Public Endorses Primaries

Analysis By Gary Langer, ABCNEWS.com

March 6 On the eve of the biggest day in the 
political primary season, nearly six in 10 Americans
endorse the current system used by parties to pick
their presidential candidates.

Fifty-eight percent of respondents in an ABCNEWS.com poll say theyre satisfied with the nominating system, up a bit from 51 percent when this question was asked in July 1992. Thirty-three percent are dissatisfied, down sharply from 47 percent eight years ago. More are undecided now, perhaps because its earlier in the season.

This doesnt mean sizable numbers are thrilled with the process. Only nine percent say theyre "very" satisfied with the way the parties pick their nominees. Nearly twice as many, 16 percent, are at the other extreme "not satisfied at all."

The Old Days

The sharpest division in opinion is between age groups: Young adults, often portrayed as alienated politically, are the most apt to say theyre satisfied with the nominating process (though it may be that they just dont care about it enough to complain). Satisfaction is lowest among older Americans, who may have forgotten or longingly remember the days of smoke-filled rooms and brokered conventions.

There also are some differences among political groups. Democrats, who have a clear front-runner in their primaries, are the most apt to be satisfied with the process. Satisfaction is a bit lower among Republicans, who are in the midst of a more contentious race, and a bit lower still among independents, who tend to be less involved politically.

Methodology

This ABCNEWS.com survey was conducted by telephone March 1-5 among a random national sample of 1,011 adults. The results have a three-point error margin. Field work by ICR-International Communications Research of Media, Pa. 

Gary Langer is the head of ABCNEWS polling unit.