Is Mitt Romney the Most Unpopular Likely Presidential
Nominee Ever?
In his
article Andrew Romano points out that Romney has a larger favorability deficit
than any other modern presidential candidate. Furthermore, he boasts “the worst
primary-season favorable-unfavorable split of any major-party nominee of at
least the last 36 years.” Romano concludes that in order to win in November, “Romney
would have to make history” and that such a victory would be very unlikely.
However, Romano’s conclusion may be wrong. The statistics Romano quotes, when viewed
historically, seem to suggest that Romney is a uniquely unpopular candidate.
However, these poor numbers may be indicative of a generally hostile
electorate.
Congress’
approval ratings are at historic lows. Polls also suggest that Americans are particularly
pessimistic about the nation’s current track. The general pessimism and
distrust of politics illustrated by these polls may be having an effect on
candidates’ polling numbers. Supporting that possibility, Romney’s current
favorability rating against Obama is strong at 44 percent to 48 (respectively).
Thus, Romney’s low numbers may be more indicative of a disgruntled, upset
electorate than a profound unpopularity on his part. After all, he is the
leading Republican candidate.
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