Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Publications

  • short reads

    You’re Getting Warmer

    Less than half of the public says the earth is warming as a result of human activity, but a majority knows which gas scientists say is to blame for global warming.

  • report

    High-Stakes Health Care Fight Drives the News

    The polarizing debate over health care policy was the No. 1 story for the second week in a row—with much of the coverage focused on the implications for Barack Obama. Meanwhile, economic news took a turn for the optimistic and the “birthers” got 15 minutes (and maybe more) in the media spotlight.

  • report

    Obama’s Ratings Slide Across the Board

    Overview Barack Obama’s approval ratings have suffered major declines. The president’s overall job approval number fell from 61% in mid-June to 54% currently. His approval ratings for handling the economy and the federal budget deficit have also fallen sharply, tumbling to 38% and 32%, respectively. Majorities now say they disapprove of the way the president […]

  • report

    Health Care Front-And-Center on Public’s News Agenda

    Summary of Findings The public sharpened its focus on health care reform last week, following news about the debate in Washington more closely than any other story. Interest in health care reform has steadily increased in recent weeks as coverage – including a prime-time presidential news conference – has intensified. Nearly a third (31%) name […]

  • report

    Bloggers Seize on Obama’s Slipping Poll Numbers

    While the mainstream press focused on the health care battle last week, the online conversation centered on sobering survey results for President Obama. Bloggers also jumped into the racially charged “Skip” Gates case. Iran was again the hot Twitter topic and a confrontation between David Beckham and angry soccer fans led on YouTube.