The Master Character Narratives in Campaign 2012
The portrayal in the news media of the character and records of the two presidential contenders has been as negative as any campaign in recent times, and neither has enjoyed any advantage over the other. More of what the public hears about candidates also now comes from the campaigns themselves and less from journalists acting as independent reporters or interpreters of who the candidates are.
Obama Outpaces Romney in Social Media, Web Campaign
Barack Obama holds a distinct advantage over Mitt Romney in the way his campaign is using digital technology to communicate directly with voters.
Pakistani Public Opinion Ever More Critical of U.S.
Following a year of tensions between their country and the United States, Pakistanis continue to hold highly unfavorable views of the U.S. and offer bleak assessments of the relationship between the two nations.
Global Opinion of Obama Slips
Global approval of President Barack Obama’s policies has declined significantly since he first took office, while the overall ratings of the United States are mostly positive. There has been widespread opposition to the U.S. use of drone strikes and the global public now views China as the world’s economic leader.
Obama Support for Gay Marriage Public’s Top Story
President Obama’s expression of support for same-sex marriage proved to be the public’s top news story last week.
Half Say View of Obama Not Affected by Gay Marriage Decision
Roughly half of Americans (52%) say Barack Obama’s expression of support for gay marriage did not affect their opinion of the president.
How the Media Covered the 2012 Primary Campaign
Mitt Romney needed 15 weeks once the primary contests began to gain a secure hold over his party’s nomination for president. But he emerged as the conclusive winner in the media narrative about the race six weeks earlier following a narrow win in his native state, Michigan.
Romney Leads GOP Contest, Trails in Matchup with Obama
Mitt Romney has retaken a significant lead nationally in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, even as he has fallen further behind Barack Obama in a general election matchup. Obama’s job approval rating has reached 50% for the first time since last May, shortly after the killing of Osama bin Laden.
Obama: Weak Job Ratings, But Positive Personal Image
Barack Obama begins his fourth year in office facing a struggling economy, an unhappy public, and a lower job approval rating than most of his recent predecessors at a comparable point in their presidencies. However, Obama he still possesses a positive personal image with voters.
