New poll shows Rob Ford’s support isn’t as strong as it seemed

Even admitting to smoking crack cocaine didn’t put a dent in Rob Ford’s job approval rating—a fact that has amazed political pollsters and late-night comedians alike. However, a new poll by Ipsos Reid suggests that, while Torontonians may approve of the job Ford is doing, that doesn’t mean they want him to remain mayor. Of the 600 residents polled, only 24 per cent think Rob Ford should stay in his job, compared to 41 per cent who think Ford get out of politics altogether and another 35 per cent who say he should take a leave of several months to get treatment. (A majority of Toronto’s council feels the same way: today, 30 out of 44 councillors signed a petition asking Ford to step aside.) Still, when asked about his performance as mayor, 40 per cent of Torontonians said they more-or-less approve of the work he’s done. Clearly another situation where asking the “correct questions” matters. [Ipsos Reid]