Posted on 03/01/2012 8:40:57 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Conventional wisdom, and conventional hand-wringing, has this cycle’s tough primary fight eroding Republican enthusiasm for the general election against Barack Obama. Late last year, that seemed to be the case, as Republicans went from a +13 in enthusiasm in October to a +5 in December. However, the latest Gallup survey shows that enthusiasm has begun to rise among Republicans — and remains flat among Democrats:
By 53% to 45%, Republicans, including independents who lean Republican, are slightly more likely than Democrats and Democratic leaners to say they are “more enthusiastic than usual about voting” this year. Republicans have consistently led Democrats in voting enthusiasm since last fall, but to varying degrees.
Not only has enthusiasm rebounded, it’s significantly higher than at this stage of the 2008 cycle:
The 53% of Republicans who feel more enthusiastic about voting today — as Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are engaged in a pitched nomination battle — is greater than the 44% found in February 2008 when John McCain and Mike Huckabee were still dueling in the primaries.
Gallup points out that this is still nowhere near Democratic voter enthusiasm in 2008, which was at an astronomical 79%. That, however, was mainly due to the prospect of ridding themselves of the hated George W. Bush and passion for the historic candidacies of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Four years later, Democratic enthusiasm can’t get above 45% in the last six months to defend Barack Obama, and gets nowhere near the 59% enthusiasm in 2004 when Kerry was sailing to the nomination in an ultimately unsuccessful candidacy.
The primary has not eroded Republican enthusiasm. Voters may not be terribly satisfied with the choices presented in this cycle, but as the general election comes closer, Republicans appear to be gaining enthusiasm for beating Obama.
more previous enthusiasm polls:
“In 2002, 42 percent of Republicans said they were more enthusiastic than usual about the election. Thirty-eight percent of Democrats said the same. In 2006, the numbers have flipped. Republican enthusiasm has dipped to 39 percent and Democratic enthusiasm has jumped to 48 percent. Enthusiasm affects turnout. Gloomy voters are less inclined to vote.”
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/817vxgub.asp
RE: Many here seem to represent the far Right “my way or the highway” crowd who will probably NOT vote at all if they don’t get their “dream” candidate
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You just described the attitude of many FReepers who, if Romney were the nominee, have threatened to either stay home on election day or simply NOTE VOTE for President but just vote for other candidates for Congress or Senate.
RE: can you please confirm for me that Mr. Rubio’s parents were both U.S. citizens when he was born?
Rubio was born in Miami, 1971. His parents were Cuban immigrants who were naturalized in 1975.
I will enthusiastically vote against Barack Hussein Obama (mmm mmm mmm) even if the opposition on the Republican side is a box of gravel.
What is this? Clear headed, rational thinking about the election? I'm hitting "abuse" on this, and don't let it happen again.
Just wait until Mittens is the nominee. Voter enthusiasm will sink faster than the titanic.
How on Earth can a successful businessman named Cohen thing that Barack Hussein Obama is the best available president? It is like chickens voting for the red fox because he is so handsome.
There’s no such thing as bad publicity. The extended primary is free marketing (or marketing at the expense of Wall Street bailout beneficiaries and groupie billionaires). It only stands to reason the primary would increase GOP enthusiasm. The same thing happened with Hillabama 2008. The RNC and elites are just showing more cluelessness in poo-pooing the primary process. Once again they’re showing they’re willing to throw all logic and evidence and desires of the base out the window in their unnatural, unwavering obsession to land the dial on a loser, moderate candidate.
The young 30 year olds that work for my husband are all liberal but would vote for Romney over BO, but would never vote for Santorum. I guess they think Romney is dem enough to satisfy them. I agree that most will be greatly enthusiastic about getting BO and the Mooch, Valerie Jarrett and all the commies out of there. I think it’s going to be wipeout!
Yep, nothing is as bad as the boy king and Marie Antoinette .
My housekeeper said she didn’t vote for him last time. I’m not sure if that’s so, but I’m really pretty sure she won’t be voting for him this time. And I really don’t say much to her, but if she makes a comment that opens the door, I’ll make a pithy comment or two to make her think.
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