Americans Pick Schwarzenegger Over Gore for Positive Environmental Changes
Support Declines for Gore After Viewing Video Comments by Both Figures

Flemington, NJ, April 30, 2007 – A national focus group among 309 Americans revealed that more than half of Americans believe that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would be more effective than former Vice President Al Gore at bringing about positive environmental changes.

The communications research study was conducted by HCD Research, using its mediacurves.com web site, during April 29-30, to obtain Americans’ views on comments made by Governor Schwarzenegger and Al Gore on global warming.

While viewing the video comments made by Governor Schwarzenegger and Al Gore, participants indicated their levels of agreement by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses are recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. Participants were also asked several questions regarding their comments.

Study participants included a national sample of self-reported Democrats, Republicans and independents.

Among the study findings:

• Prior to viewing the video segments, among all responders, 41% indicated that Al Gore would be more effective at bringing about positive environmental changes and 30% reported that Governor Schwarzenegger would be more effective. Among party affiliation, prior to viewing the video 61% of Democrats indicated that Gore would be more effective and 49% of Republicans reported Governor Schwarzenegger would be more effective. Among independents, 40% reported that Al Gore would more be more effective, 24% reported that Governor Schwarzenegger would be more effective and 36% reported that they would be equally effective.

• After viewing the video segments, among all responders, more than half (51%) reported that Governor Schwarzenegger would be more effective at bringing about positive environmental changes and 28% reported that Al Gore would be more effective. Among party affiliation, after viewing the video 47% of Democrats indicated that Gore would be more effective and 71% of Republicans reported Governor Schwarzenegger would be more effective. Among independents, nearly half (48%) reported that Governor Schwarzenegger would more be more effective, 27% reported that Al Gore would be more effective and 25% reported that they would be equally effective.

To view agreement curves and detailed results of the study go to: www.mediacurves.com  The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.
 
HCD Research specializes in conducting communications research for the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, financial and entertainment industries, among others.
Headquartered in Flemington, NJ, the company's services include traditional and web-based communications research.  For additional information on HCD Research, access the company’s web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393. 

Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, managing partner, HCD Research, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net).