Press Releases
Americans' Reactions Split on Exchange between Obama and Chavez
Nearly half of Americans believe exchange was irresponsible on Obama's part
Flemington, NJ, April 21, 2009 – A large national focus group among 300 self-reported Democrats, Republicans and Independents revealed that reactions were split in regard to the controversial, “friendly” exchange between President Obama and Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez last week.
The study was conducted by HCD Research, using its Media Curves website on April 20, to obtain Americans’ perceptions of President Obama’s visit with Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez.
“The most salient contrast among political parties with regard to the automated response curves, occurred when President Obama responded to his controversial handshake and conversation with President Chavez,” commented Glenn Kessler, president and CEO, HCD Research. “At this point in the video, Republicans and Democrats separated dramatically in their levels of agreement,” added Kessler.
Nearly half of respondents (49%) indicated that Obama’s friendly demeanor toward Chavez was irresponsible on his behalf. Democrats were much more in favor of Obama’s conduct towards Chavez, compared to Republicans. Independents were split on the issue.
Among the findings:
Do you think the exchange between President Barack Obama and Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, was irresponsible on President Obama’s part?
|
|
Total |
Democrats |
Republicans |
Independents |
|
Yes |
22% |
7% |
42% |
17% |
|
Somewhat |
27% |
14% |
40% |
26% |
|
No |
51% |
79% |
19% |
56% |
While viewing the video clip, participants indicated their levels of agreement by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. The participants were also asked to respond to post-viewing questions.
The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.
Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, president and CEO, HCD Research, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net).