Most of America does not tune-in for Biden’s address, still thinks he’s doing a good job with the pandemic

Washington, DC, March 12, 2021 — In a snap poll conducted after President Joe Biden’s address to the nation Thursday night, on the one year anniversary of the start of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, Ipsos finds large majorities approve of Biden’s handling of the pandemic and his plans outlined in the address. However, Americans are much less optimistic on if we will come together, reflecting the ongoing partisan division impacting the nation.

Detailed Findings

Two-thirds of Americans approve of how President Biden is handling the coronavirus pandemic, even as only about a third of Americans tuned-in for his first national address as president.

Large majorities approve aspects of the pandemic plan described by the President including supermajorities supporting making the vaccine available to all adults by May 1st (81%), increasing restrictions if cases surge again (68%), requiring masks until most are vaccinated (72%) and reopening K-8 schools by May (65%).

Majorities also support putting the country on war footing (51%) and agree that the recently passed stimulus American Rescue Package will help the country get back to normal faster (58%).

However, when it comes to the future of the country after the pandemic, Americans are less optimistic. Particularly on the idea that the country will emerge from the pandemic stronger and more unified, only half (49%) of Americans agree.

About the Study

These are the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted between March 11-12, 2021. For this survey, a sample of 1000 adults age 18-65 from the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii was interviewed online in English. The poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 4.0 percentage points for all respondents.

The sample was randomly drawn from Ipsos’ online panel, partner online panel sources, and “river” sampling and does not rely on a population frame in the traditional sense. Ipsos uses fixed sample targets, unique to each study, in drawing a sample. After a sample has been obtained from the Ipsos panel, Ipsos calibrates respondent characteristics to be representative of the U.S. Population using standard procedures such as raking-ratio adjustments. The source of these population targets is U.S. Census 2018 American Community Survey data. The sample drawn for this study reflects fixed sample targets on demographics. Posthoc weights were made to the population characteristics on gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, and education.

Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online non-probability polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error. Where figures do not sum to 100, this is due to the effects of rounding. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 4.0 percentage points for all respondents. Ipsos calculates a design effect (DEFF) for each study based on the variation of the weights, following the formula of Kish (1965). This study had a credibility interval adjusted for design effect of the following (n=1000, DEFF=3, adjusted Confidence Interval=+/-7 percentage points).

For more information on this news release, please contact:

Chris Jackson
Senior Vice President, U.S., Public Affairs
Ipsos
+1 202 420-2025
[email protected]

Kate Silverstein
Media Relations Specialist, U.S., Public Affairs
Ipsos
+1 718 755-8829
[email protected]

About Ipsos

Ipsos is the world’s third largest Insights and Analytics company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.

Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. We serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

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