Public Focused on Economy, Media on Weiner Scandal
Solid majorities say news organizations have given too much coverage to the Weiner photo scandal (63%) and to Sarah Palin’s bus tour of historic sites (58%).
Most Say Political Sex Scandals Due to Greater Scrutiny, Not Lower Morality
A 57%-majority says elected officials just get caught more often because they are under greater scrutiny. About two-in-ten (19%), on the other hand, say elected officials have lower moral standards than ordinary Americans.
Views of Middle East Unchanged by Recent Events
The American public continues to express reservations about the U.S. taking an active role in the world, and casts a wary eye on the turmoil sweeping the Middle East. Far more continue to say they sympathize with Israel rather than the Palestinians, and a plurality says President Obama is striking the right balance with the situation.
Number Hearing “Mostly Bad” Economic News Highest Since March 2009
Not since March 2009 have so many Americans been hearing mostly bad news about the nation’s economy. Romney and Palin have become the most visible GOP presidential candidates.
More Blame Wars than Domestic Spending or Tax Cuts for Nation’s Debt
Public concern about the budget deficit has increased since the end of last year. Proposals to reduce it by raising taxes on the rich and corporations are popular.
Opposition to Ryan Medicare Plan from Older, Attentive Americans
There is broad, and strong, opposition to the proposal among older Americans and those who are paying a lot of attention to the issue.
Republican Candidates Stir Little Enthusiasm
The emerging GOP field draws tepid ratings, and among the well-known candidates only Romney has broad potential appeal (most say there is no chance they would vote for Palin). In a hypothetical matchup, Obama continues to hold a sizable lead against a generic Republican opponent.
Top Reaction to GOP Field — “Unimpressed”
Overall, 44% offer negative words to describe the Republican candidates, 19% use neutral words and just 12% use positive words.
Public Closely Follows Midwest Storms
The devastating tornadoes that struck Missouri last week dominated the public’s news interest. Also, three-quarters say they heard at least a little about the end of Oprah’s talk show.
‘Staunch Conservatives’ Are Wary of Wall Street
Nearly three years after the financial crisis that sent the nation’s economy into a tailspin, the public expresses mixed views of Wall Street.
