Poll: Most GOP voters pick Dewey in 2-man test with Willkie
64% favor New York Governor, gain over survey results of last November
By George Gallup, Director, American Institute of Public Opinion
Two questions frequently asked today by those who keep their eyes closely trained on political developments are:
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If the field is narrowed to Governor Thomas E. Dewey and Wendell L. Willkie, which would the present rank and file supporters of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Governor John Bricker and LtCdr. Harold Stassen prefer?
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What are the particular merits of the five leading candidates as seen through the eyes of their supporters?
The figures below show that Dewey stands to gain more than Mr. Willkie if Governor Bricker, Gen. MacArthur or Stassen should leave the race. On a nationwide basis, Governor Dewey has picked up strength as compared to November when a similar survey narrowed the choice to the two men. The question asked of people who indicated a preference for a Republican President is this:
If your choice of Republican candidates for President were limited to Wendell Willkie and Thomas Dewey, which would you prefer?
Here are the results today, compared to those in November:
|
Today |
November 1943 |
| Dewey |
64% |
55% |
| Willkie |
27% |
35% |
| Undecided |
9% |
10% |
The following is a table showing how present rank and file followers of Gen. MacArthur, Governor Bricker and LtCdr. Stassen vote if the choice is limited to Mr. Willkie and Governor Dewey.
|
Dewey |
Willkie |
Undecided |
| Bricker supporters |
77% |
11% |
12% |
| MacArthur supporters |
60% |
18% |
22% |
| Stassen supporters |
55% |
31% |
14% |
In the November 1943 survey:
|
Dewey |
Willkie |
Undecided |
| Bricker supporters |
69% |
17% |
14% |
| MacArthur supporters |
56% |
24% |
20% |
| Stassen supporters |
50% |
38% |
12% |
That Mr. Willkie’s popularity is greater in New England, on the West Coast and in the South is shown by the regional vote in the survey as follows:
|
Dewey |
Willkie |
Undecided |
| New England |
50% |
42% |
8% |
| Mid-Atlantic |
69% |
25% |
6% |
| East Central |
74% |
16% |
10% |
| West Central |
63% |
27% |
10% |
| South |
47% |
39% |
14% |
| Mountain |
63% |
29% |
8% |
| West |
56% |
36% |
8% |
In surveys on candidates, the Institute has asked voters why they think their choice of candidates is best.
Governor Dewey’s supporters praise his administrative record in public office, particularly as Governor of New York. They say he has shown a remarkable grasp of the problems of government since he took officer, that “he gets things done without quarreling with people all the time,” that his administration has been level-headed and prudent.
Governor Dewey also receives praise or being fearless and energetic – a “go-getter.” For example: “He’s a fighter and would get things done in Washington… we need a young man with new and aggressive ideas… he’s resourceful.” Conspicuously absent are comments on his ability to handle foreign policy questions better than other candidates.
Why Willkie is favored
Mr. Willkie is liked for his courage as a thinker – for speaking his mind on national and international problems. “He thinks ahead and says what he thinks, even if people don’t go for a lot of it… He’s not afraid to call a spade a spade and tell people where to get off.”
His second great asset, in the opinion of the voters, is that he has a broad grasp of international problems. “He knows what’s going on abroad… He’s a man of convictions about international policy and willing to speak his convictions.” Others like him because of his “progressive and liberal ideas,” or his experience as businessman.
Noticeably absent are comments on how good an executive he would make, or on how he would handle domestic problems during and after the war.
Why MacArthur is favored
Gen. MacArthur’s appeal stems mainly from his familiarity with war problems. His supporters say he understands the war at first hand. They maintain that since the big issue is winning the war, the best military minds should be in power and that Gen. MacArthur is best suited for such leadership. They also speak of him as a “strong man,” independent of political parties and political influence. “He has high qualities of leadership; he knows how to get along with men.”
Why Bricker is favored
Voters who back Mr. Bricker do so usually for his record as Governor of Ohio. Many point out that of all the Republican candidates, Governor Bicker has had the “longest actual experience in government.”
As in the case of Governors Dewey and Bricker, followers of LtCdr. Stassen praise his record as Governor of Minnesota. He receives the support of a good many “because he understands the farmer and his problems.” Others view him as “openminded… progressive… practical… more experienced in politics than the other candidates.” Still others like him because “he seems to have definite understanding of world affairs.”