Just 31% of American adults have a favorable opinion of the United Nations. The latest Rasmussen Reports national public opinion survey also found that 45% disagree and have an unfavorable opinion (see crosstabs).

Those numbers reflect an erosion of support for the world body in this country. Two years ago opinion on the United Nations was evenly divided--44% favorable and 42% unfavorable.

Democrats generally have a positive attitude towards the United Nations—48% favorable and 25% unfavorable. However, that view is not shared by Republicans and those not affiliated with either major party. Among the GOP faithful, just 18% have a positive opinion of the UN. Among the unaffiliated, that number is 25%.

Women are evenly divided in their opinions while men hold an unfavorable opinion by a 2-to-1 margin.

Despite the low esteem in which the UN is held, 57% of Americans believe the U.S. should continue to participate in it. Just 26% disagree and say the U.S. should not be involved. On this point, Republicans are evenly divided. Democrats, by a 75% to 9% margin, overwhelmingly support continued U.S. involvement. Half (51%) of the unaffiliated agree with the Democrats.

Recently, the United Nations hosted a speech by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in which Chavez referred to President Bush as the Devil. Neither Chavez nor the reference were appreciated by most Americans.

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