The Winthrop Poll is a long-term survey initiative designed to keep public policy makers across the country in touch with the attitudes and opinions of South Carolina residents – and South Carolina residents in touch with the viewpoints that are dominant in their state at any given time.

It is the only “snapshot” of public policy attitudes of the residents of the state of South Carolina. The survey methodology of the Social & Behavioral Research Lab has been vetted by top news organizations and their polling experts. The results have been covered by national and international news organizations including CNN, NBC Nightly News, ABC News, MSNBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the LA Times, The Miami Herald, Politico.com, News Hour (PBS), NPR, BBC, AFP (Agence France-Presse), Tokyo Broadcasting System, and many more.

Trained interviewers administer the polls in the telephone survey research lab on campus. Results are shared with media, citizens, and public officials to help public policy makers across the country stay in touch with the attitudes and opinions of not only South Carolinians but also of those across the region and to track those opinions over time. The first statewide poll took place in fall 2006.

* May 21, 2009: Results Are In for Latest Winthrop/ETV Poll of 11 Southern States

Only 56 Percent Have Confidence in Pres. Obama's Ability to Handle Threats to US

President's Approval Rating Is Under 50 Percent,

With Same Number Saying Country Is Headed in Wrong Direction

Economy Remains the Most Important Problem Facing the Country

Majority Have "Bootstrap Mentality" Regarding Advancement of African Americans and Don't Believe Generations of Slavery and Discrimination

Have Made It Harder For Them to Work Their Way Up
Press Release • Data

* Feb. 26, 2009: Latest Results Are In for Groundbreaking Winthrop/ETV Poll Survey Solely of African Americans in 11 Southern States

They Show That While 85 Percent Say National Economy Is Tanking,
70 Percent Say U.S. Is on the Right Track; 75 Percent Say Pres. Obama's Election Will Lead to Less Discrimination in U.S.; Over 96 Percent Feel Obama's Policies Will Treat Whites and Blacks Equally, and Almost 26 Percent Say His Policies Will Favor Poor Over Rich.

Press Release • Data