Republicans Less Positive Toward Supreme Court
Compared with July 2007, fewer people view the court as conservative and more see it as liberal. Americans are less negative toward Congress, and there has been an improvement in opinions of the Democratic Party.
Public Increasingly Hearing Mostly Bad Economic News
Perceptions of economic news have turned much more negative in the past month, with news about jobs seen as especially dour.
Voting Intentions Even, Turnout Indicators Favor GOP
Voters younger than age 30 favor the Democratic candidate in their district by a wide margin (57% to 32%), yet only half of young voters say they are absolutely certain to vote. Voters ages 50 and older favor the Republican candidate in their district by double digits (11 points) and roughly eight-in-ten (79%) say they are absolutely certain to vote.
Proud Patriots — and Harsh Critics of Government
Nearly all Americans consider themselves patriotic and voice pride in being American. But many of those who voice strong patriotism and pride in the country also are highly critical of the federal government and its political leaders.
Public, Media Track Oil Leak, Diverge On McChrystal
The public remained focused on the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico last week, while the media divided their attention between the oil leak and controversial comments by Gen. Stanley McChrystal that led to his ouster as commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
Public Rejects Variety Of Options For Fixing State Budgets
Most Americans see the deteriorating budget situations in many states as a problem that the states themselves – rather than the federal government – should solve.
Obama’s Rating Steady Despite Tough Environment
While facing a controversial health care bill, a high jobless rate and the largest environmental disaster in the nation’s history, the president’s approval rating (48%) hasn’t moved this year. A majority now opposes increased offshore drilling, but a large partisan split remains. Americans back Arizona’s tough immigration law, but also support a “path to citizenship.”
Public Sees Right Amount of Oil Leak Coverage
As press coverage of the oil spill continues to increase, most Americans say the media are giving the right amount or too little attention to the unfolding disaster. Interest in the World Cup is low but on par with past tournaments.
Public Sees a Future Full of Promise and Peril
Most Americans envision a future where cancer is cured and space travel is for everyone. But they also see a world beset by war, energy shortages and a terrorist attack with nuclear weapons. Still, most see a better future for themselves and the nation over the next four decades.
Public Uncertain How to Improve Job Situation
There is broad public agreement that past government policies intended to address the financial crisis and recession have not worked. At the same time, there is very little agreement about what the government should do now to deal with the nation’s biggest economic concern — the job situation.
