More Following ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Debate Than Petraeus Investigation
Nearly identical percentages of Republicans (36%) and Democrats (35%) say they very closely followed the debate over the automatic spending cuts and tax increases that will take effect at the beginning of next year unless the president and Congress act.
Voters Give Low Marks to the 2012 Campaign
Many voters say the 2012 presidential election campaign was more negative than usual and had less discussion of issues than in most previous campaigns. They give mixed grades to the candidates, the consultants, the press and the pollsters.
Misreading the 2012 Election
Postelection talk of “lessons learned” is often exaggerated and misleading, and so it is in 2012, writes Pew Research President Andrew Kohut.
Broad Concern about ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Consequences
The public is skeptical that President Obama and congressional Republicans will reach an agreement by the end of the year to avoid the fiscal cliff. About half say the two sides will not reach an agreement, while just 38% say they will.
Behind Gay Marriage Momentum, Regional Gaps Persist
While support for gay marriage is on the rise nationwide, there are wide regional differences in the level of support, which is strongest in New England and weakest in the South.
A Comparison of Results from Surveys by the Pew Research Center and Google Consumer Surveys
As internet use grows– whether through a traditional computer, tablet, gaming device or cell phone – new techniques are being developed to conduct social research and measure people’s behavior and opinion while they are online.
No Consensus View on Election Outcome
Voters had a mixed reaction to the outcome of the 2012 presidential election in the hours immediately following Barack Obama’s victory.
Changing Face of America Helps Assure Obama Victory
Barack Obama retained enough support from key elements of his base to win re-election, even as he lost ground nationally since 2008. In particular, Obama maintained wide advantages among young people, women, minorities, and both the less affluent and the well-educated.
The 2012 Election In One Word
Asked for a single word that describes their reaction to Barack Obama’s victory, Obama voters say they are “relieved” and “happy.” Romney voters generally say they are “disappointed” or “sad” about the election outcome. These reactions to the election are based on data from the Pew Research Center and Google.
More Interest in Hurricane Sandy than Election
Just over half of the public (53%) say they followed news about Hurricane Sandy and the storm’s impact very closely last week, outpacing interest in the 2012 presidential election (47% very closely) and news about the U.S. economy (38% very closely).
