A poll of Greek Reporter readers asking about Presidential preferences related to issues concerning Greece and the Diaspora has given incumbent Democrat Barack Obama a wide preference over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts Republican, while an overwhelming 82.3 percent felt the candidates’ stances toward Greece would affect their vote.
More than half said that the stances of the candidates would affect the way they vote a lot, while 30 percent will be somewhat affected by how the candidates treat Greece and Greek-related issues. Readers were asked which of the two would be a better friend of Greece and an international supporter of Hellenic issues and it was no contest. The Obama Administration waived the requirement that Greeks who wanted the visit the U.S. would need visas, although some critics said they believe he has not pressed hard enough on other issues, especially those concerning Turkey and the opening of the Halki Seminary.
With the U.S. elections fast approaching on Nov. 6, the survey found that of 696 respondents – tilted toward those who identified themselves as Democrats, some 39.4 percent – that Obama was the choice of 344, or 49.4 percent. Romney got 148 votes, or 21.3 percent, while 29.3 percent felt neither would benefit Greece or Hellenic issues, ranging from solving the dilemma of a divided Cyprus to American attitudes concerning Turkey vs. Greece.Only 19.8 percent of respondents said they were Republicans, while 32,9 percent called themselves Independent, showing how critical the swing vote is in the election as Obama and Romney woo undecideds or people who were not in either major party.
According to the 2007 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, there were 1,380,088 people of Greek ancestry in the U.S. while the State Department reports that around 3,000,000 Americans claim to be of Greek descent. The 2000 census revealed that Greek was spoken at home by 365,436 people older than five.
Greeks and those in the Diaspora have often been disappointed by candidates who seek the vote of Greek-Americans and then disregard issues important to them once they are in office. Turkey’s geographical and strategic position usually dominate American interests although Greece has been an ally of the U.S. in almost every war.
A total of 27.5 percent said they were 60 or older; and 24.4 percent were among the 50-59 age group, giving the over-50 vote more than half the representation in the poll, while another 22.1 percent were between 40-49. The under-40 vote was just 25.4 percent, including 14.3 percent for the 30-39 year-old bracket, 7.5 percent from 21-29, and 3.1 percent for those who said they were 18-20.
A strong showing of 14.5 percent said they were not of Greek origin in any way, yet felt issues concerning Greece were important to them, perhaps reflecting the enormity of the crushing Greek economic crisis and its worldwide play in the media. A huge majority, 86 percent, said they lived in the U.S. while 8.6 percent live in Greece, 1.8 percent in Australia, 1.1 percent in Canada, and 2.5 percent elsewhere.
Some 61.3 percent of 795 who answered the question concerning gender said they were male. The poll was conducted in October for 30 days and the respondents were from all the American States and abroad.
Editor’s suggested read: The Greek-American Candidates for 2012 Congress Election
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