Obama Boosts Leadership Image and Gains Significant Lead Over McCain
The Illinois senator, helped by the debate, has been able to erase concerns about his ability to lead, to widen his advantage on economic issues and to move to a significant lead in swing states. There has been a broad-based decline in the number of voters who view Palin as qualified to become president.
Small Plurality Backs Bailout Plan
There is little partisan difference in views of the overall plan. Republicans, however, are less concerned about protecting homeowners although they are not particularly worried about excessive government involvement in the nation’s financial markets.
Uncertain Times
In every recent election the public has accurately picked the winner by this time in the cycle. But not this year.
McCain’s Image Falls as Economic Worries Rise; Public Awaits Debate
Independents’ views of McCain have become significantly less favorable in the last few days, but they still expect him to win the coming foreign policy debate.
The Candidates: In a Word
View “word clouds” of voters’ impressions of the candidates based on one-word descriptions from a recent Pew survey.
Support for Global Engagement Declines
The public’s top long-term foreign policy goals are decidedly America-centric. Defending the country against terrorism, protecting U.S. jobs, and weaning the country from imported energy all draw extensive bipartisan support.
Cell Phones and the 2008 Vote: An Update
As in two preceding tests, a new survey shows that including cell phone interviews results in slightly more support for Obama and slightly less for McCain.
Most Approve of Wall Street Bailout and See Obama as Better Able to Address Crisis
With public interest in the economy at a 20-year high, by a margin of almost two-to-one Americans think the government is doing the right thing in investing billions of dollars to try to keep financial institutions and markets secure.
McCain Gains on Issues, But Stalls as Candidate of Change
The race remains close as enthusiasm for McCain increases among GOP base. Somewhat more swing voters (46%) say their greater concern is that McCain will govern too much like President Bush, rather than that Obama lacks experience (37%).
Views of Palin Fluid as Spotlight Remains on GOP Ticket
Sarah Palin continued to be a dominant factor in presidential campaign coverage last week, but her impact on the race remains unclear and her public image is very much in flux.
