?
PatSeg
(47,589 posts)and don't know anyone who does. Who on earth are they polling?
Bettie
(16,126 posts)authoritarian mindset, generally speaking, I'd guess. Authoritarian because they still recognize the "phone rings, I answer" social contract.
PatSeg
(47,589 posts)but I'm "older people" and I know a lot of older people, none of us answers the phone if we don't know the person who is calling. The few who do, would be a very small sampling of the population. Just imagine how many people they have to call before someone picks up.
Bettie
(16,126 posts)authoritarian.
That's the big one, so ingrained on doing what they are "supposed" to do that they answer the phone every time.
PatSeg
(47,589 posts)Imperialism Inc.
(2,495 posts)Lots of people said that in 2016 as well. Even though the polls were mostly decent for Clinton, many were convinced the reality was even better for the same reasons you cite. Turned out to be the exact opposite and polls were slightly over-estimating support for Clinton.
Bettie
(16,126 posts)I see them as valuable for showing trends, but not accurate numbers at this point.
Spider Jerusalem
(21,786 posts)CincyDem
(6,386 posts)And the republicans - are screaming SQUIRREL at every turn. I know there are people saying it was clearer before all these hearings. Their strategy is, to some degree, working.
As has been said, nobody every lost a dime betting against the intelligence of the American population. Sad, but likely true for large swaths of the country.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)Dont believe the knee jerk polls taken 5 minutes after someone speaks or during the proceedings. Opinions dont get formed nor do they change this quickly. In most cases time is required.
These instant polls are hogwash.
ReformedGOPer
(478 posts)centrarchus
(62 posts)marlakay
(11,491 posts)What is happening in America. These hearings that I find fascinating, like a spy novel are boring to those that care only for themselves, their friends and family and maybe something happening in their job, city or state.
Since they began I have briefly mentioned watching them to grocery store clerks, hair dresser, nurse at doctors office and all just said yuck I wouldnt watch that.
I only have 2 friends on FB posting about it, one is into politics like me and one is a retired liberal school principal and very educated.
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)So much is repetitive. But moreover it's confusing. Lots of dates lots of strange names. Only the avid ones like us will make the effort to follow. It is not being conducted like a story that low info's can follow.
Got flamed royally for saying this the other day. If our goal is to build consensus ?? Is it working
A responsible thing to ask.
NewJeffCT
(56,829 posts)In 2016, 2017 and early into 2018, there would occasionally be Republicans that would shake their heads, express concerns or meekly say that Trump didn't use the best words. Sadly, Republicans have lost what little spine they had and now all mindlessly toe the Trump Line.
stevil
(1,537 posts)There are three clickable options. Link displays an aggregate as default. The second option is whether to begin the impeachment process (unchanged). The third is asking whether the president should be impeached (going down). We're still in early stages folks.
yellowdogintexas
(22,270 posts)are on their TVs clicking that third one in whatever way the question will reduce the numbers
Vinca
(50,303 posts)People just don't pay attention until something affects them personally. It's really too bad. The country is rapidly skewing away from a democracy into a quasi-dictatorship. If Trump wins a second term, that's the ball game. He'll be followed by Ivanka or Junior and the family funnel from U.S. Treasury into their bank accounts will be complete.
maxsolomon
(33,400 posts)She wants to launch Trump into outer space, but can't stand the process.
The GOP's strategy of dragging everything and everyone into the mud ALWAYS WORKS with "independent" low-info voters. They get turned off and revert to Both-Sidesism.
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)Lost interest and became more and more desensitized to trump attrocities.
maxsolomon
(33,400 posts)Last edited Thu Nov 21, 2019, 08:57 PM - Edit history (1)
This is a much easier sell than the Campaign and Rusher.
It's a moot point, regardless. The Senate will set him free in short order, and we'll have to listen to how he was "found innocent" until the day he dies.
budkin
(6,714 posts)And TRUMP EXONERATED headlines until election day
beachbumbob
(9,263 posts)Liberal In Texas
(13,576 posts)Stores and restaurants and bars. In the days of 3 commercial networks and PBS. Now with cable and hundreds of different channels you have to make some effort if you want to see it.
For example, yesterday I was at a car dealership for scheduled maintenance and in the two areas you could wait in one TV had the local Fox station running syndicated talk shows and the other Home and Garden something or the other.
Many people are only getting this from snippets on the news. And the repubs are spinning a lot of lies and propaganda the the news these days feel obligated to dutifully report.
TheRealNorth
(9,500 posts)They only get bits and pieces and then get a summary from whatever information source they get information from.
And you can bet the Republicans and independents are getting targeted on social media.
Garrett78
(10,721 posts)Downtown Hound
(12,618 posts)It's going to fluctuate a little bit. That's the nature of polls.
Kingofalldems
(38,476 posts)Talitha
(6,613 posts)A tiny slice of public opinon means absolutely nothing to me.
Brainfodder
(6,423 posts)Well OK 111% up from 110%, happy now?
empedocles
(15,751 posts)approval ratings, etc., etc.
Miles Archer
(18,837 posts)My sister gets 100% of her "news" from Fox, and she's not alone.
I'm sure the "he did something bad, but it's not impeachable" meme has been pounded into a fine powder, easily snorted by Fox addicts. I couldn't tell you for sure...I never watch Fox, not even clips on Twitter or Facebook.
As we have assumed all along, it will probably pass a party line House vote...I would NOT expect any Republicans to vote in favor, and then it's off to the Senate, where McConnell and his loyal crew will squash it.
Joe941
(2,848 posts)0rganism
(23,970 posts)many here are confusing the content of the house members' ludicrous remarks with their actual strategy. that has not been the case from the start. they all know what he's done is utterly indefensible on a factual basis.
their strategy:
show up and make the proceedings as ugly and distasteful as possible. when they do that, it reflects poorly on all involved, not just them. look back at all the impeachment-following threads and look at how many DUers reached for the mute button as soon as the GOP questions began. the difference between this and what the non-politically-interested folk of the country did is this: they never turned the sound back on.
try it sometime, news channels work really well for this. turn off the sound, and just watch how the footage, the bobbleheads, and the chyrons set the tone. this is the key. many who are exposed to the hearings (or any news, really) will see it without clear audio (in bars, breakrooms, etc.). under these circumstances, appearances rule the day.
the point of all the signs behind the GOP reps? inserting talking points is only a side benefit. the primary usefulness lies in how ugly it makes the room look. those signs were ugly and half-assed by design.
the GOP got people to tune out and regard impeachment proceedings as ugly and divisive and partisan, simply by acting ugly and divisive and partisan themselves.
sorry, GOP wins this round. and they'll probably win the next round when articles go to the floor for a vote. and they'll win however many rounds there are in the senate, too. and if Democrats don't get our shit together and figure out how to present a media image which can overcome GOP ugliness and engage the public, Trump's getting a second term.
John Fante
(3,479 posts)Not gonna drop the impeachment, sorry.
AncientGeezer
(2,146 posts)Nobody said drop Impeachment....certainly not 0rganism.
It will die in the Senate....I do disagree with 0rganism though that dumpster gets a 2nd term...I suspect he gets beat like a rented mule...but that's how he's removed.
Bonx
(2,075 posts)Buns_of_Fire
(17,195 posts)rzemanfl
(29,568 posts)It's a matter of personal preference.
MontanaMama
(23,337 posts)Surely we could sell tickets to such an event?
marlakay
(11,491 posts)Group of people about 30 or so were holding impeachment signs and chanting as cars drove by in downtown Medford OR.
Whats cool about that is I live in one of the conservative towns in Oregon. Takes more guts to protest liberally here.
doc03
(35,367 posts)highlights. The comments I have heard is it's a circus, it's a joke, Democrats trying to undo the election and this morning I heard Democrats know they can't win next year. Even for me they are unwatchable, I can't stand to listen to Nunes or Jordan for 45 minutes, I would smash the TV. There is really no point in watching because no matter what happens the Republicans in the Senate won't remove him. Neither side will change their mind and the so called independents don't much care. That's why they are independent they
are too damn stupid to take a side.
budkin
(6,714 posts)"too damn stupid to take a side"
Progressive Jones
(6,011 posts)XRubicon
(2,212 posts)Yeah... that's it. Something something republic.
Tennessee Hillbilly
(588 posts)Don't overlook the recent elections. The public has been seeing a lot of impeachment-related news for at least two months. But it didn't prevent the democrats from doing extremely well in the elections. To me, a vote in an election counts for more than a telephone poll response.
Joe941
(2,848 posts)ritapria
(1,812 posts)The Deplorables , about 30% of the population, share his racist views .While another 15% think all politicians are corrupt to the core and say to themselves: " Hey my 401 K is going up.. WTF These hearings are boring as hell " ..
dustyscamp
(2,228 posts)Grammy23
(5,813 posts)ran an ad that is being released by Republicans for Rule of Law. It showed Gordon Sondland testifying saying that, Yes, there was a Quid Pro Quo. Then showed a clip of Lindsey Graham saying he would consider impeachment if they could show there was a Quid Pro Quo. It was an effective ad that showed in a minute or so what the hearings took hours to show. I hope they will show this ad in many markets. And get other short but information heavy ads on tv, radio and internet. People will tolerate short ads and they might perhaps penetrate for them to think about. It cant hurt to try.
This is going to take some effective marketing to persuade the public.
customerserviceguy
(25,183 posts)One group was ready on day one of the Trump presidency to impeach him. They're the ones paying the most attention to the impeachment proceedings, since it feeds their predispositions.
Another group doesn't give a damn about impeachment, they think that the end justifies the means, and they're waiting for information that Joe Biden is corrupt for having his son take big bucks from Ukrainian oligarchs in exchange for getting off the hook on corruption charges. If they don't get what they want, they will simply assume that not enough digging was done.
The third group hates politics, and if they bother to vote at all, they wait until the weekend before an election to decide who scares them the least. They go out of their way to avoid political discussions, or even political thoughts, and shoving the impeachment hearings in their face makes them very resentful.
They're the group that is making public support for impeachment to go down, if that polling is correct.
uponit7771
(90,364 posts)budkin
(6,714 posts)It's down to 46.3%. Hoping the next few polls nudge it up once the Sondland testimony permeates...
DeminPennswoods
(15,290 posts)The only polls that reflect current opinion are the latest ones. Polls done months ago are simply not relevent to anything.
Celerity
(43,500 posts)you have to pull out the polls that ask about starting the process, as it already has started
We are a long way from this yet, BUT IF the support drops to around 40 to 42% (September 25th it was at 38.2%), Speaker Pelosi is going to have a really hard time getting 40 or so swing/red/pink/purple district Democrats in the House to vote Yes. It only will take around 20 or so saying NO to scupper it. There are around 5 already who will not vote for it, and Gabbard will probably say no as well, which cancels out Amash saying yes.
Hopefully we can drag it over the line.
Jakes Progress
(11,122 posts)I mean a lot.
NCLefty
(3,678 posts)It's really demoralizing.
nitpicker
(7,153 posts)That directly, impeachment is pointless because the Senate won't convict and remove him.
Indirectly, however, it may make some people so disgusted that they either vote to "throw the rascals out" or stay home.
Loki Liesmith
(4,602 posts)Polybius
(15,476 posts)budkin
(6,714 posts)tavernier
(12,401 posts)Youre being suckered.
MFM008
(19,818 posts)None.
Imperialism Inc.
(2,495 posts)Still, at best it has stayed pretty flat. Frankly, it probably didn't help that most of what the witnesses had to say was leaked out during the closed door hearings, via their statements. The means everyone heard it all twice and people have short attention spans.
doc03
(35,367 posts)and Jordan. They have they accused every Democrat since FDR of conspiring against Trump.
Cicada
(4,533 posts)I think people assume everyone plays politics. Trump pressured Ukraine to harm Biden. Whats new? I prefer focusing on obstruction of justice. Trump was being investigated by Mueller. He ordered several employees to lie to the prosecutor. That is a more understandable crime. If John Gotti orders someone to lie to the cops or prosecutors then that is an obvious crime. And that is exactly what Trump did. We need to broaden the grounds for impeachment. Also our preeminent anti corruption law is the emoluments clause. It flat out outlaws a President taking money from foreign countries. Trump has taken money from 22 countries. That is illegal. Also Trump stole from his charity. He paid a two million dollar fine. Stealing from your charity is clearly wrong.