Let's start with the numbers from before the announcement...of the possible candidates that Rasmussen polled on, Sarah Palin had the highest rating for "not sure" on favorability (67%) suggesting that very few Americans knew anything about her at all.
Now after all the hoopla of the announcement, Americans are checking out Mrs. Palin, and they are liking what they see. Rasmussen says that Palin is "viewed more favorably than Biden." That's going to leave a mark! According to the poll, 53% of Americans now rate Palin positively, while only 26% are less enthused.
Here are the key numbers:
Palin earns positive reviews from 78% of Republicans, 26% of Democrats and 63% of unaffiliated voters. Obviously, these numbers will be subject to change as voters learn more about her in the coming weeks.Out of the gate, Palin appears to have been exactly what John McCain needed going in to the Republican convention this week. I've lost track of how many stories I've heard where conservatives are so happy with the pick that they've donated to the RNC for the first time in ages. The RNC raised $3 million in the first five hours after the pick was announced. She has energized the conservative base of the party in ways that no other choice would have done.
As for what Palin brings to the election, I think these numbers speak for themselves:
35% of voters say the selection of Palin makes them more likely to vote for McCain while 33% say they are less likely to do so. Most Republicans say they are more likely to vote for Palin and most Democrats say the opposite. As for voters not affiliated with either major party, 37% are more likely to vote for McCain and 28% less likely to do so. Those numbers are a bit more positive than initial reaction to Biden.Palin is an excellent candidate for Vice President. She is the most qualified -- when it comes to actual executive experience in government -- than any of the three senators COMBINED. She is a dedicated reformer who has a list of accomplishments that back up her rhetoric and she actually represents a fresh approach to Washington politics.
