North Carolinians are tired of Mueller investigation coverage
Respondents also weighed in on job approval for Attorney General Barr and Special Counsel Mueller
May 13, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RALEIGH, NC – In an early release of the latest Civitas Poll, respondents were asked several questions related to Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into whether Russia interfered into the 2016 presidential election.
The nearly two-year investigation has dominated mainstream national news headlines since Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed in May of 2017. Since that time, the public has been fed a steady diet of collusion and obstruction stories. The legitimate investigative probing was unfortunately tainted with highly partisan political theatrics that continue to play out both in Congress and in the news.
Those surveyed were asked, “Do you think the news media have paid too little attention or too much attention to Robert Mueller’s investigation on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election?” Forty-seven percent said the coverage was too much, 20 percent thought it was just the right amount, and 19 percent said there had been too little coverage.
“It seems that Washington politics has jumped the shark, in the eyes of many North Carolinians,” said Civitas President Donald Bryson. “While voters have opinions about the investigation, they’re fatigued by hearing about it endlessly, without any end in sight or focus on public policy from the major parties.”
In the crosstabs, Republicans, conservatives, and voters with a very favorable opinion of Trump are the most likely to say “too much.” Pluralities of moderates and unaffiliated voters also agree there has been too much coverage. The “too little”’ and “right amount” numbers increase among Democrats and liberals only– and even substantial portions of these groups say, “too much.”
Likely voters were also asked about Special Counsel Mueller and Attorney General William Barr’s job performance related to the investigation:
“Do you approve or disapprove of the way Robert Mueller performed his job as Special Counsel?”
50% Approve
22% Disapprove
28% Unsure/Refused
“Do you approve or disapprove of the way Attorney General William Barr has handled Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election?
36% Approve
41% Disapprove
23% Unsure/Refused
For questions, or to arrange an interview, please contact Brooke Medina, communications director, at bmedina@nccivitas.org.
Civitas has conducted live-caller voting in North Carolina since May 2005, and we are the only public policy organization offering statewide independent, nonpartisan data on a regular basis. Our polls have provided vital insights on what North Carolina voters think of the leaders and issues facing the state and nation.
Founded in 2005, the Civitas Institute is a Raleigh, NC-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit policy organization committed to advancing conservative ideas and shrinking the size of government. Civitas fights to eliminate government barriers to freedom so that North Carolinians can live a better life.
