jlallen, note that the MSNBC poll you cite has two sets of results. The bar graphs reflect the results of a September 21 NBC poll of some 500 randomly selected citizens. Then those same questions were asked of the folks who frequent the MSNBC site. The numbers are much larger (over 30,000 people responded); but, on the other hand, the respondents were not scientifically "selected."
Interestingly, on most key questions, the "randomly selected" respondents diverged sharply from what I will call the "self-selected volunteers". For example (using abbreviations "rs" and "ssv"):
Can Clinton continue to lead the country?
Yes
RS: 62
SSV: 36
No
RS: 35
SSV: 60
What to do?
a) Begin impeachment process
RS: 29
SSV: 62
b) Censure
RS: 31
SSV: 20
c) Drop the matter
RS: 36
SSV: 18
MSNBC also published the results of a New York Times/CBS News poll of randomly selected respondents conducted Sept. 21-22, which are more in less in line with the NBC poll of randomly selected respondents. For example, when asked whether Clinton should remain in office or resign (the only two alternatives offered), 69% opted for his remaining in office; 28% called on him to resign. Interestingly enough, a sizeable proportion - 39% - of registered Republicans felt that their party was unfairly trying to weaken the President (as opposed to 65% of all respondents).
At the same time, MSNBC points out that the Republicans are paying more attention to polls of those people who are more likely to actually VOTE in upcoming elections. First of all, the more likely voters prefer Republican candidates over Democratic ones, by a margin of 50% to 41%. And where Clinton is concerned, slightly more support the impeachment option (39%) than support censure (29%), or dropping the matter (31%).
What can we conclude from all these differently constructed polls?
My own conclusion is that a minority supports dumping the President, whether through impeachment or resignation. But it is a determined minority, and more likely to vote than the more laid-back majority. Since determined minorities tend to win, I think they will win here as well, although I personally have serious doubts about the wisdom of this course.
jbe
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