Ask the Expert Archive
Pew Research Center experts answer questions about our survey results and methodology.
Yes, the Rich Are Different
As Republicans gather for their national convention in Tampa to nominate a presidential candidate known, in part, as a wealthy businessman, a new nationwide Pew Research Center survey finds that many Americans believe the rich are different than other people.
More Interest in GOP Platform than Romney’s Speech
As the Republican convention gets underway, more Americans express interest in learning about what’s in the GOP platform than in speeches by either Mitt Romney or his running mate, Paul Ryan.
How Does Pew Research Define the Middle Class?
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.
The Master Character Narratives in Campaign 2012
The portrayal in the news media of the character and records of the two presidential contenders has been as negative as any campaign in recent times, and neither has enjoyed any advantage over the other. More of what the public hears about candidates also now comes from the campaigns themselves and less from journalists acting as independent reporters or interpreters of who the candidates are.
A Closer Look at the Parties in 2012
As the 2012 party conventions approach, the Democratic Party continues to maintain an advantage in party identification among voters, but its lead is much smaller than it was in 2008.
The Lost Decade of the Middle Class
As the 2012 presidential candidates prepare their closing arguments to America’s middle class, they are courting a group that has endured a lost decade for economic well-being. Since 2000, the middle class has shrunk in size, fallen backward in income and wealth, and shed some – but by no means all – of its characteristic faith in the future.
Conventions Still Draw Sizable Audience, Boost Campaign Interest
Despite limited prime-time coverage, the Republican and Democratic conventions still give the parties a chance to define their presidential candidates and spark public interest in the campaign.
The Complicated Politics of Abortion
Following Missouri GOP Senate candidate Todd Akin’s controversial comments about abortion, our summary looks at previous public opinion reports on abortion among Democrats and Republicans and in the campaign.
Medicare Voucher Plan Remains Unpopular
A proposal to shift Medicare to a voucher system, part of a Paul Ryan plan approved by the House last year, remains unpopular. Both Ryan and Democrat Joe Biden get negative marks as vice presidential candidates.
