The Hill's Blog Briefing Room » Poll: Nearly Half of Americans Think Political System Is 'Broken and Cannot Be Fixed'


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July 23, 2008

Poll: Nearly Half of Americans Think Political System Is 'Broken and Cannot Be Fixed'

@ 6:55 pm by Andy Barr

Nearly half of Americans believe the political system of the United States is broken beyond repair, so much so that just shy of one-in-five would support their state if it chose to secede, a new Zogby poll finds.

44 percent of respondents agreed with the notion that the American political system is "broken and cannot be fixed by traditional two-party politics and elections." An addition 18 percent said they would support secessionist efforts in their home states and 22 percent of respondents believe in the right of any state to secede from the United States.

Zogby conducted the poll on behalf of the Middlebury Institute, which advertises itself as a think tank "for the study of separatism, secession, and self-determination" based in Cold Spring, New York.

Middlebury Institute Director Kirkpatrick Sale told The Hill that the results of the poll should not come as a surprise.

"A great majority of people think the country is headed in the wrong direction and is not capable of solving the problems we face," he said. "If you are disgusted with this empire, its corruption, and its inefficiency, but you don't want to leave the home that you love, the only way is secession. A lot of people are beginning to understand that."

Zogby spokesman Fritz Wenzel called the poll's subject "unusual," but explained that Zogby has been commissioned to work on other topics similarly placed outside the political mainstream, such as the 9/11 conspiracy.

Wenzel, noting that Americans' approval ratings of Congress have recently polled in the single digits, added that the results of the poll "are not too far out of line with other polling we've seen that tests voter sentiment."

"Given the dissatisfaction of Americans with the federal government, the findings of this poll are not very surprising," he said.

- Joey Michalakes

Archived under: Campaigns, Congressional Campaigns, News, Presidential Campaigns

1 Comment »

The Hill welcomes comment from anyone and will almost always post it whether it is favorable or critical, as long as it is substantive and advances debate.

I would have to agree with the poll results. The two mainstream political parties have led this great nation to the doorstep of ruin. The mainstream national press is just as liable, courting and promoting these two parties for the riches that are dispensed during campaigns. I am tired of paying for the careers of political professionals. It is time that the American people wake up to and smell the stench of corruption wafting from Washington. This country has tremendous problems to solve and obstacles to overcome and look at the two 'candidates' we are presented with (courtesy of the mainstream national press), neither of who have half a clue, none of the proven ability, and represent the parties that got us in this place! This is our choice?! It is time, for our grandchildrens sakes, to consider alternatives to the current status quo!!

Comment by Ankaa — July 24, 2008 @ 12:07 am

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July 23, 2008

Poll: Nearly Half of Americans Think Political System Is 'Broken and Cannot Be Fixed'

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