Polls: Background Checks Have Higher Approval Rating Than Mother Teresa

Polls show more people favor universal background checks on gun sales than approve of Mother Teresa, with the issue receiving higher polling numbers than just about anything else.

According to Politico, numerous polls show that 90 percent of Americans have been supportive background checks for all commercial sales, including gun shows, for some time.
But that impressive number wasn't enough to change the Senate vote Wednesday on the background check amendment authored by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

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The nation's poll takers say it's not often that nearly everybody agrees on an issue. In fact, according to Public Policy Polling, a Democratic-leaning firm, only two figures have polled higher than 90 percent favorability since it began surveying public opinion 12 years ago. The two — Jesus Christ and Abraham Lincoln. Mother Teresa, the firm told Politico, came in third at 83 percent.

The respected Pew Research Center also told Politico that there have only been a few areas in which 90 percent of Americans agreed. In 1992, 90 percent of people polled by Pew called for stricter laws and regulations to protect the environment. Pew said it also found 90 percent of people supported statements on the importance of voting, keeping the United States active in world affairs, and on the importance or non-importance of admiring the wealthy.

The Gallup organization also reported that former President George W. Bush had a 90 percent approval rating just after the Sept.11 terrorism attacks. The polling firm also found that the percentage of people who believe in God is consistently at 90 percent.