“If you could create the perfect candidate to succeed Barack Obama as president, what would their background be and what would they think?” asks CNN polling director Jennifer Agiesta, who has a new survey that reveals this: “Most Americans say they would like a candidate who’s a seasoned political leader, someone with an executive background, and someone who’s willing to change Barack Obama’s policies.”
Interesting numbers: 59 percent of Americans say they’d like a candidate who has been in the public eye as a political leader for many years over one who’s new to the political scene. Another 59 percent say they prefer a candidate with executive experience over one who’s worked as a legislator, and 57 percent agree that their “perfect” candidate would change most of the policies enacted by Obama’s administration. Here’s a more complete look:
59 percent of Americans want a presidential candidate with executive experience; 74 percent of Republicans, 58 percent of independents and 51 percent of Democrats agree.
57 percent prefer a candidate who will “change the policies of Obama”; 94 percent of Republicans, 59 percent of independents and 22 percent of Democrats agree.
53 percent overall want a candidate who has had “economic success” in life; 63 percent of Republicans, 49 percent of independents and 52 percent of Democrats agree.
51 percent overall say their perfect candidate shares their views; 36 percent of Republicans, 58 percent of independents and 51 percent of Democrats agree.
47 percent overall say their candidate belongs to their party and “can win”; 59 percent of Republicans, 40 percent of independents and 47 percent of Democrats agree.
42 percent overall want a candidate who believes religious views should drive policy: 61 percent of Republicans, 37 percent of independents and 34 percent of Democrats agree.
39 percent overall want a candidate with experience as a legislator; 25 percent of Republicans, 41 percent of independents and 49 percent of Democrats agree.
38 percent overall want a candidate who is “new to the scene”; 46 percent of Republicans, 43 percent of independents and 21 percent of Democrats agree.
Source: A CNN/ORC poll of 1,009 U.S. adults conducted March 13-15.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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