report | Apr 25, 2012

More Support for Gun Rights, Gay Marriage than in 2008 or 2004

Overview Opinions about a pair of contentious social issues, gun control and gay marriage, have changed substantially since previous presidential campaigns. On gun control, Americans have become more conservative; on gay marriage, they have become more liberal. Currently, 49% of Americans say it is more important to protect the rights of Americans to own guns, […]

report | Feb 14, 2012

Public Divided Over Birth Control Insurance Mandate

Overview About six-in-ten Americans (62%) have heard about the proposed federal rule that would require employers, including most religiously affiliated institutions, to cover birth control as part of their health care benefits. Among those aware of the issue, opinion is closely divided over whether these institutions should be given an exemption to the rule if […]

report | Feb 7, 2012

On Twitter, Still Tough Going for Komen

After the furor over its decision to defund Planned Parenthood, the Susan G. Komen foundation reversed course and a key official resigned.

report | Nov 3, 2011

The Generation Gap and the 2012 Election

Overview In the last four national elections, generational differences have mattered more than they have in decades. According to the exit polls, younger people have voted substantially more Democratic than other age groups in each election since 2004, while older voters have cast more ballots for Republican candidates in each election since 2006. The latest […]

report | Mar 3, 2011

Fewer Are Angry at Government, But Discontent Remains High

Overview The public remains deeply frustrated with the federal government, but fewer Americans say they are angry at government than did so last fall. Overall, the percentage saying they are angry with the federal government has fallen from 23% last September to 14% today, with much of the decline coming among Republicans and Tea Party […]

report | Sep 17, 2010

Few Say Religion Shapes Immigration, Environment Views

Many Americans continue to say their religious beliefs have been highly influential in shaping their views about social issues, including abortion and same-sex marriage. But far fewer cite religion as a top influence on their opinions about several other social and political issues, including how the government should deal with immigration, the environment and poverty. […]

report | Aug 18, 2010

Abortion: Primary Hot-Button Issue

Abortion has been a hot-button issue in the primaries this summer, fueling negative campaigning in several races. Prior to losing the U.S. Senate Republican primary in Kansas to Rep. Jerry Moran on Aug. 3, fellow GOP Rep. Todd Tiahrt criticized Moran for votes he cast on abortion legislation as a state senator two decades ago, […]

report | Nov 19, 2009

Abortion Plays Small Role in Health Reform Opposition

Overview While most Americans oppose government funding of abortion, a new Pew Research Center survey finds that concern about abortion funding plays only a small role in driving opposition to the health care reform legislation under consideration by Congress. When health care opponents are asked in an open-ended question to describe their main reason for […]

report | Nov 19, 2009

Abortion Plays Small Role in Health Reform Opposition

While most Americans oppose government funding of abortion, a new Pew Research Center survey finds that concern about abortion funding plays only a small role in driving opposition to the health care reform legislation under consideration by Congress. When health care opponents are asked in an open-ended question to describe their main reason for opposing […]

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