Poll Tracker

The number of Americans who see free trade as a threat rather than a boon to the U.S. economy is growing, a factor that could work against John McCain in the general election campaign, according to a CNN/Opinion Research poll conducted June 26-29. Fifty-one percent of Americans see free trade as a threat compared to 48 percent in 2006 and 35 percent in 2000. Only 4 in 10 see free trade as an opportunity. Pointing to industrial states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said "it's possible that John McCain's decision to highlight his free trade position may wind up losing him some votes among Americans who feel threatened economically by competition from other countries." Women, older Americans and lower-income voters were groups who voiced the greatest concern.