Most American Muslims (61%) express optimism that a balanced solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be found.

Nearly nine-in-ten black respondents (87%) view TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey as a positive influence in the black community; in a virtual tie with Winfrey is comedian, actor and author Bill Cosby.

That’s the proportion of adults who said they were especially looking forward to baseball’s World Series according to a January Pew survey, down 13 points from 1988.

That’s the proportion of Americans who say they have watched one or more of the 2008 presidential campaign debates.

Shortly after last week’s Iowa caucuses, only about half of American adults could name both the Democratic and Republican winners — but 40% say the media have devoted too much coverage to the campaign.

Nearly three-quarters of Mexican immigrants (71%) say they speak English just a little or not at all.

Half of Americans say that as far as they are concerned, 2008 will be a better year than 2007, while 34% say it will be worse.