So, Iowa is upon us and assuming that (at a minimum) it delivers a victory for either Mr. Huckabee or Mr. Romney, journalists everywhere will be churning out pieces of the “American Voters Are A Bit Odd” variety. Expect lots of stuff about how religion sets the U.S. apart from Old Europe, and so on ad nauseam. In this context, it’s worth skimming this snap-shot of opinion polls of American voters, put together for the annual New York Times New Year’s quiz. There are a few hints of nuttiness, although nothing you wouldn’t expect from pretty much all Western electorates. And, on average, the American voter seems to be, well, normal – and on torture, the death penalty and cell phones, extremely sensible:
87% think an innocent person has been executed in the previous 15 years. 62% fly the Stars and Stripes at home, in the office or in their car. 81% think smoking in movies encourages teenagers to take up the habit. 68% think circumstances exist in which a patient should be allowed to die. 69% believe “waterboarding” to be a form of torture. 65% of pet owners give holiday gifts to their furry friends. 47% believe that “nearly everything causes cancer.” 33% changed summer vacation plans because of gas prices. 15% abstained from sex until they were at least 21. 31% of Southern coastal residents would not evacuate if a hurricane struck. 65% spend more time with their home computer than with their spouse. 57% drink coffee every day. 56% oppose allowing cell phones to be used during flights. 7% are prepared for a disaster or emergency. 67% consider full-fat ice cream to be “worth the guilt.” 85% of women would rather reveal their age than their weight. 11% know the recommended number of calories to consume daily. 58% have no homosexual friends or relatives. 61% think it is too soon for movies about the Iraq war.
