Despite the lack of faith Americans have in car salespeople, they still consider them more honest and ethical than members of Congress.
This week, the New York Post reported on a survey conducted by Gallup, one covering the public’s beliefs about the integrity of those in 18 different professions.
Gallup asked 1,020 Americans the following question: “Tell me how you would rate the honesty and ethical standards of people in these different fields — very high, high, average, low or very low?”
A mere 9% of the Americans surveyed gave members of Congress a “high” or “very high” rating for honesty and ethical standards, placing them just below used car salesmen.
Members of Congress earned similar rankings from conservatives, moderates, and liberals.
Lawyers were ranked higher, with 18% believing they have “high”, and 3% “very high”, ethical and honesty standards. Telemarketers ranked lowest of all, with a combined score of 4% in the same categories.
Congress’ highest ranking came in 2001, just after the 9/11 attacks, when they had a combined ranking of 25%. Their lowest came in 2014 at 7%.