Ask the Expert: Factors Behind the Partisan Gap
Scott Keeter, Director of Survey Research, answers questions about the factors behind the growing partisan gap in American politics.
Inequality, Corruption Growing Concerns for China
As China prepares for its once-in-a-decade change of leadership, the Chinese public is increasingly concerned about political corruption and inequality, and expresses reservations about China’s relations with the United States.
More Americans Say There Is Solid Evidence of Global Warming
Two-thirds of Americans now say there is solid evidence of global warming and an increasing proportion also say that the rise in the earth’s temperature has mostly been caused by human activity.
Voters Divided Over Who Will Win Second Debate
Fully 41% of voters say Obama will do better, while 37% expect Romney to prevail. This stands in stark contrast to expectations prior to the first presidential debate two weeks ago, which voters expected Obama to win by a 51%-29% margin.
Deep Divisions over Debt Reduction Proposals As ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Approaches
Among a dozen specific options for reducing the debt and deficit, only two win majority approval from the public – raising taxes on annual incomes over $250,000 and limiting corporate tax deductions.
One-in-Ten ‘Dual-Screened’ the Presidential Debate
More than half of America watched the first presidential debate live, including 11% who were “dual screeners,” following coverage on a computer or mobile device while also following television coverage.
Broad Support for Photo ID Voting Requirements
Proposals to require voters to show photo identification before being allowed to vote draw overwhelming support. By 77% to 20%, voters favor a requirement that those voting be required to show photo ID. Opinion about this is little changed from six years ago, when 80% of voters supported voter photo ID requirements.
Latino Voters Support Obama by 3-1 Ratio, But Are Less Certain than Others about Voting
Latino registered voters prefer President Obama over Republican challenger Mitt Romney by 69% to 21%; express growing satisfaction with the direction of the nation and the state of their personal finances; but are somewhat less certain than non-Hispanics that they will vote in this election.
The Catholic “Swing” Vote
Catholics are often identified as a major “swing” voting group in American politics. A new analysis shows that the only group of Catholics that has been divided in recent elections is white Catholics who identify as political moderates
Biden Viewed Unfavorably, Divided Opinions about Ryan
Ahead of Thursday’s vice presidential debate, more voters have an unfavorable view of Joe Biden, while opinions about Paul Ryan are evenly divided.
