Nominee Supported by a Majority in Poll

In the poll, just as many Democrats said he should be confirmed (41 percent) as said he should not (40 percent). Large majorities of Republicans (84 percent) and independents (58 percent) said they want him confirmed.

Although little may be known about Roberts's specific views, conservative groups have embraced him as one of their own. But few Americans view Roberts as politically extreme. About one in four -- 26 percent -- said he is "too conservative," while 9 percent said he is not conservative enough. A clear majority -- 58 percent -- said he appeared "about right."

Just as many Democrats said Roberts is acceptable (41 percent) as said he is too conservative (42 percent). Barely half of all liberals (53 percent) said he is too far to the right politically. These percentages could change as more becomes known about him.

In question after question, Americans seem eager to avoid a partisan fight in the Senate. By 53 percent to 41 percent, the public said senators should vote to confirm Roberts if they believe he has the right background and qualifications to serve on the high court but disagree with his judicial philosophy and legal opinions. Even four in 10 Democrats -- 38 percent -- said disagreement with Roberts's views alone should not disqualify him, a view shared by seven in 10 Republicans and nearly six in 10 independents.

Although Democrats have questioned some of Roberts's legal opinions, his glittering résumé -- honors at Harvard Law School, a clerkship with then-Associate Supreme Court Justice William H. Rehnquist, and a successful record as a private lawyer arguing cases before the Supreme Court -- has been praised by leaders of both parties.

Roberts was nominated to succeed Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the high court. But barely a third of the public expressed disappointment that Bush did not name a woman to replace her.

A total of 500 randomly selected adults were interviewed Thursday night for the survey. The margin of sampling error for the overall results is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Assistant polling director Claudia Deane contributed to this report.