Campaign News Interest Dips
With the campaign in a lull, interest, which had consistently surpassed previous presidential contests, is now comparable to the level measured in April 2004.
Most Americans Unfamiliar with Petraeus, Rice Remains Popular
On the eve of his congressional testimony on Iraq, a solid majority (55%) says they do not know enough about the top U.S. commander in Iraq to offer an opinion of him. Sec. of State Rice’s favorability (56%) remains relatively unchanged since March 2005.
Clinton Controversy Heavily Covered but Obama Maintains Visibility Edge
While her Bosnia flap made Clinton the newsmaker of the week, she continues to lag behind Obama in terms of public visibility. Both candidates, despite recent negative news, have seen little change in their favorability.
Obama Speech on Race Arguably Biggest Event of Campaign
Fully 85% of Americans say they heard about Obama’s speech, and 70% have heard more about him in the last week than any other candidate. The impact of events on Obama’s image appears to be mixed.
Obama Weathers the Wright Storm, Clinton Faces Credibility Problem
Obama’s personal image remains more favorable than Clinton’s – and he retains a 10-point advantage over her in the race for the nomination. But certain beliefs and attitudes among older, white, working-class Democrats are associated with his lower levels of support among this group.
Dismal Views of the National Economy : It’s the Inflation, Stupid
Public satisfaction with the state of the nation is about as low as it has been in 20 years of Pew polling; but optimism about the future rises somewhat.
Political Water Cooler Conversation Features Ferraro, Rev. Wright
Not only are Americans closely following news about Obama’s preacher and Clinton surrogates, but an overwhelming majority (84%) are talking about the campaign with family and friends.
Public Still Faults Government Care for Troops
A year after problems at Walter Reed and other military hospitals made major news, Americans see no improvement in treatment of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
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.
