New Yorkers: we'd rather have Spitzer back
Fifty-one percent of New Yorkers would rather have Eliot Spitzer as governor right now than David Paterson, according to Marist poll out today.
In fact, a plurality of voters in every demographic category preferred the Steamroller. Only two categories were even close: NYC suburbs (44/43 Spitzer) and 18-29 (49/46 Spitzer).
Possible backhanded compliment by the populace: 66 percent of respondents in the Marist poll said they thought David Paterson was working hard at his job. But 77 percent said his performance in that job was only fair or poor.
Earlier on AOA: It's all downhill for David Paterson
photo: ny.gov
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Comments
If Spitzer hadn't resigned, the same percentage would be saying that they wish he had got out of the way in favor of fresh blood.
... said LB on May 4, 2009 at 4:55 PM | link
People in this state have short memories. A lot of the unpopular decisions Paterson has to make are a direct result of the spending splurge and vast expansion of cronyism under Spitzer's watch. Spitzer didn't resign over the prostitution scandal; he resigned because the scandal gave the legislature a pretext to impeach a deeply problematic governor. Great prosecutor; terrible chief executive.
I don't like what Paterson's doing, either, but he's head and shoulders above Spitzer.
... said Adam on May 4, 2009 at 5:09 PM | link
I think Paterson is doing a fine job in challenging times - give the guy a break.
... said Barold on May 4, 2009 at 6:37 PM | link
I feel like Paterson is acting as someone doing what's best for the state in a horrible economic crisis without worrying about reelection. If he's right he'll be hailed as a genius, if wrong we will remember him as "that interim governor who screwed the state up."
... said Aaron on May 4, 2009 at 7:16 PM | link
I'm not fond of Paterson, but at least I respect him. Spitzer is an arrogant bastard who got off easy (no jail time) and is flaunting the fact. If he'd been a banker in the same position we'd be calling for blood.
... said Eric on May 4, 2009 at 7:53 PM | link
Yeah, shocking... the people want their all star phony scumbag back. You know all these corporations that have screwed over your 401(k)'s? Yeah, Spitzer could have taken them down as AG, but he didn't want to hurt them. Just some slaps on the wrists and then collecting massive campaign donations on his way to being governor.
Yeah, bring that guy back. So much better than the guy who picked a lesser known Congresswoman over another moronic celebrity to fill a Senate seat.
... said Blehber on May 4, 2009 at 8:01 PM | link
Whatever. Polls can't be trusted. For example, a recent poll of men that I work with shows that 100% of them believe I look nothing like a blond Christina Ricci even though from certain angles and in certain lighting and after many beers I totally do.
I rest my case.
... said Pantaloons on May 4, 2009 at 8:58 PM | link
These poll numbers suggest not what a bad job Paterson is doing as governor, but rather that his camp needs to do more to communicate the (many, in my opinion) positive achievements he's had since taking office. Passing the budget on time, reforming the Rockefeller drug laws, controlling state spending, pioneering equal rights legislation, and more.
How can someone who has accomplished so much (especially considering the multiple crises he basically inherited) in such a short time have such a low approval rating? The answer: mainstream media's constantly-negative portrayal, and a lack of counter-messaging from his campaign.
Until Team Paterson begins fighting back against the media narrative, no one will ever know what a truly commendable governor Paterson has been.
... said Buffalo the City on May 5, 2009 at 3:10 PM | link