A Public Policy Polling poll found that 71% of the country–including a majority of Democrats, Republicans, and independents, do not want the Washington Redskins to change their name.
According to the poll, 90 percent of Republicans, 59 percent of Democrats, and 65% of independents believe the team should not change their name. The poll found that 18% feel the team should change their name.
“This poll, along with the poll taken among Native Americans by the Annenberg Institute, demonstrates continued, widespread and deep opposition to the Redskins changing our name,” the Redskins said in a statement on Thursday. “The results of this poll are solidly in line with the message we have heard from fans and Native Americans for months – our name represents a tradition, passion and heritage that honors Native Americans. We respect the point of view of the small number of people who seek a name change, but it is important to recognize very few people agree with the case they are making.”
The Redskins have come under intense pressure from Democrats and Native American groups. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has also said that even if one person is offended, “we have to listen.” President Barack Obama has also said that he would consider changing the team name if he were the team’s owner.
The poll surveyed 741 registered voters in December and the margin of error is +/- 3.6 percentage points.
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