Public’s opinion on various policy issues

Public’s opinion on various policy issues

Bill Clinton (1993-2000) openly used his in-house pollsters to gauge the public’s opinion on various policy issues.  Sometimes he would wait to take a position until the poll numbers were in.  Despite high public approval numbers, he was often criticized for engaging in that practice.  His critics felt that  that they elected Clinton to make decisions for them.  George W. Bush (2001-2008) appeared to never listen to the public.  His critics claimed  the president should listen to the American people before making policy decisions.  Considering this anecdote, and the information contained in “How is Public Opinion Measured?” and “The Nature of Public Opinion?” how much should politicians–presidents or members of Congress–heed public opinion?  If it’s so fickle, what’s the point?

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APA

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