A new CNN poll finds that support for using government to promote so-called “traditional values” has fallen to an all-time low:
Denver (CNN) – Hours before the first debate between President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney, a showdown that will focus on domestic issues, a new national survey indicates that Americans have undergone some major changes on the basic questions concerning the size and role of the federal government.
And according to a CNN/ORC International poll, the public expects a split decision, with a majority saying that Obama will win the presidential showdowns but that Rep. Paul Ryan, the GOP running mate, will win the one vice presidential debate.
The survey, released Wednesday, indicates that there have been major changes on attitudes toward the government.
“The biggest: The number of Americans who say that the government should promote traditional values has fallen to an all-time low, a finding that might benefit many Democrats,” says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.
According to the survey, just four in 10 registered voters believe the government should promote traditional values, down from 53% in 2010 and 57% in 2008.
“Between 1993, when CNN began asking that question, and last year, a majority of respondents have always said that the government should promote traditional values. Now, for the first time, more than half say the government should not favor any particular set of values,” adds Holland.
At the same time, the poll also finds a large majority believes that government in general is doing too much:
But the poll also indicates the belief that the government is doing too much is also near historically high levels.
Six in 10 say the government is doing too much that should be left to individuals and businesses. That finding could favor Republicans.
Theoretically, that last number should inure to the benefit of Republicans, but given the fact that the GOP is also the party of promoting so-called “traditional values” means that they cannot really benefit from what seems to be a libertarian streak running through the nation at the moment. Unfortunately, the Republican Party has done everything possible to alienate libertarian-minded politicians and voters, just ask Gary Johnson.
