Global Unease with Major World Powers and Leaders
A new survey finds continuing anti-American sentiment and significant slippage in China’s image among the publics of other major nations. Concern about environmental degradation as a major threat to the planet has increased substantially in 20 of 35 countries for which trends are available.
Who Flies the Flag? Not Always Who You Might Think
For many Americans, demonstrating patriotism means showing the flag; overall, 62% say they do so. Notably, significantly more Northeasterners and Midwesterners fly the flag than do residents of the South or the West.
Capital Punishment’s Constant Constituency: An American Majority
Beginning with its temporary moratorium on the death penalty 35 years ago this month, the Supreme Court has changed its view of capital punishment more than once. The public, however, has not.
From the Ten Commandments to Christmas Trees: Public Religious Displays and the Courts
As a supplement to a Pew Forum legal backgrounder, Prof. Robert W. Tuttle discusses how current law might apply in circumstances such as a recent religious display controversy in Louisiana.
Religious Republicans: Hanging Tough with Bush
A dilemma for GOP Presidential Candidates: They’re distancing themselves from Bush, but may still need strong backing from his faithful church-going supporters.
Missing in Action: News Coverage of Private Contract Forces in Iraq
Extensive reliance in the Iraq conflict on military forces hired by private firms is a significant new element in 21St Century warfare. But what does the American public know about this phenomenon?
Bloomberg Well Known, But of Limited Appeal for Now
Michael Bloomberg has created some excitement in the political world about a possible run for the presidency by dropping his Republican affiliation. But a recent nationwide Pew voter survey found that while the New York mayor is relatively well known, his appeal is very modest at this point.
Why Change the Channel?
For most of the public, broadcast network news is all the same. Not so cable news: Nearly half the public sees real differences among CNN, Fox News and MSNBC.
Are Americans out of Sync with Economic Reality?
Americans are far more optimistic than most real estate experts about the outlook for home prices but far more pessimistic than most economists and Wall Street watchers about the overall economic outlook.
Don’t Blame Me: It’s the Phone’s Fault!
Many internet and cell phone users find devices and applications too complicated or hardly worth the trouble. Here are some ideas to address those problems.
