Poll: Santa Claus is a tax-paying Democrat concerned about the ‘fiscal cliff’

WASHINGTON – It seems the story of Santa Claus is an American-centric tale in which jolly St. Nick is burdened by American taxes, votes Democrat and overwhelmingly approves of the lives most Americans led in 2012.

At least, that’s what Public Policy Polling found in a new poll about Father Christmas.

Last week, the polling company asked 500 registered voters questions about their feelings on Santa’s political leanings, the plausibility of his myth and whether they were on his “naughty” or “nice” list.

Forty-four percent of those polled said they felt Santa Claus was a Democrat. But despite leaning left, 49 percent think he’ll leave a lump of coal under President Barack Obama’s tree this year, rather than gifts.

While only 28 percent of respondents think Santa Claus votes red, 63 percent think former Gov. Mitt Romney will find gifts under his tree this year.

As the holiday season gears up amid America’s looming “fiscal cliff,” 54 percent of those polled think Santa will cut back this year as a precaution.

But when it comes to how Americans think about themselves, the majority feel pretty good. Eighty percent of those polled said they would be on Santa’s “nice” list this year. Of the rest, 11 percent say they were “naughty,” and 9 percent aren’t sure.

The good news for Santa is that most Americans believe in him, and 52 percent say he is the most plausible holiday character when compared to the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Leprechauns and Cupid.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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