The latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll (PDF), ably summarized by Ruy Teixeira, probes the public’s confidence in the two parties on a variety of issues.

On the question of "protecting the environment," the Democrats outpoll the Republicans by 39%. (Dems 49%, R’s 10%, both about the same 21%, neither 13%, not sure 7%.) The difference was 27% back in 1992 and has risen fitfully ever since. After a small dip in 2002, it is now at its highest ever.

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Make of it what you will.

(Interesting — though not eco-related — thoughts on the poll from Ed Kilgore and Mark Schmitt.)