One likely reason is strong economic satisfaction. In 1995, by contrast, as many as 51 percent favored a third-party alternative in a Bill Clinton vs. Bob Dole race. One likely reason is strong economic satisfaction, which tends to fuel support for the status quo. In contrast, when support for a third-party option peaked in fall 1995, Powell, the former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was still considering entering the race. The idea of a third-party challenge is least popular with people over age 65.
Opinion is relatively consistent among other demographic groups.
Interviews were done by telephone July 7-11 among a random national sample of 1,015 adults. The results have a three-point error margin. The Web Copyright 2000 ABC News Internet Ventures.