Most African-Americans believe that there would already be a cure for Ebola if it had started in the United States or Europe, not Africa, a sign that race is playing a role in how some Americans view the crisis, according to a new poll.
The latest Economist/YouGov poll found that 59 percent of blacks believe that there would be a cure, or work to find one, if the killer virus had originated in America or Europe, largely white continents, not Africa.
Overall, the fear of Ebola has doubled in the nation now that there is a victim in Dallas, especially among blacks.
“Twice as many Americans are very concerned about an epidemic in the United States today than were that worried in August, when Ebola emerged as a threat – but in western Africa. Then, just 17 percent were very concerned that Ebola could spread to the U.S. and become an epidemic here. Now that there are cases in the United States, a third are very concerned,” said Economist/YouGov.
“There is especially high concern among African-Americans 40 percent of them say they are very concerned about the possibility of an epidemic here,” it added.
The poll also found that Americans want the Obama administration to do more to stop the spread of Ebola.
“Nearly half the public thinks the U.S. isn’t doing enough – an increase of 15 points from the answers they gave in August, when the virus was only active in western Africa. And Republicans are especially likely to want more action. The percentage of Republicans who think the United States is not doing enough has nearly doubled since August. Democrats feel a little more confident that enough is being done,” said the poll.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
