Poll: Most voters believe sexual misconduct allegations

Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Most voters believe that sexual misconduct accusations against 10 prominent individuals are credible -- with more Democrats then Republicans feeling that way, according to a new survey.

The Politico/Morning Consult poll asked nearly 2,000 respondents whether they "find sexual misconduct allegations against each of the following to be credible, or not credible?"

At least 25 percent said allegations against each of the 10 men are credible.

The voters found accusations against former President Bill Clinton to be the most credible (64 percent). Fifty-six percent said they felt the same about Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Actor Kevin Spacey was next on the list (49 percent), followed by President Donald Trump (46 percent), former CBS/PBS broadcaster Charlie Rose (46 percent), Minnesota Sen. Al Franken (46 percent), former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly (45 percent), Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore (41 percent), Rep. John Conyers (32 percent) and former NBC broadcaster Mark Halperin (25 percent).

The poll, however, found differences based on political party preference, as Democrats were more likely to believe allegations at a greater rate than Republicans -- even when the person is a Democrat or liberal.

The poll found 3 in 10 Republicans think the claims against Moore are credible compared with 26 percent who said they aren't. Among Democrats, 55 percent believe allegations against the former Alabama Supreme Court justice who's running to fill the seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Also, the survey found 34 percent of Republicans believe claims against Trump are credible, compared to 60 percent of Democrats.

But when looking at accused Democrats, the party figures are similar.

With Franken, 47 percent of Democrats and 48 percent of Republicans find the claims credible. For Conyers, 39 percent of Democrats and 32 percent Republicans do. With Clinton, 64 percent of Democrats and 69 percent of Republicans believe misconduct accusations.

The poll was conducted last week before Conyers' announcement that he would step down temporarily as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, as ethics investigators look into claims against him.