Most Say They Already Know Enough about the Candidates
With more than three months to go before Election Day, most voters already feel that there’s little left to learn about the presidential candidates.
Asian Americans and Religion
As their numbers rise, Asian Americans have been largely responsible for the growth of non-Abrahamic faiths in the U.S., particularly Buddhism and Hinduism. At the same time, most Asian Americans belong to the country’s two largest religious groups: Christians and people who say they have no particular religious affiliation.
Raising Taxes on Rich Seen as Good for Economy, Fairness
By two-to-one (44% to 22%), the public says that raising taxes on incomes above $250,000 would help the economy rather than hurt it, while 24% say this would not make a difference. Moreover, an identical percentage (44%) says a tax increase on higher incomes would make the tax system more fair, while just 21% say it would make the system less fair.
The Rise of the “Connected Viewer”
Television’s solitary screen is being supplemented by multi-screen interactivity. Half of all adult cell owners (52%) have used their phones recently for engagement, diversion, or interaction with other people while watching TV.
Family Caregivers Turn to Internet for Information and Guidance
Fully 30 percent of U.S. adults help a loved one with personal needs, manage finances or arrange for outside care for another adult or child with a disability. Of this group, 88% use the internet to find health information.
Obama Holds Lead; Romney Trails on Most Issues
Despite the stagnant economy and broad dissatisfaction with national conditions, Barack Obama holds a significant lead over Mitt Romney. Obama is favored by a 50% to 43% margin among registered voters. Romney loses ground on issue of which candidate can best improve the economy.
Pervasive Gloom About the World Economy
The economic mood is exceedingly glum all around the world. A median of just 27 percent think their national economy is doing well, according to a survey in 21 countries. Those in emerging markets are more upbeat than those in the European Union and the U.S. The global economic crisis also has eroded support for capitalism.
Most Muslims Want Democracy, Personal Freedoms and Islam in Political Life
More than a year after the first stirrings of the Arab Spring, there continues to be a strong desire for democracy in Arab and other predominantly Muslim nations. A substantial number in key Muslim countries also want a large role for Islam in political life. Meanwhile, few think the U.S. favors democracy in the Middle East.
Partisans Agree: Presidential Election Will Be Exhausting
Republicans and Democrats find little to agree on these days, but they have some similar reactions to the 2012 presidential campaign.
Division, Uncertainty Over Court’s Health Care Ruling
The American public is divided over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding the 2010 health care law – 40% disapprove of the decision, while 36% approve. Nearly a quarter (24%) offer no opinion. And despite extensive public interest in the ruling, just 55% know that the Supreme Court upheld most of the law’s provisions.
