Mixed Views on Immigration Bill
The public is ambivalent about the immigration bill being debated in the Senate, but a majority favors one of its key goals – providing a way for illegal aliens to become citizens. The public supports such a provision even when it is described as “amnesty,” a new Pew survey finds.
Thompson Demonstrates Broad Potential Appeal
A new Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey finds broad potential appeal among Republicans for the all-but-announced candidacy of former Sen. Fred Thompson; meantime President Bush’s approval rating has sunk to an all-time low of 29%.
Political Divide in Views of Campaign Coverage
About half the public believes that press coverage of 2008 presidential candidates has been fair, but there are partisan differences in these evaluations. A plurality of Republicans say the press has been too easy on Democratic candidates.
Campaign ’08: Analysis of Key Voter Groups
Who’s most inspiring? Who’s most electable? Find out how liberals and conservatives, war supporters and opponents and other segments of the electorate rate the presidential candidates. Also, a solid majority of the public favors troop withdrawal, but both sides reject compromise over Iraq funding.
Va. Tech Shootings Produce Little Boost for Gun Control
Six-in-ten Americans say it is more important to control gun ownership, while 32% give priority to protecting Americans’ right to own guns. But a 55% majority opposes a ban on the sale of handguns.
News Leaks Remain Divisive, but Libby Case Has Little Impact
Attitudes towards news leaks are virtually the same now as in 1986, with the public about evenly split between those who say leaks serve the public interest and those who say they harm it.
Democrats Fail to Impress in First 100 Days
As the Democratic-led Congress approaches the 100-day mark, pluralities approve of House Speaker Pelosi’s and Senate Majority Leader Reid’s leadership. But Democrats get mixed reviews on campaign promises and policies and proposals.
Solid Majority Favors Congressional Troop Deadline
40% now say the situation in Iraq is going fairly or very well but nearly six in ten want their representative to vote for a withdrawal deadline and only 36% think the U.S. troop buildup will work.
Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes: 1987-2007
Increased public support for the social safety net, signs of growing public concern about income inequality, and a diminished appetite for assertive national security policies have improved the political landscape for the Democrats as the 2008 presidential campaign gets underway.
Voters Remain In Neutral As Presidential Campaign Moves Into High Gear
Latest Pew poll finds Republicans lagging Democrats in attention to the race and enthusiasm for candidates. Clinton is Democrats’ strongest choice but Obama leads among independents; Giuliani tops McCain in popularity among Republicans and independents.
