According to a recent Survey Monkey poll, Americans are paying attention to news surrounding Michael Cohen, but most tune out the calls for the president’s impeachment that have sprung up in liberal circles in response to the former Trump attorney’s claims.
Sixty-four percent say they “believe Cohen,” including 93% of Democrats, 66% of Independents, 38% of Republicans, 77% of African-American women, 70% of those ages 18-34, 66% of suburban white women, 63% of “Never Hillary” Independents, and 56% of Rural voters. But while many are listening to Mr. Cohen’s accounts, most Americans do not support talk of impeachment. The 44% of Americans who think Congress should begin impeachment processes includes 79% of Democrats, 49% of Independents, 8% of Republicans, 73% of African-American women, 56% of those ages 18-34 years old, 42% of suburban white women, 35% of “Never Hillary” Independents, and 36% of Rural voters.
“Impeachment” is a word fringe liberal candidates and TV commentators throw around to appeal to those in their base. As these numbers show, however, that view is out of step with mainstream Americans who are focused on kitchen table issues like the economy, education, and health care. If Democrats fall into a Midterm election strategy of highlighting these extreme talking points, it may get them on a cable TV news show, but will do little to win over swing voters and even moderates in their own party. Republicans can take advantage of this short-sighted approach by offering an alternative vision for their districts and states on the big issues people care about in order to appeal to the swing voters they need to win.
