The Religious Vote: Much like 2004, but Economic Concerns Now Top Social Issues
A national survey finds remarkable stability in the candidate preferences of major religious groups compared with the last presidential campaign. But issue priorities among all religious groups have changed with possible implications in November.
Will the Culture War Matter on Election Day?
Leading experts discuss the history of cultural divisions in American politics and what role, if any, they will play in the outcome of the November election.
Obama Boosts Leadership Image and Gains Significant Lead Over McCain
The Illinois senator, helped by the debate, has been able to erase concerns about his ability to lead, to widen his advantage on economic issues and to move to a significant lead in swing states. There has been a broad-based decline in the number of voters who view Palin as qualified to become president.
The Candidates: In a Word
View “word clouds” of voters’ impressions of the candidates based on one-word descriptions from a recent Pew survey.
Uncertain Times
In every recent election the public has accurately picked the winner by this time in the cycle. But not this year.
Cell Phones and the 2008 Vote: An Update
As in two preceding tests, a new survey shows that including cell phone interviews results in slightly more support for Obama and slightly less for McCain.
Financial Fallout Pops Palin Media Bubble, Drives Campaign Coverage
Wall Street’s meltdown raised the possibility that the economy may become the decisive factor in the November election.
How the Media Has Handled Palin’s Faith
Coverage of her religious background and beliefs has often been a peripheral element in the story.
McCain Gains on Issues, But Stalls as Candidate of Change
The race remains close as enthusiasm for McCain increases among GOP base. Somewhat more swing voters (46%) say their greater concern is that McCain will govern too much like President Bush, rather than that Obama lacks experience (37%).
Palin Comparison: Half of Campaign Storylines Revolve around GOP VP
For the second week in a row, the GOP vice presidential hopeful got more coverage than the man atop the ticket, John McCain. Yet this measure does not fully convey the Palin-centric nature of the news coverage.
