American Pulse: It’s Still the Economy and Energy Policy as Issues for Voters

                 Only 11% Cite Iraq as Major Issue

COLUMBUS, OH – (MARKET WIRE) – 8/26/2008 – The Democratic National Convention kicks off this week with a lineup of A-list celebrities and politicians carrying messages of hope and change, packaged in plentiful pageantry for the American public. However, among all the big names, one key headliner that should make its way prominently on the agenda is the U.S. Economy, according to the August American Pulse of 4,485 respondents. The Economy (62.7%) is the most important issue to Americans in the 2008 Presidential Election, followed by energy dependence/domestic drilling (26%) and the war in Iraq (11.4%).

As the Presidential candidates and their respective mouthpieces discuss issues important to Americans, they should be careful not to waver from their previous positions as it could cost much-needed votes in a closely contested presidential race. (McCain is up two points this month at 35.4% v. Obama’s 33.4%). Over a third (38.8%) of Americans say it makes them mad when candidates flip-flop on the issues and they plan to vote for whomever was more consistent throughout his campaign. 36.5% chalk flip-flops up to just being a politician, while 12.9% don’t pay close enough attention to call a flip when they see it.

Americans also weighed in on who they think would be the better leader regarding global matters and it appears they think McCain would be stronger on foreign policy. While domestic affairs seem to be more up Obama’s alley, the margins are slimmer regarding energy and political bipartisanship.

Regarding the two major Presidential candidates, in your opinion, which one is the better leader for the U.S for the following issues? 

                                                     McCain    Obama
Dealing with terrorists and war on terror            61.9%     38.1%
Dealing with Russian aggression in Georgia Republic  60.7%     39.3%
Dealing with energy independence                     46.9%     53.1%
Working with both parties of Congress                46.6%     53.4% 

Source: BIGresearch, American Pulse, Aug 08

Other key findings:

• 49.5% are somewhat/very concerned that the U.S. will come under attack of a nuclear weapon.
• 36.3% have heard of “The Pickens Plan”…91.8% of which think Congress should be working on a similar plan towards energy independence.
• 45.6% agree/strongly agree that the media’s coverage has hurt the U.S. Economy.
• 71.2% agree/strongly agree that Americans want more than they need.

(For complete complimentary findings, click here: http://americanpulse.bigresearch.com.)

About American Pulse™
The American Pulse™ Survey is collected online by BIGresearch every month exclusively utilizing Survey Sampling International’s (SSI) U.S. panel covering topics such as politics, pop culture and the economy. Over 4,000 respondents participate, providing greater insights into how Americans really feel about issues they currently face. http://www.bigresearch.com.

About Survey Sampling International (SSI)
Survey Sampling International is the premier global provider of sampling solutions. Founded in 1977, SSI offers access to consumer and business-to-business respondents via Internet, telephone, mobile and other means; survey programming and hosting; and sampling consultation. SSI is the supplier of choice for more than 1,800 companies, including 46 of the top 50 marketing research agencies. Headquartered in Fairfield, CT, SSI maintains offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. http://www.surveysampling.com

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BIGresearch                                SSI
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