Here are two off-the-wall political polls that will provide great entertainment fodder at your next cocktail social.
First, there was a poll taken in January by Abacus Data that revealed how Canadians felt about doing common, everyday things with our federal political leaders. Participants were asked which of the three federal politicians best fit a random sample of eight descriptors from a possible 16 and here is what was found:
- Harper scored highest with Canadians in five of the descriptors, with respondents picking him best suited to be the CEO of a large company (47%), give investment advice (46%), give career advice (41%), give advice to your children about their future (37%) and negotiate a contract on your behalf (38%).
- Canadians believed Thomas Mulcair is the most compassionate and competent – he would also be most likely to loan you $100 (38%). Mulcair was a close second to PM Harper in negotiating a contract (35%), giving career advice (36%) and advising your children (33%). Even with this generous, compassionate side, the NDP Leader was not thought of as financially or management savvy as the PM.
- Justin Trudeau was chosen as the best fit for 10 of 16 possible descriptors, including trust to choose a good movie to watch (53%), prefer to have babysit your kids (44%), most able to survive in the wilderness (42%), and trust to look after your pet (40%).
To review the news media report of this poll, click here.
Then there is a poll conducted last month by Reuters-Ipsos that gauged the popularity of the President of the United States and, then, compared how Americans’ felt about various fictional U.S. Presidents found in modern-era T.V. and Hollywood.
54% of Americans held an unfavourable opinion of Obama, known for his cool and cautious presidential style, while 46% were favourable. Americans proved sharply divided along partisan lines.
Now how does this stack up against “the other” pulp Presidents?
- President David Palmer (played by actor: Dennis Haysbert) of “24”, the Fox counter-terrorism drama, has a very favourable rating of 89%.
- President Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) of NBC’s award-winning “The West Wing” was rated favourably by 82%.
- President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) of “Battlestar Galactica” on SyFy, drew a 78% favourable rating.
- Philandering, scotch-swilling President Fitzgerald “Fitz” Grant (Tony Goldwyn) of ABC’s drama “Scandal” has a 60% favourable rating – still above President Obama’s.
- President Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) of Netflix’s political thriller “House of Cards” – a murderer and scheming character – has 57% of Americans holding a favourable opinion of him. Believe that! President Underwood out-polled President Obama.
Reuters-Ipsos did point out in their poll release that the findings provide some solace to Barack Obama… “He is more popular with Americans than Russian President Vladimir Putin. Seventy-six percent of Americans had an unfavourable view of Putin, according to the poll, while 24 percent were favourable.”
So, from considering Justin the babysitter to hailing President Underwood, there is plenty to talk about here…. pass the hors d’oeuvres, will you please?
