A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of Likely U.S. Voters are likely to watch or follow news reports about tonight’s State of the Union Speech. That’s virtually identical to last year’s findings but down from the 79% who followed the speech in January 2011. Twenty-six percent (26%) are unlikely to watch or follow reports about the speech. This includes 45% who are Very Likely to watch or follow the speech and 10% who say it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Just 28% of voters think State of the Union speeches are important for setting the nation’s agenda for the next year. Sixty-two percent (62%) view them instead as mostly just for show, up nine points from 53% a year ago when the president delivered the first State of the Union speech following his reelection.
What a bunch of cynics. It’s not just for show. It’s also an excellent excuse to drink, and heavily.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to begin carboloading for tonight’s show.
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