The Coolest Poll of the Year
Public Policy Polling was the third most accurate polling outfit this cycle (Behind Ipsos/Reuters and YouGov, according to this study). An awesome showing by a Democratic-leaning group that is making its name on delivering good data, rather than trying to move the news cycle. (Rasmussen came in 14th, so how about those false equivalency apples?) So who could blame them for taking their victory lap by providing a new comprehensive poll on Americans’ thoughts on Christmas?
I’m just going to cut and paste their blog post summarizing the results here:
Holiday Poll Results: Voters See Gifts from Santa for Obama, Romney
PPP’s new holiday season poll sees voters in giving moods towards both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney – voters believe both men will be receiving presents from Santa this holiday season rather than a lump of coal, with Romney perhaps getting some sympathy presents. Voters say Romney will get presents by a 63/37 margin compared to 51/49 for Obama. Some other findings:
– 44% of respondents said Santa was a Democrat while 28% say he is a Republican.
– 54% of voters said they were concerned that the looming “fiscal cliff” could cause Santa to cut back on his benefits.
– More voters than not (47/40) say there is a “War on Christmas”.
– Only 32% or respondents could correctly identify the number of days in Hanukkah, compared to 18% each who thought 7 days or 12 days.
– A majority of voters (52/45) said they believe in Santa Claus. 80% said they were on Santa’s “Nice” list to just 11% who said they were on his “Naughty” list.
– If voters saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus, 43% would tell Daddy, 40% would not and 17% weren’t sure.
– When asked, “If Grandma got run over by a reindeer, would you press charges against Santa?” 61% would not press charges, to 24% who would. 33% of Democrats would press charges compared to 19% of Republicans.
Contrary to popular belief, 62% of respondents said their favorite part of the holidays was spending time with family. Cookies were the favorite holiday treat at 29%. The most popular holiday movies were It’s a Wonderful Life, 22%, and A Christmas Story with 20%. Santa is the clear winner for favorite holiday character at 40% followed by Rudolph at 20%. A majority of voters, 52%, said Santa is the most plausible out of various holiday-specific characters. Leprechauns came in second at 19% and Cupid third at 17%. When asked what the most annoying holiday song was, 36% said “The Chipmunk Song”; the runner up was “Santa Baby” at 13%.
I’m impressed that 3% of those polled claim Festivus as their primary holiday this season. I’m pretty disappointed that 47% think that there is a War on Christmas. But you can see the detail here. (pdf)
