Zogby Poll: More Say Jackson's Legacy Will Be Humanitarian Work, Not Allegations Regarding Children
80% Oppose Congressional Resolution Honoring Jackson's Global Charity
UTICA, New York - U.S. adults are more likely to say that Michael Jackson's humanitarian efforts will be seen as his lasting legacy than they do the allegations that he had improper relations with children. However, 80% oppose a Congressional proposal to cite Jackson as a "global humanitarian." The responses of African-Americans on both questions were significantly different than those of other races. There were also differences based on political ideology, with Democrats and liberals more likely to favor the resolution and not see the sexual allegations as part of Jackson's legacy. Those are the findings of a Zogby Interactive poll of 4,517 adults conducted from July 10-13. The survey has a margin of error of +/-1.5%. The two questions were spurred by Rep Sheila Jackson Lee's proposal for a Congressional resolution honoring Jackson's humanitarian efforts and Rep. Peter King's statement that Jackson ".. was a pervert, a child molester, he was a pedophile." The question based on Jackson's legacy was: Representative Sheila Jackson Lee and supporters of Michael Jackson cite his accomplishments as a humanitarian and artist, saying these should be his legacy. Representative Peter T. King has said that Jackson '.. was a pervert, a child molester, he was a pedophile.' Which do you believe should be Jackson's lasting legacy? In addition to choosing either of the statements, respondents could also choose both or neither. Here are those results, with breakdowns by race and political ideology: What should be Jackson's lasting legacy? All adults Afro-Americans Liberals Moderates Conservatives Humanitarian accomplishments 24% 62% 39% 34% 8% Alleged history as child molester 12% 3% 3% 8% 20% Both 36% 23% 36% 29% 40% Neither 23% 7% 16% 25% 26% Not sure 6% 4% 6% 5% 6% When the percentages of those choosing both statements as part of Jackson's legacy are combined with those agreeing with each statement, 60% cite his humanitarian work and 48% cite the allegations. For African-Americans, combined totals are 85% for his humanitarian work and 26% for the allegations. As for political ideology using the same combined percentages, 75% of liberals cite Jackson's humanitarian work, compared to 48% for conservatives. The question on the Congressional proposal was: Representative Sheila Jackson Lee has proposed a resolution honoring the late singer Michael Jackson as a 'global humanitarian and a noted leader in the fight against worldwide hunger and medical crises' and celebrating him as an 'accomplished contributor to the worlds of arts and entertainment.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has blocked this effort, saying that Michael was 'a great performer,' but 'A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views that are not necessary at this time.' Do you agree or disagree that congress should issue a proclamation? Here are the results, with breakdowns by race and political ideology: Should Congress honor Michael Jackson as a "humanitarian?" All adults Afro-Americans Liberals Moderates Conservatives Agree with proclamation 13% 50% 21% 17% 5% Disagree with proclamation 80% 44% 69% 77% 92% Not sure 7% 6% 11% 7% 4% For a detailed methodological statement on this survey, please visit: http://www.zogby.com/methodology/readmeth.cfm?ID=1405 (7/17/2009)