A week ago, most Americans had never heard of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Now, following a Vice Presidential acceptance speech viewed live by more than 40 million people, Palin is viewed favorably by 58% of American voters. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 37% hold an unfavorable view of the self-described hockey mom.
The figures include 40% with a Very Favorable opinion of Palin and 18% with a Very Unfavorable view (full demographic crosstabs are available for Premium Members). Before her acceptance speech, Palin was viewed favorably by 52%. A week ago, 67% had never heard of her.
The new data also shows significant increases in the number who say McCain made the right choice and the number who say Palin is ready to be President. Generally, John McCains choice of Palin earns slightly better reviews than Barack Obamas choice of Joe Biden.
Perhaps most stunning is the fact that Palins favorable ratings are now a point higher than either man at the top of the Presidential tickets this year. As of Friday morning, Obama and McCain are each viewed favorably by 57% of voters. Biden is viewed favorably by 48%. .
Fifty-one percent (51%) of Americans believe that most reporters are trying to hurt Palins campaign, a fact that may enhance her own ratings.
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The Palin pick has also improved perceptions of John McCain. A week ago, just before he introduced his running mate, just 42% of Republicans had a Very Favorable opinion of their partys nominee. That figure jumped to 54% by this Friday morning. Among unaffiliated voters, favorable opinions of McCain have increased by eleven percentage points in a weekfrom 54% before the Palin announcement to 65% today.
Forty percent (40%) now say that Palin is ready to be President, if necessary. Thats up from 29% last week. Forty-nine percent (49%) say the same about Biden.
However, following the Wednesday night speech, voters are fairly evenly divided as to whether Palin or Obama has the better experience to be President. Forty-four percent (44%) of voters say Palin has the better experience while 48% say Obama has the edge. Among unaffiliated voters, 45% say Obama has better experience while 42% say Palin. :lol
Fifty-eight percent (58%) of voters say that Palins speech helped McCains chances of becoming President while only 10% believe it hurt those prospects.
While Palins numbers are stunning today, it remains to be seen how the Alaska Governors numbers will hold up through the next two months. She has made a tremendous first impression, but the country will get to know her a lot better between now and November.
