But Most Americans Are Still Uninformed About Candidates' Positions Voter Involvement Index Candidate Knowledge Questions Survey Methodology Americans' recognition of the issue positions of presidential nominees George W. Bush and Al Gore rose with the broadcast of their three televised debates. This was the first measurable increase in the public's issue awareness since the national party conventions in August. The public, however, remains largely uniformed about what the candidates propose to do if elected.
Percentages are the proportion of registered voters in each score range.
The Shorenstein Center's weekly national polls have measured issue awareness by asking respondents to identify Gore and Bush's positions on 12 key issues . During the four weeks surrounding the summer party conventions, the public's knowledge of Bush and Gore's issue stands improved substantially, only to retreat when policy issues gave way to news coverage of a series of candidate gaffes, such as Bush's off-mike comment about New York Times reporter Adam Clymer. The level of issue awareness, however, is still relatively low. In only one case could it be said that Americans have a clear understanding of a candidate's policy position. The same pattern occurred in responses to Bush's position on campaign finance reform .