Enthusiastic New Hampshire Primary Goers (PHOTO CREDIT: AP)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
"Americans are revved up... and ready to vote."
That's according to a front page story in "USA Today." We saw it with record turnouts in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary... and now this: by a 2-to-1 margin, Americans are pumped up for the upcoming election.
A new USA Today-Gallup poll shows that compared to previous elections, 62% of those surveyed say they're "more enthusiastic" about voting this time around.
So what's getting people so fueled up for this election? The reasons are many… including opposition to the war in Iraq, anxiety about a possible recession, dissatisfaction with President Bush and disgust with gridlock in Washington.
It's a good thing then that Americans seem optimistic about what they're seeing out there on the campaign trail.
This same poll shows 87% of those surveyed say it makes a real difference who is elected president. 84% say there's a candidate running who would make a good president, and that's a bipartisan view. 72% say the candidates are talking about issues that they, the people, really care about. And, 67% say the election process is working the way it should.
Here’s my question to you: Are you more enthusiastic than usual about this year’s election?
To see the Cafferty File video click here
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Evan writes:
To even fathom that this year's election isn't the biggest thing to hit America since sliced bread would be foolish. It's a huge election with tons of players and the stability of an entire nation at risk.
Jim from Los Angeles writes:
Enthusiastic? You bet. I just listened to Thompson interviewed on TV. He crowed about the First Amendment, illegals, and right to life. No mention of the nation's issues. Huckabee promotes a Constitution more like the Bible. McCain and Thompson are in their 70s like me. (We walk funny, can't get up off our knees, snore and generally stare a lot). And, of course there is "Mitt" silver spoon. Excited and ecstatic am I? You bet.
Jeff from Connecticut writes:
Hell no, Jack! How can any intelligent American be enthusiastic about the same old dog and pony show? When Congress starts exercising its authority (and obligation) to impeach or indict corrupt, self-serving treasonous politicians, then and only then will I become enthusiastic and proud to be an American again.
Shelley writes:
As a first time voter, I am extremely excited about this election and the change that many of the candidates are offering. I think that this election will have the highest turnout of voters ever, especially from the younger voters. This election will make history and everyone wants to have a part in it.
Pete from Florida writes:
Jack, I think many of us were, up until Tuesday when "American Idol" started.
James writes:
I think this sums up the true feeling. “Electile Dysfunction”: The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for president put forth by either party in the 2008 election year.