Statistics Are Funny

Interpret these numbers, I dare you

Statistics are funny. Polling often tells a contradictory story. For example, 70% of Americans say that media coverage of Michael Jackson’s death was too much, but ratings for networks that covered the story extensively were higher than those who showed lesser coverage. With this in mind, there are some very interesting polling numbers coming from Rasumussen Reports, one of the major and most respected polling firms.

Their daily presidential tracking poll shows today that President Obama’s approval rating is -8, meaning that the difference between those who strongly support him and those who do not covers a spread of negative eight: 28% of the nation’s voters strongly approve of the president’s performance while 36% strongly disprove. In January, he was +9.

In a close race, leaving few undecides to cover the spread, 46% favor the health care reform package designed by the Democrats and the president while 49% oppose it. Two weeks ago, 50% favored it to 46% who opposed it.

To the question of a generic ballot, Republicans remain ahead for the third straight week. 40% would vote for the Republican candidate in their district while 37% would vote for the Democratic candidate.

Before today’s very interesting hearings, Judge Sonia Sotomayor enjoyed the support of 38% of voters who favor her confirmation. 44% oppose it. After some searing questions from Senators Sessions and Graham, these numbers could change.

American voters now show more support for Republicans than Democrats in 8 major public policy areas: economy (+5), Iraq (+4), national security (+9), abortion (+7), social security (+5), taxes (+16), immigration (+1), and ethics (+1).

One final factoid: Glenn Beck’s book has been the #1 top seller on the New York Times and the USA Today lists.

Given these results, how did America vote in a Democratic president and democratic majorities in the Senate and House?