Midterm Snapshot: Enthusiasm For Obama Reelection Bid Greater Than For Reagan In 1982
Two years ahead of the next presidential election, the public is divided (47% yes, 42% no ) over whether Barack Obama should run for a second term. However, this is better than the outlook for Ronald Reagan in August 1982
Is the Recession Linked to Fewer Marriages?
When researchers look at possible links among social, economic and demographic trends — such as the current recession and declining marriage rates — they face a challenge. Two trends may be heading in the same direction, but are they related? Correlation, the statisticians frequently warn, is no guarantee of causation.
Independent Voters vs. Unions
Union members are one voting bloc that continues to strongly back their party’s candidates — the downside of that support is that labor unions have fallen out of favor with the broader public, including independents who will cast the decisive votes in this year’s elections.
Continued Positive Marks for Government Anti-Terror Efforts
The federal government continues to get positive marks for efforts to reduce the threat of
terrorism although the partisan gap has reversed since the Bush years. But many Americans say luck is a big reason why the U.S. has not suffered a major attack at home since 2001.
Democrats Stirring but Fail to Match GOP Support, Engagement
As the 2010 midterm elections near, Republican engagement and enthusiasm continue at record levels, outpacing even improved Democratic showings on these indicators. The growing popularity of early voting — about a quarter of voters nationally say they plan to vote before Election Day — gives Democrats less time to make up ground and there is no indication that their voter mobilization efforts are outmatching Republican efforts.
Blogs Debate, Tweets Celebrate
While bloggers concerned themselves with the charges of fraudulent foreclosure procedures, Twitter was immersed in cheers for the rescue of the Chilean miners.
Indians See Threat From Pakistan, Extremist Groups
Most Indians have a positive opinion of President Obama and the U.S. Many see Pakistan — and extremist groups linked to that nation — as a threat, but most also want better relations and deeper economic ties with their neighbor and rival.
Chilean Miners Captivate Public News Interest
While the public appears increasingly attentive to election news, far more followed news about the dramatic rescue in Chile.
I’m BOTH Jewish and an atheist. How would you classify me in your reports?
Senior research staff answer questions from readers relating to all the areas covered by our seven projects, ranging from polling techniques and findings, to media, technology, religious, demographic and global attitudes trends.
Media Coverage Splits Between Midterms and Miners
An underlying theme of political coverage was that the 2010 campaign has been distinguished by a particularly pungent brand of politics. In contrast, the uplifting story of the Chilean miners
