Who knew?
A significant number of Americans believe misinformation about the origins of the coronavirus and the recent presidential election, as well as conspiracy theories like QAnon, according to a new NPR/Ipsos poll.
Forty percent of respondents said they believe the coronavirus was made in a lab in China even though there is no evidence for this. Scientists say the virus was transmitted to humans from another species.
And one-third of Americans believe that voter fraud helped Joe Biden win the 2020 election, despite the fact that courts, election officials and the Department of Justice have found no evidence of widespread fraud that could have changed the outcome. [snip]
The poll asked respondents whether they believe that "a group of Satan-worshipping elites who run a child sex ring are trying to control our politics and media," the false allegation at the heart of QAnon. While only 17% said it was true, another 37% said they didn't know.
Americans are most likely to name President Donald Trump and Michelle Obama as most admired man and woman in 2020. Trump tied former President Barack Obama for the honor last year but edged out his predecessor this year. Trump's first-place finish ends a 12-year run as most admired man for Obama, tied with Dwight Eisenhower for the most ever. [snip]
Overall, 18% of Americans name Trump, 15% name Obama, 6% Biden and 3% Fauci.
We suspect there's quite a bit of overlap between the 17% who believe the QAnon idiocy and the 18% who admire Mango Mussolini.
It's a small nod to taste and sanity that Michelle Obama was named Most Admired Woman (but only by 10%).
It should also be noted that, in the Gallup poll, the "sane vote" was divided among former President Barack Obama (15%), Joe Biden (6%), Dr. Fauci (3%), with various others garnering 2% or less.
Sic transit gloria, America!
(Photo: Q, but no IQ)
