Most Americans say Senate should hold hearing for Obama's Supreme Court nominee

The majority of Americans want President Barack Obama to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, according to a new CNN/ORC poll. Of the 1,001 adults surveyed, 58 percent said it was their preference that the current president nominate someone to the Court rather than wait for a new president to take office. A smaller 41 percent prefer waiting.

Even more Americans think that the person Obama nominates should get a hearing in the Senate — 66 percent. This is in direct opposition to a vow made by the Senate Republicans, who have said they will not hold a hearing. Another 48 percent of Americans, however, have said that if most of the Republicans in the Senate do oppose Obama's nominee, then it is fair for them to prevent a confirmation.

While there are deep divides between Democrats wanting Obama to fill the vacancy (82 percent) and Republicans (29 percent), both parties say there should be hearings on the nominee, with 67 percent of Republicans, 69 percent of independents, and 60 percent of Democrats in agreement.

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The poll was conducted by telephone Feb. 24-27 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.