WRS: Majority Believe Clinton Should Not Become TV Talk Show Host; Women As Tired Of Clinton As Men, But Interest Among Blacks Is Strong

5/10/2002

From: Chris Ingram of Wilson Research Strategies, 703-744-7990

WASHINGTON, May 10 -- A recent nationwide poll by Wilson Research Strategies (www.w-r-s.com) shows a majority (53 percent), of Americans believe former president Bill Clinton should not become a television talk show host, but should instead move back to Arkansas and retire.

The Wilson Research Strategies poll specifically asked 1,000 registered voters, "Former President Bill Clinton recently met with NBC television executives to discuss regularly hosting a television interview show. Which of the following statements best represents your view?"

-- "A program hosted by former President Clinton would be interesting and entertaining and I would most likely tune in."

or

-- "Former president Clinton should not go on television, he should move back to Arkansas to retire in order to allow the nation to heal from the wounds of his presidency."

"With over five in ten indicating Clinton should not go on television as a talk show host, network executives may want to re-consider any offers with the former president. The next late night star or daytime 'Oprah,' Clinton is not," said Chris Ingram, principal of Wilson Research Strategies.

Disinterest in a program hosted by the former president is shared equally among men and women. In fact, women are slightly more likely than men to say Clinton should not become the next Geraldo or Jerry Springer (54 percent among women, 52 percent among men).

Not surprisingly, interest in a potential Clinton talk show is highest among Democrats at fifty-five percent. Among Republicans, only one in six (15 percent) say they would watch, while one in three (34 percent) of Independents said they would. Clinton's support among blacks continues to be strong with nearly seven in ten (69 percent) indicating they would tune in to a Clinton talk show.

"The results show most people are not interested in seeing Clinton as TV talk show host. Clearly the former president will continue to be a feature in American politics and pop-culture, but the American people are a little tired of Clinton and don't want to see him on TV in between Oprah and the evening news," said Ingram.

The nationwide survey of 1000 registered voters was conducted May 5-8. The margin of error for this survey is plus or minus 3.2 percent. For a complete set of cross-tabulations for this survey question, for further analysis, or to schedule an interview, contact Chris Ingram, principal, WRS (www.w-r-s.com) at 703-744-7990 or 703-534-2321 after-hours and weekends.