News Release

Democracy Corps Poll Shows Progressives Want the Jobs Bill

Activists Want the President to Fight Republicans

Washington DC -- A straw poll of attendees at the Take Back the American Dream conference shows that progressives overwhelmingly want a stronger activist progressive agenda from Washington. The Democracy Corps poll shows that progressives are broadly supportive of President Obama, and nearly all of the participants (97 percent) support the President’s jobs bill, although three quarters say the effort to create jobs is too small. Two-thirds want President Obama to not compromise on his policy positions on the jobs bill and are eager to see the President stand up to the Republican-led House.

The straw poll taken at the Take Back the American Dream conference, Campaign for America’s Future’s annual gathering, highlights that progressive activists are united over deep concerns about Republican control of all branches of government. More than half of progressives polled embrace the idea of an independent progressive movement to challenge big money and conservative ideas in both parties.
When asked which candidate in the Republican field is most qualified to be president, nearly half of all participants selected Jon Huntsman.

“Progressives are fired up and want the President to keep fighting for jobs,” said Robert Borosage, co-director of Campaign for America’s Future, “It’s clear that we want leaders who listen to the people and not to corporate lobbyists.”

Stan Greenberg of Democracy Corps, said, “The results show near universal support for the jobs bill among progressives; 97 percent support President Obama’s jobs bill, two-thirds do so strongly. However, progressives also overwhelmingly want a stronger activist progressive agenda from Washington. Three quarters say that the bill is too small and does not go far enough.”

Link to the Democracy Corps memo:
Democracy Corps/CAF Straw Poll detailed results
Democracy Corps/CAF Straw Poll graphs (PDF)
Democracy Corps/CAF Straw Poll graphs (Powerpoint)

The Campaign for America's Future (CAF) is a center for ideas and action that works to build an enduring majority for progressive change. The Campaign advances a progressive economic agenda and a vision of the future that works for the many, not simply the few. The Campaign is leading the fight for America's priorities - for good jobs and a sustainable economy, and for strengthening the safety net.
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