In this archived post, we take a look at what polls showed about the American people during the Kennedy years.
Americans have mixed expectations for 2019. As has been the case since Trump’s election, Republicans are more optimistic than Democrats.
Republicans have become far more upbeat about the country and its future since before Donald Trump’s election victory. By contrast, Democrats have become much less positive.
Changes in the dynamics of power in Washington have registered with members of both political parties.
Reflecting a time of growing partisan polarization, Republicans and Democrats hold very different views on the impact of many of the nation's institutions.
As support for gay marriage continues to increase, nearly three-quarters of Americans say that legal recognition of same-sex marriage is inevitable, including majorities on both sides of the issue.
A plurality of the public (43%) views Barack Obama’s upcoming State of the Union as about as important as past years’ addresses.
The good news about housing and financial markets is counterbalanced by persistently negative views of news about gas prices and prices for food and consumer goods.
In the last four national elections, generation has mattered more in American elections than it has in decades. This continues to be true as voters look ahead toward the 2012 general election. In a contest between President Obama and Mitt Romney, there is a 20-point gap in support for Obama between Millennials and the over-65 Silent generation.
Consistent with the mood of the nation all year, 2010 is closing on a down note -- but not as low as in December 2008. Fully 72% are dissatisfied with national conditions, 89% rate national economic conditions as only fair or poor, and majorities or pluralities think the country is losing ground on nine of 12 major issues.