Rasmussen Poll: Voters Want Stephanopoulos Banned From Covering 2016 Campaign

According to Rasmussen, a plurality (46%-36%) of likely voters want George Stephanopoulos banned from covering the 2016 campaign because of the recent scandal involving his donations to the Clinton Foundation

Not surprisingly the anti-Stephanopoulos vote was driven by Republicans (66%-18%) and independents (45%-38%). Democrats felt that Stephanopoulos should continue to cover the 2016 race (50%-30%).

Thirty-four percent (34%) of voters share a favorable opinion of Stephanopoulos. This is down from 45% in February and includes 11% with a Very Favorable opinion. Thirty-nine percent (39%) view him unfavorably, with 18% who hold a Very Unfavorable view. Twenty-seven percent (27%) don’t know enough about the senior ABC anchor to venture any kind of opinion of him

Viewers opinions of ABC News in general took a hit because of the scandal:

Thirty-four percent (34%) of all voters say they are less likely to believe the reporting on ABC News because Stephanopoulos failed to disclose this seeming conflict of interest. Sixteen percent (16%) say they are more likely to believe in ABC News’ reporting. Forty-two percent (42%) say the Stephanopoulos incident will have no impact on their confidence in ABC’s reporting.

Forty-one percent (41%) of Republicans are less likely now to trust ABC’s reporting, compared to 32% of Democrats and 30% of unaffiliated voters.

While the numbers are small compared to those who say it will have no affect, in the highly competitive world of network news those tiny numbers can lead to a big hit in the ratings

In related Rasmussen news, (37%) of Americans believe the average media reporter is more liberal than they are. Eighteen percent (18%) consider that reporter more conservative (63%) think it’s likely some actions Hillary Clinton took as secretary of State were influenced by donations made to the Clinton Foundation. This includes 42% who say it’s Very Likely.
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