Only 22% of likely U.S. voters now support government programs that give special treatment when hiring to women and minorities

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% oppose programs that give hiring preference to women and minorities. When asked specifically about affirmative action programs in general without any further description, 26% of voters favor them, while 45% are opposed. In addition, 46% of voters believe that affirmative action programs discriminate against white men, but 31% disagree and 23% are not sure. Only 10% think affirmative action programs have been a success.