After the first presidential debate, the words most used to describe Obama’s performance and McCain’s were “confident” and “experienced,” respectively.

Republicans were significantly less likely to vote for a candidate who is a mother of young children than one who is a father of young children, other factors being equal.

Fewer than four-in-ten (37%) say Sarah Palin is qualified to serve as president if necessary.

Honesty leads the list of desired traits in a political leader.

Majorities in 14 of 23 countries have a favorable opinion of Americans, compared with only eight with a favorable opinion of the U.S.

One-in-four middle-class workers worry that one or more negative events might affect their job status in the coming year.

Half of self-described conservatives now express the view that churches and other houses of worship should stay out of politics; four years ago, only 30% of conservatives expressed this view.

Majorities or pluralities in 20 of 24 countries surveyed in the 2008 Pew Global Attitudes poll express unfavorable opinions of Iran.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) favor a government guarantee of universal health insurance, even if it means raising taxes.