There are eight weeks before the traditional Labor Day start of the fall presidential campaign, but Americans are already tired of the contest and press coverage, especially the personal attacks between the candidates, according to a new survey.
While there remains an historic high in voter interest in the election, the latest Pew Research Center survey shows that voters are “worn out” by the constant coverage and want a shift in focus to issues and other areas that they use to make an educated selection.
Pew found that 59 percent “feel exhausted” by the election coverage.
But that jumps to 69 percent among those who aren’t following the election very closely.
Most of those surveyed by Pew felt the media focused too much on the comments of candidates, their personal lives, and the standard horserace. Instead, more than half want more reporting on where the candidates stand on issues.
“There is only one topic that most Americans say has received too little coverage – candidates’ stances on issues (55% feel this is under-covered),” said Pew. In another survey, Pew added, “65% of registered voters said the campaign was not focused on important policy debates, a view held by majorities in both parties.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
