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Public anger is part of the big "no" vote for the massive Wall Street bailout, and that anger is also part of presidential politics this year. That's according to national pollster John Zogby.
Zogby does political polls for Reuters, NBC, C-Span and several newspapers. We caught up with him at Weber State University today, where he told us voter feedback demanding real, substantial change this year is as strong as he's ever seen it.
The huge bailout bust in Washington. D.C., is yet another sign that when it comes to leadership, Americans want something different. Zogby said, "People don't believe their leadership, whether it's inside the beltway, Washington, D.C., or Wall Street."
Zogby also keeps a close eye on trends. On a speaking tour at Weber State University, Zogby says he's noticed--even before the financial crisis-- voters are paying more attention this year. And he gave another example of why it may be justified. At a time when the nation's financial system is on a precipice, a few politicians are partisan about why it failed.
Utah Congressman Jim Matheson says, in fact, the vote was not partisan. "You can't pigeon-hole this vote on a particular ideology. There were people: Liberal, Conservative, Democrat, Republican who voted 'yes' and who voted 'no'," he said.
This year, voters want substance, Zogby says. They want to tackle health care, pensions, the environment, energy and immigration. Negative ads could outright backfire. Polarizing issues like abortion, and gay marriage could take a back seat.
"This year, even though there are extremes on social issues, they're not dominating this election as they have in the past," Zogby said.
Most political insiders admit there is enough blame to go around. Now, voters want what Utah Sen. Bob Bennett wants: a solution.
"Let's free up the credit markets right now. Let's send the signal of confidence to the global markets right now," Bennett said.
Zogby also says voters could have a short attention span to the foibles of the vice presidential candidates, Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. In the end, Biden added foreign policy credibility to Barack Obama, and Sarah Palin added a fresh face and hard conservatism to John McCain. Zogby says that's where those stories end.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
