Public Pulse

Participants in the July 17-20, 2008, Netroots Nations conference were asked what their top political issues were and what they believed should be the top priorities of the next presidential administration. The poll was co-sponsored by Democracy Corps and the Campaign for America's Future.

Here are the complete poll results:

Of the list of concerns below, please indicate which one of these is your top concern at this time.

Now, please indicate which of the concerns listed below is your next top concern at this time.

Now something a little different, of that same list of concerns, please indicate below which one of these you feel should be the top priority for the next administration.

Now, please indicate which of the concerns listed below you feel should be the next highest priority for the next administration.

Congress

Overall, how much do you think Congress has accomplished this term, that is since January 2007: a great deal, a good amount, not too much, or nothing at all?

On the scale below please indicate who you feel is most to blame for the lack of accomplishment in Congress?

Vice President

Please choose the statement which comes closer to your view, even if neither is exactly right:

Involvement

How long, would you say, have you been active in politics?

Do you yourself post or contribute to a political blog?

How long have you been posting or contributing to a political blog?

Please indicate below in what ways you are currently active in state and local politics and campaigns. Please check all that apply.

Now, please indicate below in what ways you are currently active in federal politics and campaigns. Please check all that apply.

Approximately how much money have you contributed to political organizations or campaigns over the past 12 months.

Do you work with a political organization, campaign or other such entity as part of your occupation?

Approximately how many hours a week do you devote to a political organization, campaign or website?

Had it not been for the advent of the Internet, do you think your level of activity in politics would be more, less, or about the same as it is now?

Demographics

Which racial or ethnic group best describes you? (Check applicable)

In what year were you born?

Please choose the term that best describes how you think of yourself in political terms.

People think the country is on the wrong track and the economy is in poor shape. They are hungry for change. A January 2008 survey of adults by ABC News and the Washington Post asked whether “we need to elect a president who can set the nation in a new direction” or to “keep the country moving in the direction Bush has been taking us.”

Change outscored continuity by an astonishing 79% to 17%. A separate survey at the same time by Gallup and USA Today found an identical 79% to 17% preference to “change” over “continue.”

People not only want change, they want significant change. They are happy that the stimulus package passed in February, but they don’t have great confidence that it will make much difference. A survey of adults by ABC News and The Washington Post revealed that 67% say the package “will not be enough to avoid or soften a recession.” Challenging its very definition as a stimulus, only 20% say they plan to spend the money: