According to a new poll [PDF], Americans believe the government should be doing all it can to rebuild our nation’s manufacturing base, regardless of party affiliation.

The poll was conducted by the Dem-leaning Mellman Group and the Republican PR firm North Star Opinion Research between June 28th and July 2nd. Of the 1,200 respondents, 88 percent believe that it’s possible for America to have the strongest position in the world economy and 92 percent say it’s important for the U.S. to regain that position.

The poll was sponsored by the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) and the United Steelworkers (USW) and included questions for likely November voters about their opinions on China’s unfair trade advantages and undervalued currency. Via the IBEW blog:

It’s no surprise that Romney and Obama are hitting each other hard on China, outsourcing and job loss. This election will turn on who voters believe will go to bat for them to create and vigorously defend manufacturing jobs.

The poll also explored probable voters’ views on President Obama’s decision to bailout the American Auto Industry.

Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed think the quality of cars produced by the domestic industry has improved. And regarding the actual rescue decision, when presented with arguments for and against saving the U.S. auto industry, a significant majority of those polled (61 percent) support the government’s action. This support was found to be strong across the country, not just in the Midwest.

President Obama has pledged to “harness the ingenuity of America to bring manufacturing back.” This is absolutely necessary to provide middle class jobs and re-introduce self-reliance into the American economic model.