Rumors and Red Phones Capture The Public’s Political Attention
Americans are paying close attention to all aspects of the election this year, but the most widely recognized item involves rumors that Obama is a Muslim.
Awareness of Iraq War Fatalities Plummets
Public awareness of the number of American military killed in Iraq has declined sharply since last August along with news coverage of the war. A new Pew News IQ survey provides an updated look at the public’s knowledge of political and world affairs.
Public Sees Fair Fight
Every week since November, 2007, the most covered news story has been the election, and the public has taken notice. Almost half of Americans (47%) listed it as the single news story they were following more closely than any other, up from 10% last November.
Mixed Signals on Energy Policy
The public remains conflicted in its approach toward energy and the environment, but 55% favor more conservation and regulation compared with 35% who support expanded exploration. Fully 90% favor tighter auto fuel standards.
Info on the Go: Mobile Access to Data and Information
A new Pew Internet survey finds that 62% of all U.S. adults are now part of a wireless, mobile population.
Obama Has the Lead, but Potential Problems Too
Obama has moved out to a broad-based advantage over Clinton in the national Democratic primary contest. Public attitudes about the war in Iraq have turned more positive, a favorable development for McCain.
NY Times’ McCain Story Draws Public Interest – And Disapproval
By a nearly two-to-one margin those familiar with the Times’ article on the Arizona senator’s ties to a lobbyist think the paper was wrong to publish it.
The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey Reveals a Fluid and Diverse Pattern of Faith
A new survey including interviews with more than 35,000 Americans finds that more than one-quarter of adults (28%) have left the faith in which they were raised in favor of another religion — or no religion at all.
Campaign Seen as Less Negative than 2004 Contest
The public remains highly engaged in the election, with no increase in campaign fatigue. Also, with the Democratic race still in question, a Gore endorsement would be more influential than one from Edwards.
Economic Discontent Deepens As Inflation Concerns Rise
Public views of the U.S. economy, already quite negative, have plummeted since January. Just 17% currently rate the nation’s economy as excellent or good, down from 26% last month.
