Americans want their leaders to represent them. By better than two to one, they want their representatives to follow the wishes of their constituents, even when constituent desires conflict with a representative's personal principles.
But can Americans judge their candidates? Maybe not. Asked in the latest Economist/YouGov Poll whether voters can make competent vote choices when it comes to candidates, 51% say "no." Independent voters are particularly cynical about their fellow voters: by 64% to 29% - more than two to one - they say voters are not capable of making those choices.
But when it comes to their capacity to choose policies, as opposed to candidates, Americans give the public a little more credit. 42% say voters are able to make competent choices when it comes to policies, 43% disagree. Republicans are the most hopeful about this.
Do you think that voters are generally able to evaluate candidates and make competent vote choices?
| Total | Democrats | Republicans | Independents | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Certainly yes | 11% | 12% | 14% | 10% |
Probably yes | 25% | 30% | 32% | 19% |
Probably not | 38% | 37% | 33% | 47% |
Certainly not | 13% | 11% | 14% | 17% |
Not sure | 12% | 11% | 7% | 7% |
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Do you think that voters are generally able to evaluate policies and make competent vote choices?
| Total | Democrats | Republicans | Independents | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Certainly yes | 13% | 10% | 21% | 11% |
Probably yes | 29% | 32% | 35% | 28% |
Probably not | 34% | 36% | 29% | 41% |
Certainly not | 9% | 10% | 8% | 10% |
Not sure | 14% | 12% | 7% | 10% |
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Image source: Flickr (Frankie Roberto)
