July 05, 2007

Poll Track: A Strong Constitution

Take heart, Ron Paul! A new Zogby poll shows nine in 10 Americans believe the U.S. Constitution is still relevant in today's world, and most believe the Founding Fathers would frown upon recent attempts to clamp down on civil liberties, from driving without a seat belt to smoking marijuana.

The nationwide poll conducted to coincide with the Independence Day holiday reveals an American public strongly in favor of states' rights on issues like abortion and drug policy and distrustful of government attempts to regulate Internet usage and certain types of speech. That may explain why Paul, the libertarian Texas congressman vying for the Republican nomination for president on a platform of strictly small government, has such a vocal if tiny base of support.

On the flip side, Michael Bloomberg -- who many speculate is considering an independent White House bid -- should note that less than a quarter of respondents think George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and company would be pleased with his initiatives to ban indoor smoking and eliminate trans fats in New York City.

Today's Poll Track (subscription) has more details on the Zogby survey.

Posted at 2:41 PM
Posted to: Constitution
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