So who’s the real influencer-in-chief?
A Quinnipiac poll released today suggests that the endorsements of Sarah Palin have more clout with voters than those of President Obama — although vulnerable politicians would do well to stay away from both of them. According to the poll, a slim 12% of voters say that Obama’s endorsement of a candidate would make them more likely to vote for that candidate. A slightly more sizable 16% of voters say the same of Palin’s endorsement.
Obama’s endorsement would also make 30% of voters less likely to vote for a candidate, while the endorsement of the former half-term Alaska governor would turn off 34%. Palin, then, is more divisive than the president — she would both sway and repel more voters than Obama, the poll shows.
Quinnipiac also reports the president’s favorable ratings to be considerably higher than Palin’s. Forty-nine percent of voters have a favorable impression of Obama, while only 35% have a favorable impression of Palin.
The poll’s measure of Obama’s job approval rating — 44% — is the lowest Quinnipiac has ever reported for Obama. Recent polls by Fox News, ABC/Washington Post, and Gallup also showed the president’s approval rating at an all-time low.
