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Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll out Monday night shows the majority of Americans oppose the nuclear option by a 2 to 1 margin. They want to preserve the filibuster. They get it. The radical right, for all its self-puffery, is not the mainstream. It don't speak for America.

The poll also shows dwindling support for Bush's social security reform plan involving privatized accounts and for Bush himself:

Bush's standing with the public was at or near new lows, with less than half the public supporting the way the president is handling the economy, energy policy and Iraq.

Taken together, the findings suggest that Bush is off to a difficult start in his second term, with Democrats far less willing to accommodate him and his agenda than his reelection victory last November may have foreshadowed. Beyond that, the survey highlights the divisions within the Republican Party, whether that involves Bush's signature Social Security proposal or the intersection of religion and politics that has become a defining characteristic of today's GOP.

< Who Coined 'Nuclear Option?' | A Killing That Gets Little Mention >
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  • Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#1)
    by Johnny on Mon Apr 25, 2005 at 10:18:00 PM EST
    whats he care? He already won his agenda. And for all the repugs who so gently reminded us of Bush's majority win this last time around, we should remind them that the majority also support keeping the filibuster and our elected officials shoudl respect that.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 01:02:22 AM EST
    The fix is in. like bush and the iran thing coming to you soon, this is what the Nuclear option is really all about keeping our non government people in line. and as far as Social non security is politically a real bush fixer-upper, its also as dead as can be, and to keep the boys in congress quiet, bush needs the rules removed. Bush and boys will do a religious number (one) on all of you with really great propaganda and many are marching like a precision drill team right into the third world USA. by the way you all have it coming, sadly your children don't, but you will take your kids along with you into that good night.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#3)
    by Walter on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 02:31:50 AM EST
    Just another "created" crisis to weedle campaign contributions from the true believers.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#4)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 04:24:23 AM EST
    Blaghdaddy sniffs something in the air...a conservative retreat very soon...the cons don't have the stomach to buck public opinion, as evidenced by their running for the hills when the Schiavo polls broke. This bunch at the Hill only does things by stealth, under cover of darkness or when no one's paying attention. When people start paying attention, the cons run for the shadows like cockroaches in the lamplight. If public opinion stays firmly against the nuclear option, Blaghdaddy predicts there'll be more yelling about activist judges, more complaints about Democrats thwarting the Constitution...and little more. Remember, the cons lost their taste for impeaching Clinton (they never had the votes anyway, but you saw their body language change) when they lost seats in '98, effectively being told, "This isn't important...get on with business..." No con is going to declare nuclear war on 2/3 of public opinion, whatever bluster Bush throws from the podium.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 06:02:28 AM EST
    Great post, Mark. Keep up the good work. Blag, you're gonna have to clean up your own messes from now on. I wash my hands of it. : )

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#6)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 06:31:27 AM EST
    Ace, do you and PPJ have anything to offer the discussion besides snarky comments? Even Bush has found that nobody's laughing anymore... Blaghdaddy just wonders why everyone else has to be accurate and present facts to support their statements when guys like you get to play "Scott McClellan..." Fact: Polls show public opinion against the nuclear option. Fact: More than one prominent GOP'er has gone on record opposing the nuclear option. Blaghdaddy's Opinion: Frist Christ, being a bully-boy Republican, would have rammed this thing through already if he had the votes. So the fact that he hasn't already tells you something, if you're paying attention. A bully doesn't keep threatening to beat you up if he's going to do it...he just does it. Question: What's Frist waiting for?

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#7)
    by The Heretik on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 06:58:26 AM EST
    Maybe there will be compromise on nuclear option. Maybe not. An update on the wonderful endo scenario we know as Armageddon on the Potomac is now available. Skirmish Lines at the Apocalypse. Truth is the number of people against Bush has never disuaded the forces of the dark daze ahead. Didn't stop them in Dade County in 2000. Didn't stop them in Iraq. Just shout down voices of reason and procedure. Keep shouting. And when the shouting stops . . . . Oy.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#8)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 07:13:50 AM EST
    Actually, the poll shows that a majority of 1,007 Americans opposes "the nuclear option". Whether these people are in fact representative of the nation as a whole is, as always with polls like this, open to question. Personally, I hope it is. Or, at the very least, I hope the idiots running the Senate today think it is. There are better options for dealing with this perceived problem than killing off the filibuster. Like scheduling an open-ended session for debate on these nominees, with the stated end being a floor vote whenever the Senators conclude that they have debated long enough (i.e., a real filibuster). Why let them debate this stuff on the Sunday morning talk shows when they are supposed to do it in the Senate? Or taking Robert Byrd's suggestion and forgoing a vote altogether since none is in fact required on nominees. The latter approach would be unfortunate, but either is preferable to killing off the filibuster. As for the president's standing and his social security "plan": I'm not surprised W's standing has fallen somewhat; that is the nature of popularity polls (assuming once again that this poll is in fact indicative of the nation as a whole). Whether it will rise again will depend on a number of things, like how the Social Security reform debate plays out, among others. Speaking of which, the WSJ has a very good article on the politics behind Social Security today. And it is available without a subscription here. Interesting reading for anyone whose mind is not already totally closed on the subject.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#9)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 07:46:41 AM EST
    Of course, this president doesn't listen to polls. Nor does he negotiate with himself, whatever that means.) Still, it does seem that certain people on here are decidedly in the minority and out of touch with mainstream America, vis-a-vis their apparent support for the nuclear option and defense of Dubya. (Wanna buy some wood?)

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#10)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 08:29:32 AM EST
    Actually, Heretik, doesn't "Jesus Frist" sound catchy? Look out Constitution, here they come...

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#11)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 08:32:18 AM EST
    Took a look at the poll data itself and can't help but wonder how representative it truly is. According to the results, of the 1007 respondents, 473 self-associate with the views of Democrats and 382 self-associate with the views of Republicans. How would this affect the results, and is such a sampling representative of the nation given the results of the last election, in which a higher percentage of a much larger sampling of the population chose Republicans to represent them? As noted above, I don't want to see the filibuster killed off, and certainly not for the short-term political gain of being able to appoint ten federal judges (so spare me the "Bush apologist" tage please); I'm simply wondering how accurate this poll really is, and given the numbers presented above, it seems the answer is "not very", at least with regard to strict political questions.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#12)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 09:37:26 AM EST
    Blaghdaddy, Horse ain't a horse but a chicken. He won't answer your question if it requires any thought. He'll change the subject and/or lie.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#13)
    by glanton on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 09:54:11 AM EST
    "This bunch at the Hill only does things by stealth, under cover of darkness or when no one's paying attention. When people start paying attention, the cons run for the shadows like cockroaches in the lamplight." That's beautifully put, Blaghdaddy. Like cockroaches and vampires, this brood of GOPers detest daylight. No soundbite, Mr. Frist? No soup for you!

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#15)
    by pigwiggle on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 12:38:35 PM EST
    TL- Uhh, I think you mean nucular option, right?

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#16)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 12:47:38 PM EST
    All of the comments about Michelle Malkin are going to be deleted. Please stay on topic. It's the nuclear option and the poll showing American's views on it.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#14)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 12:49:13 PM EST
    Blaghdaddy, If you think that I'm the "conservative" representation at TalkLeft, you clearly have a problem with reading comprehension. [remainder deleted] Hopefully Jeralyn will find the time to come by and delete most of this crap as the garbage it is, so a discussion of the poll in question can continue. In the meantime, crap away. No one should be deprived of exercising their one true skill. [She has and she will.]

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#17)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 01:00:32 PM EST
    Wow. Lots of hate on this thread. For the party of tolerance, you guys sure disappoint. Michelle Malkin provides all the evidence required to discredit this poll 1. The leading question, being the most egregious offender. 2. The 7% Dem sampling bias; 28 vs 35%. 3. Historical Context What else do you need? This poll is jive! :-) Blaghdaddy Today is your lucky day. You should thank your lucky stars.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#18)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 01:22:03 PM EST
    Nicely timed TL. As noted above, the results on this poll are as suspect as those of any poll, maybe even a little more so given the skew in the people polled toward those who support the Democrat's views, but even if all of this is true, even if this poll is nothing more than fluff, the sense behind it is on target. Changing the senate rules to allow the appointment of 10 federal judicial nominees is hardly called for when other options are available.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#19)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 01:42:58 PM EST
    Yes the left is hate-filled and the MSM is filled with liberal bias. LOL! One thing about wing-nuts,theyre ALWAYS on the same page - not only page,but sentence and word. So Horse, never mind the "liberal bias",are you claiming that republicans havnt used the filibuster as much as dems; that the filibuster is a some kind of sneaky left-wing guerilla tactic? Sorry for the leading question - just say whatever Michelle would say.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#20)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 01:53:34 PM EST
    "For the party of tolerance.." That youre tolerated as much as you are should be all the proof you need.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#21)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 02:26:51 PM EST
    Jondee Mrs. Malkin's observations RE: 'The Poll' are astute, factual, and accurate. Care to dispute them? BTW - you should see all the posts that were deleted. I've got them copied offline... If you're interested ;-/

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#22)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 03:47:32 PM EST
    Are you/Ann/Rush/Ms.Markin claiming that this ISNT about changing the rules? Again, if you dont like the idea of checks and balances in gov., find a nice military dictatorship to move to. Make that "faith-based" military dictatorship.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#23)
    by Richard Aubrey on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 04:25:47 PM EST
    I guess you guys didn't get the memo. The actual question ABC asked has been outed. To consider that an accurate representation of the issue is impossible. To continue to insist that it is requires one to be a lefty. When phrased differently, such as, should the rules be changed so the Senate can vote on a president's nominees, the answer is 80%+ affirmative. As I keep saying. You know this stuff. You just don't think the rest of us do and so you think you can get this smoke&stuff over on us. How many times do I have to tell you? You're BUS TED. Again.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#24)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 04:34:35 PM EST
    "When phrased differently,such as.." Such as? Another poll was taken with your new wording? Did they include the "such as", or, what was the exact wording Mr. Bust Ted? How bout a link?

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#25)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 04:48:44 PM EST
    et al - When I read the link, I kept looking for the poll's questions. Of course they are not there. I underdstand the following is the poll's question: "Would you support or oppose changing Senate rules to make it easier for Republicans to confirm President Bush's judicial nominees?" Now I understand why the above question wasn't in the article. The WP didn't want to have to place the article on the comic's section.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#26)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 05:02:57 PM EST
    PPJ,explain to us all again how that question is an inaccurate representation of whats occurring. Now we'll get some real comics. Waiting on the link for the "new poll"Richard.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#27)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 05:10:07 PM EST
    jondee - I understand that your mind is so closed that you are unable to see that the question is so biased that it can only lead to negative results. That is a natural outcome of your leftness. But, just consider. It leaves the impression that there will be no debate. It doesn't say that the filibuster blocks debate. The thing speaks for itself. Now Jondee, how about you explaining to us how there is no bias in the MSM.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#28)
    by Richard Aubrey on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 05:15:25 PM EST
    PPJ. Don't waste your time trying to explain. They don't see the problem. Unless they do, in which case they think it's a pretty neat trick. They're certainly not going to admit it was a put-up job. Not when it's useful. Jondee. Let's say I got you a link with the story exactly as I described. So what? I've been around here long enough to know that you won't admit anything that would inconvenience a lefty argument. That's why I'm not trying to convince you of the validity of the argument. I'm trying to warn you that everybody knows better, regardless of whether you feel inclined to admit you're trying to put one over on us or not. That doesn't matter. You're busted. Do you think I care if you say, "Oh, hell. We're caught. Maybe we should tell the truth next time."? I'm just hoping that telling you that every time you open your mouth the vast majority of your listeners know you're scamming them might cause you to moderate a bit, thus becoming--get this--MORE EFFECTIVE.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#29)
    by glanton on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 05:15:45 PM EST
    PPJ: It leaves the impression that there will be no debate because there will in fact be no debate: "Debate" implies that the thing isn't foregone, when in fact everyone who's not a complete idiot knows where the votes are going to go well in advance of the voting. Your reasons for wanting the fillibuster broken are the same reasons Frist and company harbor: You want to see this type of judge approved. Yay for you, then. They will be approved, and there will be no "debate," when this is all said and done. Not until 2006 when your GOP buddies start up the big time lying machine, all over again.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#30)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 05:17:59 PM EST
    PPJ, If you open the link provided by TL, then open the link to the Washington Post ABC news poll within the story, you can get a PDF that includes the questions asked and the specific results.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#31)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 05:22:45 PM EST
    PPJ, how could that wording get negative results. Youve been telling us in so many words that the "real Americans" all support the presidents agenda. Surely as soon as they hear that the presidents trying to do something/anything they'll support it.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#32)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 05:29:40 PM EST
    Richard,no "new poll" with "80% results the other way" and alot of blown smoke. Classy. You represnt your side well. I like your "everybody knows it,so I dont have to prove it." approach. You get that from talk-radio?

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#34)
    by Richard Aubrey on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 06:30:46 PM EST
    Last poster: The ABC poll does exist. That it's a put-up job is obvious. What else is necessary? Now, the other poll was in a place which would cause you to disbelieve it. I mean, give you an excuse to pretend to disbelieve it. So I won't bother. Just keep in mind, ABC's question is OUT. And there's nothing you can do about it. That's the important thing.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#33)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 06:32:10 PM EST
    Just lie about a poll that doesn't exist because it dosnt matter. Everybody knows. And,we're ALL on to you.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#35)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 26, 2005 at 07:41:34 PM EST
    glanton - That's pure nonsense, and I thought better of you. There will be a huge debate. Especially when the Demos tell the country why a black woman, a sharecropper's daughter, who was a single mother who worked her way through college and law school, and was re-elected to the CA Supfreme Court by a 75% margin doesn't deserve to be on the federal bench. She is obviously not qualified. Has no real world experience. Uh huh, sure. Shame on you.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#37)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 06:13:52 AM EST
    DA - Unfortunately for you, you do not get to define what is bullying. And saying "Shame on you" is nowhere near bullying. In fact, your comment is merely trying to shut off the debate, a bullying tactic all by itself. I find it amusing that you connect her comments with the "Justice Sunday" because they were made on the same day. There is no doubt there were multiple robberies, car accidents and domestic disturbances also on Sunday. I suppose you also find a connection to these. What power she has, eh? I also get a chuckle watching the Left cringe whenever a cross is displayed or mentioned. Something about Christians scare them to death. Can it be they suffer from the Vampire Syndrome? As for her comments, why complain? She would tell you that she would apply the law without favoring her individual beliefs. And, since I am sure you would believe a nominee whose past statements establish an anti-capital punishment and pro-abortion bias, why shouldn't you believe her?

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#39)
    by glanton on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 07:38:54 AM EST
    PPJ: You know as well as anyone that the objections to this tyoe of judge has nothing to do with personal traits, backgrounds, race: it has everything to do with radical ideology. So no, it won't be hard to explain that, as long as the media cares to carry the explanation. But anyway, that's beside the point. The real point is, NO there will not be debate because excepting two or maybe three GOPers at the most, all of them are going to rubber stamp whomever Dubya sends up there. Any discourse over the matter will be, as they say, "full of sound and fury/signifying nothing." Again, debate implies that an outcome hangs in the balance. Don't be stupid.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#40)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 03:03:38 PM EST
    glanton - It is the Demos job to debate against, not the Repubs. Good grief. DA - So let us be clear. You don't trust her because she is a person of faith, a christian. Okay. BTW - Hissy fit is an old southern expression that predates the movie. Course you lived in the souther for what, three months? So you are an expert. Uh-huh.

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#41)
    by glanton on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 03:21:42 PM EST
    Yes, PPJ, and the Demos "debating" will amount to speaking to a wall when it comes to appointing judges, and you know it. Can we at least not pretend that we don't know what the outcome will be on EVERY SINGLE ONE of Bush's judicial nominees, no matter how radical, once it is put to an up or down vote? Remember, Jim, I'm anti-filibuster. But I'd still appreciate it if you and others would be a little honest, here. Like, for instance, you all could stop perpetuating the lie that the Dems are filubustering because of race or economic background--something you've done on this thread. But then I suppose, whether you speak true, or lie, or do sommersaults on LSD on the edge of the Grand Canyon, it matters very little in the end. It is a done deal as soon as they vote up or down, and everyone knows this. That's why the passion over the fillibuster in the first place. Are you absolutely SURE you're not a Republican?

    Re: Poll: Americans Oppose Nuclear Option (none / 0) (#43)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 27, 2005 at 06:18:25 PM EST
    DA Owens quotes tell it like it is. Haven't you been paying attention here? On any of these threads? I guess that if holding strong convictions resulted in an automatic filibuster, I'd be ok with that. Let the Repubs filibuster every pro-choice, ACLU type that the Dems put up. I'd be ok with that.