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Public Opinion: Big Companies, PACs, Lobbyists and News Media Have Too Much Power and Influence
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Press Release Source: Harris Interactive
Many Americans believe that small business, public opinion, racial minorities and religious groups have too little influence. The public continues to be deeply concerned about the influence that power and money can buy in Washington. Very large majorities of the public believe that big companies (83%), political action committees (PACs) which give money to candidates (81%), political lobbyists (72%) and the news media (71%) all have too much power and influence in Washington. Very large majorities of the public also believe that small business (88%) and public opinion (72%) have too little power and influence in the nation's capital. Many people clearly feel that the public's interest loses out to rich and powerful special interests. A more modest 54% majority believes that racial minorities have too little power and influence. Also, a 53% majority feels that churches and religious organizations have too little influence. Conversely, a majority (54% to 28%) believes that TV and radio talk shows have too much political clout. These are some of the results of The Harris Poll®, a nationwide study conducted by Harris Interactive® of 1,020 adults surveyed by telephone between February 9 and 16, 2004. |