Public Takes Conservative Turn on Gun Control, Abortion
Public attitudes on two contentious national issues — gun control and abortion — have moved in a more conservative direction over the past year. In both cases, the changes have largely been driven by shifts in attitudes among men.
Obama Coverage:Too Personal but Not Too Favorable
Most Americans say the news media has devoted too much coverage to Barack Obama’s family and personal life, but the right amount to his leadership style and policy proposals.
Support for Free Trade Recovers Despite Recession
Despite the economic recession, support for free trade agreements is up by nine percentage points — from 35% to 44% — putting positive opinions of trade back in line with long-term trends. People in low-income families and Democrats are much more supportive of trade now than they were a year ago.
Obama at 100 Days: Strong Job Approval, Even Higher Personal Ratings
As he approaches the 100-day mark of his presidency, Barack Obama’s job approval ratings are higher than those of his most recent predecessors. However, the 44th president is even more distinguished by his strong personal popularity.
Fox News Stands Out as “Too Critical” of Obama
Top newsmakers included an allegedly murderous Sunday school teacher, a highly placed dog, a startling new singing sensation and a retiring sportscaster.
Will Obama Ride Reagan’s Ratings Roller Coaster?
A close look at reactions to Reagan’s first few months in office provides striking parallels with what polls now find about opinions of Obama. And a consideration of the Reagan experience may well give some clues as to what lies ahead for the 44th president.
GOP Party Identification Slips Nationwide and in Pennsylvania
The Republican Party has continued to lose adherents in 2009. In combined surveys since the start of the year, fewer than a quarter (23%) of Americans identify as Republicans. In total, the GOP has lost roughly a quarter of its base over the past five years. But these losses have not translated into substantial Democratic gains.
Most Now Say News Paints Mixed Economic Picture
Far more Republicans hearing at least some good economic news.
Partisan Bickering Is Back, Says Public
Obama continues to inspire confidence on economic matters, as majorities believe his policies will both improve economic conditions (66%) and reduce the budget deficit over time (54%). There has been no improvement in the GOP’s image.
Obama’s Trip Closely Followed
Obama’s trip to the G-20 summit got a good deal more attention than Bush’s first international summit travel in 2001.
