A Gallup poll released on Friday found that, for the first time since Gallup started measuring this in the 1990s, more Americans define themselves as pro-life than pro-choice.
I'm hesitant to believe this, however, because according to the data presented in the article, last year 50% of respondents were pro-choice, and this year only 42% were (with a similar increase among pro-life). I don' t know what could prompt that big a switch. Would a prolife president do it?
The data till this year showed a pretty steady trend, so I wouldn't be surprised if it swung back the next time they ask this question. If not, it would be interesting to speculate about why the change.
I'm hesitant to believe this, however, because according to the data presented in the article, last year 50% of respondents were pro-choice, and this year only 42% were (with a similar increase among pro-life). I don' t know what could prompt that big a switch. Would a prolife president do it?
The data till this year showed a pretty steady trend, so I wouldn't be surprised if it swung back the next time they ask this question. If not, it would be interesting to speculate about why the change.
4 comments:
This survey doesn't really show anyone changing their position. It shows centrists changing whether they call themselves pro-life or pro-choice. http://gruntledcenter.blogspot.com/2009/05/abortion-center-holds-again.html
But if we observe change, wouldn't it make sense to see it among the people in the middle? (Like politicians aiming for independents)
Mark Blumenthal at Pollster.com has a good analysis. http://www.pollster.com/blogs/about_that_gallup_abortion_pol.php
Thanks Jay. I haven't been to Pollster since the election... Kind of forgot about it.
Post a Comment