Griffin addressed the poll numbers. A key point is that options weren't given. This poll could easily hide the fact that 70 % opposed returning to the Moon because we've already done that. If you had that data, it would show Making the target Mars was a huge improvement. But this example is purely hypothetical. It's merely intended to point out the inadequacy of such simple polls in accurately judging public attitudes.

I don't know where the public's real feelings lie because every space poll I've ever seen was obviously agenda driven based on the wording of the questions. They are either designed to make the space program look bad or the prospace sponsor's goals look desirable to the public at large. Most show the Moon and Mars roughly balanced from Mars being about 10% ahead to the Moon being about 20% ahead in terms of next destination, but those polls never seek to correct the widespread misunderstanding the public has about the difficulty in reaching Mars. A measure of that perception is needed in any poll to accurately judge Moon/Mars preferences. I have never seen a poll which indicates a large portion of those preferring a return to the Moon first not wanting a trip to Mars.

I think the majority of Americans are more concerned about their own personal well being than humanity's future. From that standpoint the impact issue does have more relevance than Mars. Unfortunately for you nobody likes the government wasting money by spending more than 10 times as much as they need to to get the job done. I'm real sure you would find over 90% of people opposed to spending billions on CAPs when they could get about the same results for hundreds of millions.

Regards,
Mark