Sanders safe for reelection, approval rating 67%, third in popularity out of 85 Senators polled

[cal04]

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2011/08/sanders-safe-for-reelection.html

There have been rumblings that Bernie Sanders might draw a serious challenge next year from State Auditor and ex-Democrat Tom Salmon but our newest Vermont poll finds that Sanders is one of the most popular Senators in the country and wouldn't be vulnerable no matter who Republicans put up against him.

Sanders' approval rating is 67% with only 28% of voters disapproving of him. That +39 spread ranks him third in popularity out of 85 sitting Senators PPP has polled on, behind only Hawaii's Daniel Inouye (+46 at 69/23) and Wyoming's John Barrasso (+44 at 69/25). Sanders enjoys near universal popularity with Democrats (93/5), is extremely well liked by independents (68/25), and even has an unusually high level of crossover popularity with Republicans. 25% of them approve of him to 69% disapproving.

Salmon has been the most discussed potential challenger to Sanders next year. He is not terribly well known, with 47% of voters saying they don't know enough about him to have an opinion. He is viewed favorably among those who are familiar with him by a 30/23 margin. In a head to head he trails Sanders by 34 points at 62/28, facing a 41 point deficit with independents and losing 14% of the Republican vote while picking up only 5% of Democrats.

There are other Republicans who would come closer than Salmon, although none of them make it competitive. Former Governor Jim Douglas is very popular, with 56% of voters rating him favorably to 29% with a negative opinion. But he still trails Sanders by 18 points at 56-38. Last year's losing Republican nominee for Governor, Brian Dubie, is also pretty well liked at a 48/33 favorability spread. He nevertheless trails Sanders by 26 points at 60-34. And Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott, although a blank slate to 55% of voters, has an outstanding 33/12 breakdown with those who do have an opinion about him. He nevertheless finds himself down by 31 points at 61-30.

[OHdem10]

1. Integrity is a valuable asset. Bernie believes in something and

has the character to stand up for what he believes.
This is why he is such an effective speaker. Not
like some who have to so hesitant as they think of
each phrase in an effort not to offend anyone.

Go Bernie.

[INdemo]

2. And he couldn't win a Presidential race??

If he would run his polling numbers would leave others in the dust..

Draft Bernie Sanders 2012

[brooklynite]

3. NO...he couldn't

Please describe a scenario in which Bernie Sanders wins more Electoral Votes than Mitt Romney.

[INdemo]

5. The political climate is much different than 1980..Carter was

defeated before the Kennedy challenge..as for today unless Democrats have a choice they will be staying home..Sanders could win because I think we would see a grassroots organization like 1932..He would have overwhelming support..Its not like it would be a third party,because we only have a one party system now..

[Bonhomme Richard]

4. It wouldn't matter if he did or didn't. Not when both party's and the media are bought...

and sold and 25% of the population have to be the dumbest MF's on the planet.