For the week ending May 29, 2010, we commissioned R2K to poll three questions on space & exploration. Full results including demographic breakdown and methodology are here. To best gauge opinion instead of generating partisan responses we avoided any specific names or parties, and kept the Q & A as short and defined as possible.
Regarding the US Space Program, do you feel we spend too much, not enough, or the right amount?
RIGHT TOO MUCH NOT ENG NOT SURE
All 28% 47% 12% 13%
Dem 36% 38% 19% 7%
Rep 23% 56% 5% 16%
Ind 25% 48% 11% 16%
Should the US government continue to take the lead in space exploration, or should it leave such space exploration to the private sector?
GOVT PRIVATE NOT SURE
All 56% 32% 12%
Dem 71% 17% 12%
Rep 33% 55% 12%
Ind 58% 29% 13%
Most astronomers believe the universe formed about 13.7 billion years ago in a massive event called the Big Bang. Do you think that's about right or do think the universe was created much more recently?
RIGHT MORE RECENT NOT SURE
All 62% 25% 13%
Dem 71% 17% 12%
Rep 44% 38% 18%
Ind 66% 23% 11%
We went around and around on the best way to ask all three questions (Especially Q2). From long queries that experts rejected as impractical, to short ones that didn't work as well. Given various constraints this was the best compromise. The responses of Q1 and Q2 taken together could mean the electorate -- as is often the case -- is either confused, or wants it both ways. Both of which suggests those of us in the explanation business, including politicians, need to do a better job of comparing and contrasting government vs. the private sector.
