The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 76% of voters say they are willing to cast their Presidential vote for a woman. However, just 48% say their family, friends, and co-workers are willing to vote for a woman.

When it comes to voting for an African-American candidate, 74% of voters say they are willing to do so. Once again, there is a gap between the personal response and perceptions of others. Just 50% say that their peers would be willing to vote for an African-American candidate.

This survey comes at a time when New York Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama are leading the polls for the Democratic Presidential nomination. A separate release shows that most voters believe it is still Somewhat or Very Likely that the Democrats will end up nominating a White Male as their Presidential candidate.

There is no gender gap in responding to these questions, but there is a substantial generation gap. Among the youngest voters (those under 30), 63% say their peers would vote for a woman. Among senior citizens, however, just 38% say their family, friends, and co-workers would consider voting for a woman.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) of the youngest voters say their peers would be willing to cast a vote for an African-American candidate. That falls to 33% among Senior Citizens.

A month ago, and in January, 51% had said their family, friends, and co-workers would be willing to vote for a woman. If Senator Hillary Clinton continues as the Democratic frontrunner, responses to these generic questions are likely to be impacted by perceptions of Clinton herself.

Also, a month ago, 51% had said their family, friends, and co-workers would be willing to vote for an African-American candidate. That’s down from 55% in January.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.