Republican Party's Image Plummets Amid Impeachment Brouhaha

Strategic Insights -

The Republican Party's image has reached its lowest point in 14 years, with only 40% of Americans holding a favorable view, following a significant drop in public support as the House of Representatives moves towards impeachment proceedings against President Clinton. This drastic decline in public opinion has left the Republican Party vulnerable to further erosion, particularly if the reality of only the second impeachment of a President in American history becomes apparent.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republican Party's image has dropped to 40%, its lowest level in 14 years, as the House of Representatives moves towards impeachment proceedings against President Clinton.
  • The public continues to distinguish between the man and the President, with 65% approving of President Clinton's job performance despite being critical of his personal behavior.
  • 62% of Americans want their representative to vote against impeachment, with opposition to impeachment reflected in every sector of society, except Republicans.
  • 54% of Americans believe Congress should censure President Clinton for his actions, an option that Republican leaders have refused to permit the House to vote on.
  • Self-described conservative Republicans are divided on impeachment, with 76% in favor, while all other Republicans are split, 49% in favor, and 41% against.
  • Other polls have shown higher support for President Clinton to resign if he is impeached by the House, but due to public confusion, the Times/CBS News Poll pointed out the difference as part of the resignation question.
  • The number of people holding a favorable view of the Democratic party has remained steady at 56%.

Statistics:

  • 40% of Americans hold a favorable view of the Republican Party, its lowest level in 14 years.
  • 65% of Americans approve of President Clinton's job performance, despite being critical of his personal behavior.
  • 62% of Americans want their representative to vote against impeachment.
  • 54% of Americans believe Congress should censure President Clinton for his actions.
  • 76% of self-described conservative Republicans favor impeachment.
  • 43% of Americans believe it would be better for the country if President Clinton resigned from office, while 53% disagreed.

Sources:

  • The latest New York Times/CBS News Poll is based on telephone interviews conducted Sunday through Tuesday with 1,666 adults across the United States, and with 326 additional adults on Thursday.
  • The Times/CBS News Poll has been asking about Americans' views on the Republican Party for 14 years.
  • Other polls have shown higher support for President Clinton to resign if he is impeached by the House.
  • Richard M. Nixon's job-approval rating was 24% in 1974, before his resignation.