The national debate over Confederate war memorials has fed a lot of interesting public polls, but none quite like the latest Public Policy Polling survey.
In their poll, PPP asked a couple of timely questions, one on rebel Gen. Robert E. Lee and another on Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
Turns out that Lee isn’t overwhelming hated in America. PPP said 36 percent have a favorable view of him, compared to 24 percent with an unfavorable view. Some 40 percent have no opinion of him.
Politically, Trump voters give him a very positive rating, 61 percent favorable to 10 percent unfavorable. Those who voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race have a different view, 17 percent favorable to 40 percent unfavorable.
Then asked if Americans would like Barack Obama or Davis as president, Obama wins overall, 56 percent to 21 percent.
But here again the politics of those polled is significant. Said PPP, “In a finding that says a lot about how we got to where we are today, Trump voters say they would rather have Jefferson Davis as president than Barack Obama 45/20.” Among Clinton voters, 92 percent chose Obama.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
