American 'elites' support rationing energy, meat to combat climate change: Poll

American "elites" say they would support the rationing of energy and meat to "fight climate change," according to a recently released poll by the Committee to Unleash Prosperity.

The January study, "Them vs. U.S.: The Two Americas and How the Nation's Elite Is Out of Touch with Average Americans," is based on two surveys of "1,000 Members of the Elites" conducted in September 2023 by Scott Rasmussen.

"The Elites are defined as those having a postgraduate degree, a household income of more than $150,000 annually, and living in a zip code with more than 10,000 people per square mile. Approximately 1% of the total U.S. population meets these criteria," the Committee to Unleash Prosperity's study explained.

Of the elites surveyed, 73% identified as Democrats and 14% as Republicans.

"The study also examined a sub-sample of elites, adults who attended Ivy League schools or other elite private schools, including Northwestern, Duke, Stanford, and the University of Chicago. Roughly half of those we classify as 'elites' attended one of these schools. For the purpose of this study, we label those who attended one of these schools as 'Ivy League Graduates,'" the study added.

The poll results revealed a "wide gap" between elites and the rest of Americans regarding economic, social, and political stances.

When asked whether their financial situation has improved or worsened recently, 74% of elites responded that it has improved, while only 20% of average Americans agreed.

According to 47% of elites, the United States grants "too much individual freedom." While 55% of Ivy League graduates agreed, only 16% of all Americans responded the same. Instead, 57% of average Americans polled responded that the government exercises too much control, while only 21% of elites and 15% of Ivy League graduates agreed.

"When Americans are asked if there is too much or too little freedom, Elites are three times more likely to say that there is too much individual freedom in America than all Americans. Almost six out of ten of the graduates from Elite colleges think there is too much freedom," the study revealed.

Seventy-seven percent of elites and 89% of Ivy League graduates replied that they would favor "strict rationing of gas, meat, and electricity" to combat climate change, while only 28% of all Americans agreed. According to the poll, between half and two-thirds of elites and more than two-thirds of Ivy League graduates support banning gas stoves, gas-powered vehicles, non-essential air travel, SUVs, and private air conditioning.

The survey also found that elites and Ivy League graduates have a more favorable opinion of lawyers, lobbyists, union leaders, and journalists than average Americans.

"Perhaps not surprisingly, at a time when President Biden's approval rating among voters was in the low 40s, his performance earned approval from 84% of the Elites," the poll revealed. Only 44% of all Americans said they approved of Biden.

"The data show that 70% of the Elites trust the government to do the right thing most of the time – more than twice the nationwide average. Among the most politically active members of the Elite, that figure rises to a stunning 89%," the study noted.

Elites and Ivy League graduates were also more likely to support candidates who believe teachers should decide what students learn instead of parents.

The Committee to Unleash Prosperity concluded that elites hold views that are "wildly out of touch with the American people."

"It is important to note that not all members of the Elites are elitists. Some don't think about politics all that much, and others actively support traditional American values such as individual freedom. Still, given the influence they yield [sic], the overall views of the Elites represent an existential threat to America's founding ideals of freedom, equality, and self-governance," the study concluded.

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