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News Archive

Kaiser November Tracking Poll    Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A new poll shows little movement in measures of public opinion about health reform from recent months. Among the new findings is a ranking of the public''''s top priorities from among a list of elements of the legislation. There were both similarities and differences in priorities across partisan groups: while assuring the availability of affordable plans ranked in the top three priorities for Democrats, Republicans and independents, deficit neutrality ranked in the top three priorities for Republicans and independents and providing enough government financial help so as many uninsured people as possible can get health insurance ranked in the top three for Democrats. Creating a public option ranked near the bottom of this list among all three groups. Even so, when asked if they favor or oppose having a public plan to compete with private insurers, a substantial a majority of Americans (59%) say they support the idea.

Abortion Plays Small Role in Health Reform Opposition    Thursday, November 19, 2009
While most Americans oppose government funding of abortion, a new 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 the congressional proposals, just 3% raise the issue of abortion funding. This survey was conducted November 12-15 among 1,003 adults by PSRAI for the Pew Research Center and the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

Views on the U.S. Role in Global Health Update    Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Kaiser Family Foundation Survey on the U.S. Role in Global Health Update builds on the Foundation''''s previous survey work in measuring Americans'''' attitudes toward U.S. global health investments and priorities. The survey tracks some questions that were asked earlier in 2009, and delves into some new questions about specific areas of global health spending and how aid should be distributed. Following President Obama''''s announcement of the Global Health Initiative, the survey also measures public perception of the current Administration and Congress with regards to global health efforts. As we found in March, the public continues to support maintaining or increasing spending on global health. Despite the continuing economic recession, two-thirds say the U.S. is spending too little (34 percent) or about the right amount (32 percent) on efforts to improve health for people in developing countries, while just a quarter say we are currently spending too much in this area. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Social Isolation and New Technology    Wednesday, November 04, 2009
This Pew Internet Personal Networks and Community survey finds that Americans are not as isolated as has been previously reported. People''''s use of the mobile phone and the internet is associated with larger and more diverse discussion networks. And, when we examine people''''s full personal network - their strong and weak ties - internet use in general and use of social networking services such as Facebook in particular are associated with more diverse social networks. This survey was conducted July 9, 2008 and August 10, 2008 by PSRAI for the Pew Internet & American Life Project among 2,512 adults. To view more from this survey, Click here.

End of Communism Cheered but Now with More Reservations    Monday, November 02, 2009
According to a new poll, nearly two decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, publics of former Iron Curtain countries generally look back approvingly at the collapse of communism. Majorities of people in most former Soviet republics and Eastern European countries endorse the emergence of multiparty systems and a free market economy. This survey was conducted Aug. 27 to Sept. 24, 2009 by PSRAI for the Pew Research Center among 14,760 adults in Britain, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine and the United States. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Americans Plan to Work During Retirement    Wednesday, October 07, 2009
According to a new survey, three-quarters of American workers expect to work throughout retirement. Four in 10 (39%) say it''s because they like to work, and one third (32%) say they plan to work because they''ll need the money. Interestingly, only 15 percent of today''s retirees actually work to supplement their income. To view more from this survey, click here.

CR poll: Many Americans are unsure about getting the swine flu vaccine    Monday, October 05, 2009
A majority of U.S. adults say they are either reluctant or unsure about whether they or their children will get vaccinated for the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu. And more than half of the people at high risk for flu complications don''t realize they are, according to a nationally representative survey of 1,502 adults conducted by the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center in the first week of September. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Contrary to what marketers say, Americans Reject Tailored Advertising    Friday, October 02, 2009
According to a new survey, contrary to what many marketers claim, most adult Americans (66%) do not want marketers to tailor advertisements to their interests. Moreover, when Americans are informed of three common ways that marketers gather data about people in order to tailor ads, even higher percentages--between 73% and 86%--say they would not want such advertising. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll - September 2009    Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The September Kaiser Health Tracking Poll finds that public support for health reform ended its summer slide, reversed course and moved modestly upwards in September. The survey also finds initial majority support for taxing expensive health plans and imposing fees on insurers to pay for reform. Fifty-seven percent of Americans now believe that tackling health care reform is more important than ever - up from 53 percent in August. The proportion of Americans who think their families would be better off if health reform passes is up six percentage points (42% versus 36% in August), and the percentage who think that the country would be better off is up eight points (to 53% from 45% in August). To view more from this survey, Click here.

Minnesota Poll: Hints of optimism about economy, personal finances    Monday, September 28, 2009
Minnesotans are feeling slightly better about the economy and their finances. But many are still feeling the effects of the recession in their day-to-day lives, according to a Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Obama Approval Ratings Steady, Personal Image Remains Positive    Thursday, September 17, 2009
According to a new survey, following his nationally televised address to Congress, opinion of President Barack Obama has taken a more favorable turn. Obamas job approval ratings, which had declined in the summer, have remained essentially unchanged over the past month. And the balance of opinion regarding the health care reform proposals before Congress has become a bit more positive than it was in late August, though the public is about evenly divided over those proposals. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Press Accuracy Rating Hits Two Decade Low    Sunday, September 13, 2009
The public''s assessment of the accuracy of news stories is now at its lowest level in more than two decades of Pew Research surveys, and Americans'' views of media bias and independence now match previous lows. According to a new survey, just 29% of Americans say that news organizations generally get the facts straight, while 63% say that news stories are often inaccurate. In the initial survey in this series about the news media''s performance in 1985, 55% said news stories were accurate while 34% said they were inaccurate. That percentage had fallen sharply by the late 1990s and has remained low over the last decade. To view more from this survey, Click here.

The Internet as a Diversion    Thursday, September 10, 2009
Three-quarters of online economic users--those Americans who use the internet to keep up with news about the economic recession or their own personal finances--go online to relax and take their minds off of the recession, according to an April 2009 survey by the Pew Research Center''s Internet & American Life Project. Listening to music and watching online videos are among the most common of the activities we evaluated; roughly half of all online economic users have done each of these activities to relax. Approximately one-third of online economic users have played online games or chatted with friends (on a social networking site, listserv or other online group), while an additional 22% have taken their minds off of their economic or financial circumstances by creating or posting content online. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Congressional Favorability at 24-Year Low    Wednesday, September 02, 2009
According to a new survey, Americans are extremely displeased with Congress, and there are already some signs that this could take a toll on the Democrats in the 2010 midterm elections. Currently, 37% express a favorable opinion of Congress, while 52% hold an unfavorable view. At the same time, intentions to vote Democratic in the next midterm election are markedly lower than they have been over the past four years. To view more from this survey, click here.

The Internet and Civic Engagement    Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Political and civic involvement have long been dominated by those with high levels of income and education, leading some advocates to hope that internet-based engagement might alter this pattern. However, a new report by the Pew Research Center''s Internet & American Life Project shows that the internet is not changing the fundamental socio-economic character of civic engagement in America. When it comes to online activities such as contributing money, contacting a government official or signing an online petition, the wealthy and well-educated continue to lead the way. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll August 2009    Thursday, August 20, 2009
A slim majority of Americans continues to favor moving forward on health care reform now despite an intensifying ad war and a political climate of contentious town hall meetings that coincide with rising concerns about the reform effort, according to the August Kaiser Health Tracking Poll. Fifty-three percent of the public believes that tackling health reform is more important than ever, compared to 42 percent who say we cannot afford to take on health care reform right now. The gap between those points of view has narrowed in recent months as criticisms and doubts about reform plans seem to be registering. Sixty three percent of the public say they are "hopeful" about reform, 41 percent are "afraid" and 46 percent are simply "confused". To view more from this survey, Click here.

More See White House and GOP Leaders at Odds    Wednesday, August 19, 2009
According to a new survey, Americans are in an increasingly sour mood about Washington. Barack Obama''s approval ratings continue to inch downward and a growing proportion of Americans (63%) think that the president and Republican leaders are not working together to deal with important issues facing the nation; in June, 50% said the two sides were not cooperating. While more people continue to blame Republican leaders than blame Obama, the percentage saying the president is at fault (17%) is higher now than in June (12%) and much higher than in February (7%). To view more from this survey, Click here.

Forty Years After Woodstock, A Gentler Generation Gap    Wednesday, August 12, 2009
According to a new survey, forty years after the Woodstock music festival glorified and exacerbated the generational fractures in American life, the public today says there are big differences between younger and older adults in their values, use of technology, work ethic, and respect and tolerance for others. But this modern generation gap is a much more subdued affair than the one that raged in the 1960s, for relatively few Americans of any age see it as a source of conflict -- either in society at large or in their own families. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Budget Woes Take Toll on Views of State Governments    Tuesday, August 11, 2009
According to a new survey, with the economy wreaking havoc on state budgets, the favorability ratings of state governments have declined from a year ago. Overall, 50% of the public now holds a favorable opinion of their state government, down from 59% in April 2008. The falloff in positive views has been greater in states with large and moderate budget shortfalls than in states with smaller budget gaps. As positive ratings of state governments have declined, peoples ratings of their local governments have remained relatively stable. By nearly a two-to-one margin, Americans express a favorable opinion of their local governments (60% favorable, 32% unfavorable), which is largely unchanged from April 2008 (63% favorable). To view more from this survey, Click here.

Health Care Front-And-Center on Public's News Agenda    Thursday, July 30, 2009
According to a new survey, 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 the debate in Washington over health care reform as their top story, more than the share who cite the economy (19%) or the arrest of Henry Louis Gates Jr. (17%). In addition, the latest weekly News Interest Index survey by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, finds that more than four-in-ten (44%) say they followed health care news very closely, up from 33% in the previous week and 24% two weeks prior. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll -- July 2009    Thursday, July 23, 2009
While Congress works through specific health reform proposals, the July Kaiser Health Tracking Poll finds a majority of the public remains supportive of taking action on health reform now, though there is some softening of support as criticisms and doubts seem to be registering. As has been the case over the past ten months, a majority of the American people (56%) continue to believe that health reform is more important than ever despite the country''s economic problems, and the public believes by a two to one margin (51% versus 23%) that the country will be better rather than worse off if Congress and the president enact health reform. More Americans think they and their family will be better off (39%) than worse off (21%) if legislation passes, with roughly a third (32%) believing it will make no difference for them or their family. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Wireless Internet Use     Wednesday, July 22, 2009
An April 2009 survey by the Pew Research Centers Internet & American Life Project shows that 56% of adult Americans have accessed the internet by wireless means, such as using a laptop, mobile device, game console, or MP3 player. The most prevalent way people get online using a wireless network is with a laptop computer; 39% of adults have done this. To view more from this survey, Click here.

The Internet and the Recession    Wednesday, July 15, 2009
According to a new survey, some 69% of all Americans have used the internet to cope with the recession as they hunt for bargains, jobs, ways to upgrade their skills, better investment strategies, housing options, and government benefits. That amounts to 88% of internet users. The internet ranks high among sources of information and advice that people are seeking during hard times, especially when it comes to their personal finances and economic circumstances. Broadband users are particularly likely to use the internet more than some other sources. At the same time, broadcast media outpace the internet as sources of news about national economics and broadcast sources still overshadow the internet among all Americans for information and advice related to their personal financial circumstances. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Public Praises Science; Scientists Fault Public, Media    Thursday, July 09, 2009
According to a new survey, Americans like science. Overwhelming majorities say that science has had a positive effect on society and that science has made life easier for most people. Most also say that government investments in science, as well as engineering and technology, pay off in the long run. And scientists are very highly rated compared with members of other professions: Only members of the military and teachers are more likely to be viewed as contributing a lot to society''s well-being. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Newly Licensed Registered Nurses Study    Friday, June 26, 2009
The Newly Licensed Registered Nurses Study is a national study following the career changes among a cohort of registered nurses (RNs) who obtained their first license to practice as RNs between August 1, 2004 and July 31, 2005. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation until 2016, we have the unique opportunity to study RN work careers for 10 years. Understanding the needs and challenges of newly licensed nurses is a priority to meet the goal of balancing the supply of and demand for RNs. This study aims to examine the work settings of newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) to learn what influences their employment choices. To learn more about this project, click here.

Obama's Ratings Still High Despite Policy Concerns & Public More Optimistic About the Economy, But Still Reluctant to Spend    Thursday, June 18, 2009
A solid majority of Americans (61%) continue to approve of Barack Obama''s job performance, although they express mixed views of several of his policies. An important positive sign for Obama is the public''s continued optimism that his policies will improve the economy - fully 65% express this view. A smaller majority (55%) is optimistic Obama will reduce the budget deficit over the long-term. Nonetheless, Obama''s job approval on the economy has declined from 60% in April to 52% currently. To view more from this survey, click here. Turning to the economy, the public is increasingly optimistic that the nation''s economy will improve in the next year, while a growing number also expect their personal finances to get better. But this has not caused people to open their wallets: The proportion saying they have cut back on personal spending remains as high as it was earlier this year. Nearly half of Americans (48%) say they expect economic conditions a year from now to be better than today, up from 40% in February. Over the same period, the percentage saying they expect their personal finances to improve at least some has risen from 54% to 63%. To view more from this section of the survey, click here.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll - June 2009    Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The June Kaiser Health Tracking Poll finds remarkable stability in public opinion on health reform as Congressional committees begin to hone in on the details of their health reform bills and debate intensifies. A solid majority of the American people continue to believe that health reform is more important than ever given the country''s economic problems. To view more from this survey, click here.

Americans Feel Secure in Their Jobs Despite Rises in Joblessness    Friday, June 05, 2009
A new survey shows that although two out of three Americans polled know someone who has been laid off, eight out of ten (79%) feel "very" or "somewhat" secure in their own jobs. Though older workers feel more insecure about their job with 32 percent of workers over 50 saying they feel "insecure" about their position compared to 13 percent of workers under age 34, they may be less at risk of losing their jobs. The poll reveals that in spite of the older workers'' increased concerns, middle-aged employees have been on the receiving end of pink slips most often, with 16 percent of workers between 35 and 49 having been laid off in the past year compared to only 12 percent of workers between 50 and 64. To view more from this survey, click here.

Online Classifieds    Friday, May 22, 2009
According to a new survey, the number of online adults who have used online classified ads has more than doubled in the past four years. Almost half (49%) of internet users say they have ever used online classified sites, compared with 22% of online adults who had done so in 2005. On any given day about a tenth of internet users (9%) visit online classified sites, up from 4% in 2005. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes    Thursday, May 21, 2009
The long-term values study project has been tracking a broad range of beliefs and attitudes that shape public opinion and influence voting behavior. The project began in 1987 and has been updated 14 times over the past 22 years. As the Obama era begins, the survey finds that centrism has emerged as a dominant factor in public opinion. The political values and core attitudes of the American public show little overall ideological movement. The growing political middle is steadfastly mixed in its beliefs about government, the free market and other values that underlie views on contemporary issues and policies. To view more, click here.

Americans Want Government Branches to Work Together    Friday, May 08, 2009
Americans expect the three branches of government to work together to solve state problems such as prison overcrowding and caring for abused and neglected children, according to a new nationwide public opinion survey by the National Center for State Courts. The poll, conducted at a time when most states are reporting budget deficits and many state courts are cutting costs, is believed to be the first ever survey to measure the public''s perceptions of how the executive, legislative and judicial branches work together on public policy issues that affect the administration of justice. To view more from this survey, click here.

Minnesota Poll: Boosts to economy get a thumbs up    Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll found strong support for Obama''s budget and economic stimulus policies, though respondents were more evenly split on the administration''s efforts to rescue the troubled auto and financial industries. To view more from this survey, Click here.

The 2009 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS    Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Less than a year after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recalculated the size of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and announced that there were 40 percent more new HIV infections each year than previously believed, a new survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that Americans'' sense of urgency about HIV/AIDS as a national health problem has fallen dramatically and their concern about HIV as a personal risk has also declined, even among some groups at higher risk. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Faith in Flux: Changes in Religious Affiliation in the U.S.    Monday, April 27, 2009
Americans change religious affiliation early and often. In total, about half of American adults have changed religious affiliation at least once during their lives. Most people who change their religion leave their childhood faith before age 24, and many of those who change religion do so more than once. These are among the key findings of a new survey conducted by the Pew Research Center''s Forum on Religion & Public Life. The survey documents the fluidity of religious affiliation in the U.S. and describes in detail the patterns and reasons for change. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Minnesota Poll: Strong support for Obama as state's mood improves    Monday, April 27, 2009
Nearly 100 days into his presidency, Barack Obama has the approval of a strong majority of Minnesotans, amid an improving but fragile mood about the general direction of the nation. A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll finds that 62 percent of adults in the state approve of the job Obama is doing as president, even as slightly more than half -- 51 percent -- say the country is off on the "wrong track." To view more from this survey, Click here.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll - April 2009    Thursday, April 23, 2009
The April Kaiser Health Tracking Poll finds that six in ten Americans continues to say that they or a member of their household have delayed or skipped health care in the past year. A solid majority of the public believes health care reform is more important than ever because of current economic problems. The country''s overall economic problems have not dampened their interest in pursuing health care reform: a solid majority of the public (59%) believes health care reform is more important than ever compared with the thirty-seven percent who say we can''t afford health reform because of economic problems. To view more from this survey, click here.

Obama at 100 Days    Thursday, April 23, 2009
As he approaches the 100-day mark of his presidency, Barack Obama''s job approval ratings are higher than those of his most recent predecessors. However, the 44th president is even more distinguished by his strong personal popularity. Fully 73% of Americans - including as many as 46% of Republicans - hold a favorable view of Obama as a person. Fewer people held favorable impressions of George W. Bush (61%) and Bill Clinton (60%) early in their first years. To view more from this survey, click here.

Partisan Bickering Is Back, Says Public    Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Shortly before President Obama took office in January, the public was uncharacteristically optimistic that Republicans and Democrats would work together more to solve problems in the year ahead. Less than three months later, those expectations have faded and most see a return to partisan politics in Washington. According to a new survey, a majority (53%) currently says that Republicans and Democrats have been bickering and opposing each more than usual, while just a quarter (25%) say the two sides have been working together more. In January, twice as many (50%) said they expected Republicans and Democrats to work together more. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Newsweek Poll: One Nation Under God?    Tuesday, April 07, 2009
A Newsweek poll examines American''s attitudes toward religion, the role it plays in people''s personal lives, and opinions about religion''''s impact on U.S. politics. The new poll shows some shifts in public attitudes about the role religion plays in American society under new President Barack Obama. Two-thirds (68%) of the public now say that religion is "losing influence" in American society, while just 19% say religion''s influence is on the rise. The proportion of Americans who say religion "can answer all or most of today''s problems" is now at a historic low of 48%. During the Bush and Clinton years, that figure never dropped below 58 percent. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Mixed Review for Obama    Friday, April 03, 2009
Barack Obama''s job performance rating in the Newsweek poll is up a few points since the last poll of one month ago. Currently, 61% say they approve of the way Obama is handling his duties while 27% disapprove. An early March poll showed 58% approve, 26% disapprove. Obama''s ratings for his handling of many current issues fall significantly below his overall approval rating. To view more from this survey, click here.

Obama's Approval Rating Slips Amid Division Over Economic Proposals    Monday, March 16, 2009
According to a new survey, President Barack Obama''s approval rating has slipped, as a growing number of Americans see him listening more to his party''s liberals than to its moderates and many voice opposition to some of his key economic proposals. Obama''s job approval rating has slipped from 64% in February to 59% currently, while disapproval has jumped from 17% to 26% over this period. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Newsweek Poll: The Economy, the Republicans and Obama    Friday, March 06, 2009
In the first Newsweek poll conducted since he took office, Barack Obama scores a 58% approval rating overall. Seventy-two percent of Americans say they have a favorable opinion of him, a higher favorability rating than he received in the Newsweek poll as a presidential candidate during campaign year 2008. But the new president is having only slightly more success winning over rank-and-file Republicans than he has convincing Republican members of Congress to back his economic proposals. Only a third (33%) of self-identified Republicans, compared with nearly nine in 10 (86%) Democrats, say they approve of the way Obama is handling his job. About half (49%) of Republicans say they disapprove. To view more from this survey, click here.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll - February 2009    Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The first Kaiser Health Tracking Poll of 2009 finds the public is increasingly worried about the affordability and availability of care, with many postponing or skipping treatments due to cost in the past year and a notable minority forced into serious financial straits due to medical bills. Slightly more than half (53%) of Americans say their household cut back on health care due to cost concerns in the past 12 months. The most common actions reported are relying on home remedies and over-the-counter drugs rather than visiting a doctor or skipping dental care. To view more from this survey, click here.

Obama Faces Familiar Divisions Over Anti-Terror Policies    Wednesday, February 18, 2009
According to a new survey, President Obama receives positive ratings for his handling of terrorism and most Americans say his administration''s policies will reduce the likelihood of another major attack on the United States. But as in recent years, the public remains deeply divided over how best to defend the nation against the threat of terrorism. Americans approve of Obama''s handling of the threat of terrorism by more than two-to-one (50% approve vs. 21% disapprove), while 29% offer no opinion. Yet opinion is much more closely divided over Obama''s decision to close the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay in the next year. Fewer than half (46%) approve of the decision while 39% disapprove. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Support for Stimulus Plan Slips, But Obama Rides High    Monday, February 09, 2009
According to a new survery, after weeks of intense debate over President Obama''s economic stimulus plan, a narrow majority of Americans (51%) who have heard about the $800 billion plan say it is a good idea, while 34% say it is a bad idea. In January, the balance of opinion regarding the plan was more positive: 57% of those who had heard about the proposal viewed it positively, compared with just 22% who viewed it negatively. To view more from this survey, Click here.

For Nearly Half of America, Grass Is Greener Somewhere Else    Thursday, January 29, 2009
A new national survey by the Pew Research Center''s Social & Demographic Trends project finds that nearly half (46%) of the public would rather live in a different type of community from the one they''re living in now -- a sentiment that is most prevalent among city dwellers. When asked about specific metropolitan areas where they would like to live, respondents rank Denver, San Diego and Seattle at the top of a list of 30 cities, and Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati at the bottom. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Generations Online in 2009    Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Over half of the adult internet population is between 18 and 44 years old. But larger percentages of older generations are online now than in the past, and they are doing more activities online, according to surveys taken from 2006-2008. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Economy, Jobs Trump All Other Policy Priorities In 2009    Thursday, January 22, 2009
According to a new survey, as Barack Obama takes office, the public''s focus is overwhelmingly on domestic policy concerns particularly the economy. Strengthening the nation''s economy and improving the job situation stand at the top of the public''s list of domestic priorities for 2009. Meanwhile, the priority placed on issues such as the environment, crime, illegal immigration and even reducing health care costs has fallen off from a year ago. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Newsweek Poll: Yin and Yang    Friday, January 16, 2009
A recent Newsweek poll finds the public rallying around Barack Obama, just days away from his inauguration as this country''''s 44th president. Two-thirds (66%) of U.S. adults are optimistic that the new Obama administration will be able to improve the way things are going in this country. Despite some controversies about a few of his nominees, about seven in 10 (68%) continue to say they approve of Obama''''s choices for cabinet-level positions. Americans remain unhappy with the state of the nation. The impact of knowing Obama will soon replace George W. Bush in the oval office has been modest. Just 20% of adults say they are satisfied with the way things are going in the country. To view more from this survey, click here.

Modest Backing For Israel in Gaza Crisis    Tuesday, January 13, 2009
According to a new survey, Americans have a mixed view of the war in the Gaza Strip, and see it in much the same way as they viewed Israel''s conflict with Hezbollah in 2006. While continuing to express strong general support for Israel, the public offers limited approval of Israel''s decision to take military action in Gaza. However, Hamas is largely seen as primarily responsible for the outbreak of violence. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Post-Election Voter Engagement    Tuesday, December 30, 2008
According to a new survey, voters expect that the level of public engagement they experienced with Barack Obama during the campaign, much of it occurring online, will continue into the early period of his new administration. A majority of Obama voters expect to carry on efforts to support his policies and try to persuade others to back his initiatives in the coming year; a substantial number expect to hear directly from Obama and his team; and a notable cohort say they have followed the transition online. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Calling Cell Phones in 08 Pre-Election Polls    Thursday, December 18, 2008
According to a new study, public opinion polling faced many challenges during the 2008 presidential election. None was more daunting than the rising number of "cell phone only" voters who could not be reached over the landline telephones. The latest estimates from the National Health Interview Survey -- the most comprehensive measure available -- suggest that nearly 18% of households are wireless only, and the NEP Exit Polls conducted on Nov. 4 found 20% of Election Day voters saying they were cell only. To view more from this report, Click here.

The Future of the Internet III    Sunday, December 14, 2008
A new survey of internet leaders, activists and analysts shows they expect major tech advances as the phone becomes a primary device for online access, voice-recognition improves, artificial and virtual reality become more embedded in everyday life, and the architecture of the internet itself improves. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Americans Cut Back on Spending    Thursday, December 11, 2008
Americans continue to have a bleak outlook of the national economy as well as their own financial situations, according to a new poll. Ninety-two percent of the public rates the national economy as only fair or poor, and a substantial majority (61%) judges their personal finances that way. More consumers say they are cutting back on purchases or reconsidering their saving and retirement decisions. As a result of what''s been happening with the economy recently, 60% of Americans say they are changing the way their money is saved or invested, up from just 48% two months ago; 32% say they have adjusted their retirement plans. Substantial minorities also say they are either delaying or shelving plans to make major household purchases (45%) or buy a home or make major improvements (44%). And fully 73% say that they plan to cut back on holiday gifts this year. To view more from this survey, click here.

Adults and Video Games    Sunday, December 07, 2008
According to a new survey, more than half - 53% - of all American adults play video games of some kind, whether on a computer, on a gaming console, on a cell phone or other handheld device, on a portable gaming device, or online. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Newsweek Poll: Gay Marriage and President-Elect Obama    Friday, December 05, 2008
A national Newsweek poll finds majority public support (55%) for legally-sanctioned gay and lesbian unions or partnerships, but a much lower level of support (39%) for giving full-marriage rights to same-sex couples. Public opinion has become increasingly supportive of gay rights over the years, but many people who believe committed same-sex couples deserve the same rights as married heterosexual couples still oppose the idea of gay marriage. The latest poll finds broad public support for the way Barack Obama is handling his presidential transition. Seven in 10 adult Americans say they approve of the way he has handled things in general (72%) and the same number (72%) say they approve of his choices to fill Cabinet-level positions so far. To view more from this survey, click here.

Survey Reveals Women's Priorities for Obama    Sunday, November 23, 2008
According to a new survey, more than three-fourths of young women ages 18-29 and known as Generation Y want incoming President Barack Obama to make civil rights and racial justice top priorities of his administration. While Obama''s election as the nation''s first black president was interpreted by many as a sign of racial progress, findings in the survey suggest that much work still needs to be done. To view more from this survey, click here.

When Technology Fails    Sunday, November 16, 2008
According to a new survey, half (48%) of tech users need help from others in getting new devices and services to work, and many experience tech outages when there is a glitch with their home internet connection, computer, or cell phone. Coping with these failures is a hassle for many tech users and helps to distance them from technology use. To view more from this survey, Click here.

High Marks for the Campaign, a High Bar for Obama    Thursday, November 13, 2008
According to a new survey, a week after the election, voters are feeling good about themselves, the presidential campaign and Barack Obama. Looking ahead, they have high expectations for the Obama administration, with two-thirds predicting that he will have a successful first term. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Final Week Pre-Election Polls Cited for Accuracy    Friday, November 07, 2008
The two pre-election polls directed by PSRAI in the final week of the campaign both proved to be highly accurate in their estimates of the election outcome. The Pew Research Center''s final estimate of the popular vote was one of two national polls to hit the final results right on the nose (52% Obama, 46% McCain). To view more from this survey, Click here. Our final pre-election poll for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune showed Barack Obama leading by 11 points in the Gopher State. Official totals now put his margin of victory at 10 points. No other poll was more accurate in forecasting the outcome of the presidential and U.S. Senate races in Minnesota this year. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Minnesota Poll: Franken, Coleman are neck and neck    Sunday, November 02, 2008
The Minnesota U.S. Senate race remains a tossup on the final weekend of the campaign, with the outcome likely to be decided by who can snatch away the most voters from third-party contender Dean Barkley. A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll shows DFLer Al Franken clinging to a slim lead over Republican Sen. Norm Coleman among likely voters, 42 percent to 38 percent. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Minnesota Poll: Obama's big lead solid at the stretch    Sunday, November 02, 2008
The presidential race in Minnesota appears to have stabilized, with Democrat Barack Obama continuing to hold a commanding lead over Republican John McCain, according to a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. The poll shows Obama leading McCain 53 percent to 42 percent among likely voters. That 11 percentage-point gap is unchanged from the previous Minnesota Poll, conducted two weeks ago. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Obama Leads McCain 52% to 46% in Campaign's Final Days    Sunday, November 02, 2008
Barack Obama holds a significant lead over John McCain in the final days of Campaign 2008. The Pew Research Center''s final pre-election poll of 2,587 likely voters, conducted Oct. 29-Nov. 1, finds 49% supporting or leaning to Obama, compared with 42% for McCain; minor party candidates draw 2%, and 7% are undecided. This is a smaller Obama lead than in previous Pew Research Center polls, reflecting some gains by McCain. Obama''s lead had been 52% to 36% among registered voters Oct. 23-26, but in the current poll it has slipped to 50% to 39%. McCain also is getting the boost that Republican candidates typically receive when the sample is narrowed from the base of 2,995 registered voters to those most likely to vote. To view more from this survey, Click here.

McCain Support Continues Downward Spiral    Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Barack Obama leads John McCain by a 52% to 36% margin according to a new national poll of 1,325 registered voters. This is the fourth consecutive survey that has found support for the Republican candidate edging down. In contrast, since early October weekly surveys have shown about the same number of respondents saying they back Obama. When the sample is narrowed to those most likely to vote, Obama leads by 53% to 38%. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Palin's Impact and Obama's Vulnerabilities    Friday, October 24, 2008
As the campaign moves toward its final week, a Newsweek poll finds Barack Obama leading John McCain by a 13-point margin (53%-40%) among all registered voters nationwide, and by 12 points among likely voters (53%-41%). This is the biggest lead for any presidential candidate in a late October Newsweek poll since 1984, when Ronald Reagan led Walter Mondale by 57%-40%, 17 points. That year, Reagan won by popular vote by 59%-41% and carried 49 states. However, it should be noted that big leads in presidential elections can be cut substantially in the final two weeks. The choice of Sarah Palin, which once gave McCain''s candidacy a lift, is now clearly a drag on the GOP ticket. Nearly one third (31%) of registered voters say the Palin pick makes them less likely to vote for McCain, more than the 19% who say she makes them more likely to support McCain. To view more from this survey, click here.

Growing Doubts About McCain's Judgment, Age and Campaign Conduct    Tuesday, October 21, 2008
According to a new poll, Barack Obama''s lead over John McCain has steadily increased since mid-September, when the race was essentially even. Shortly after the first presidential debate on Sept. 26, Obama moved to a 49% to 42% lead; that margin inched up to 50% to 40% in a poll taken just after the second debate. Currently, Obama enjoys his widest margin yet over McCain among registered voters, at 52% to 38%. When the sample of voters is narrowed to those most likely to vote, Obama leads by 53% to 39%. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Minnesota Poll: 3-way Senate race up for grabs    Tuesday, October 21, 2008
With two weeks to go until Election Day, the exceptionally volatile and closely watched U.S. Senate race in Minnesota has tightened up. The latest Star Tribune Minnesota Poll shows DFLer Al Franken at 39 percent to Republican Sen. Norm Coleman''s 36 percent. Independence Party candidate Dean Barkley was the choice of 18 percent of likely voters. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Minnesota Poll: Obama holds a wide lead over McCain    Monday, October 20, 2008
Democrat Barack Obama continues to hold a wide lead over Republican John McCain in Minnesota, largely because most likely voters believe Obama would do a better job with the economy, according to a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Public Not Desperate About Economy or Personal Finances; Obama Clearer than McCain in Addressing Crisis    Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Americans are concerned about the nation''s economic problems almost to the exclusion of every other issue, and they register the lowest level of national satisfaction ever measured in a Pew Research Center survey. Just 11% say they are satisfied with the way things are going in the country down 14 points in the past month alone. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Newsweek Poll: Obama Has Double-Digit Lead    Friday, October 10, 2008
Barack Obama leads John McCain by an 11-point margin (52%-41%) among registered voters nationwide in a Newsweek poll conducted in the days following the second presidential debate. In the last Newsweek poll, conducted one month ago, both candidates were tied at 46%. In addition to gaining ground overall, Obama has also increased his strong support. He now leads by an identical 11-point margin among voters who declare themselves as strong supporters of a candidate (38%-27%). John McCain faces an uphill battle in the weeks ahead, with just one more presidential debate remaining. The Arizona Senator would have to win over about two-thirds of the voters still up for grabs - soft supporters and undecideds - in order to reach the 50% mark. To view more from this survey, click here.

Minnesota Poll: Obama leaps ahead of McCain    Sunday, October 05, 2008
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has opened up a commanding lead in Minnesota over Republican John McCain, according to a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. The poll, conducted last week, found that 55 percent support Obama, while 37 percent back McCain. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Election 2008 -- September 2008    Wednesday, October 01, 2008
The latest Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Election 2008 finds that health care has crept up in importance as an election issue in recent months among a key voting group: political independents, who ranked it as highly as Democrats did in this poll. Roughly one in four (26%) independents rank health care as one of the top issues they would "most like to hear the presidential candidates talk about." Health care''s importance has risen among independents by eight percentage points since April. At the same time, health care has dropped even further down Republicans'' priority list (now mentioned by 11%, a new low) and stayed roughly stable among Democrats (25%). To view more from this survey, Click here.

Obama Boosts Leadership Image and Regains Lead Over McCain    Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Barack Obama has achieved a significant lead over John McCain in the days following the first presidential debate. Pew''s new survey conducted Sept. 27-29 finds that Obama has moved to a 49% to 42% advantage among registered voters. The race was virtually even in mid-September and early August. Obama had not led McCain by a significant margin in a Pew survey since June. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Cell Phones and the 2008 Vote    Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Current polling in the 2008 presidential election shows a very tight race between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. In part because of the strong support Obama is attracting among younger voters, and as the number of Americans who are reachable only by cell phones rises, interest continues to grow in the question of whether public opinion polls that do not include cell phones are accurately measuring the relative levels of support for the two candidates. To view more from this survey click here.

McCain Gains On Issues, But Stalls As Candidate Of Change    Thursday, September 18, 2008
With two eventful and closely followed political conventions now in their rearview mirror, voters'' views of Barack Obama and John McCain have changed in some ways, yet remain the same in others. What has not changed is that the race remains very close: a national survey of 2,509 voters interviewed Sept. 9-14 on both landline phones and cell phones finds that 46% support Obama, while 44% support John McCain. These results are almost identical to those in Pew''s pre-convention survey in early August, which had 46% backing Obama and 43% McCain. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Teens, Video Games, and Civics    Tuesday, September 16, 2008
According to a new survey, game playing is universal, with almost all teens playing games and at least half playing games on a given day. Game playing experiences are diverse, with the most popular games falling into the racing, puzzle, sports, action and adventure categories. Game playing is also social, with most teens playing games with others at least some of the time and can incorporate many aspects of civic and political life. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Minnesota Poll: Obama, McCain are dead even in state    Sunday, September 14, 2008
Minnesota has become a battleground in a presidential campaign that has dramatically tightened nationwide. A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll shows that the race is now a dead heat between Barack Obama and John McCain, each supported by 45 percent of likely voters in the state. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Post Conventions    Friday, September 12, 2008
After the political conventions, the presidential race is deadlocked according to the latest Newsweek poll. Barack Obama and John McCain are each supported by 46% of registered voters nationwide. Obama had a marginal lead (44%-41%) in the last Newsweek poll conducted in July before the conventions. The contours of the race have changed, as McCain''s once soft support has firmed up. To view more from this survey, click here.

Use of Cloud Computing Applications and Services    Friday, September 12, 2008
Some 69% of online Americans use webmail services, store data online, or use software programs such as word processing applications whose functionality is located on the web. Online users who take advantage of cloud applications say they like the convenience of having access to data and applications from any Web-connected device. However, their message to providers of such services is: Let''s keep the data between us. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Voter Response to the Conventions in Perspective: McCain Gets Boost, Now the Hard Part     Thursday, September 11, 2008
According to a new survey, John McCain came out of the convention period surging in the polls, with an energized base of supporters after his bold choice of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. Considering the negative political environment the GOP faces this year, that is no small achievement. But polling by Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI) during the convention period, and comparison data from Newsweek polls in previous elections, finds McCain in a less favorable position today than other recent incumbent party presidential candidates after their nominating conventions.

Podcast Downloading 2008    Thursday, August 28, 2008
According to a new survey, as gadgets with digital audio capability proliferate, podcast downloading continues to increase. Currently, 19% of all internet users say they have downloaded a podcast so they could listen to it or view it later. This most recent percentage is up from 12% of internet users who reported downloading podcasts in our August 2006 survey and 7% in our February-April 2006 survey. Still, podcasting has yet to become a fixture in the everyday lives of internet users, as very few internet users download podcasts on a typical day. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Men or Women: Who's the Better Leader?    Monday, August 25, 2008
Americans believe women have the right stuff to be political leaders. When it comes to honesty, intelligence and a handful of other character traits they value highly in leaders, the public rates women superior to men, according to a new nationwide Pew Research Center Social and Demographic Trends survey. To view more from this survey, click here.

National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) Campus Environment 2008: A National Report Card on Sustainability in Higher Education    Thursday, August 21, 2008
According to a new survey, a large majority of colleges and universities continue to say that environmental or sustainability programs fit the culture and values of their campus. Solid majorities again say environmental or sustainability programs are good public relations and are cost effective. A sizeable minority say their programs are helpful in recruiting students as well as faculty and staff. Notably, schools have grown more appreciative of these benefits since 2001. To view more from this survey, click here.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Election 2008 -- August 2008    Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The latest Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Election 2008 poll finds that one in four (24%) Americans continue to struggle with paying for health care. Health care ranks as a "serious problem" above paying for food (18%), problems with debt (16%), and paying the rent or mortgage (15%) and below paying for gas (37%) or getting a good paying job or raise in pay (26%). To view more from this survey, click here.

Inflation Staggers Public, Economy Still Seen as Fixable    Thursday, July 31, 2008
According to a new poll, the public continues to be extremely downbeat about the national economy. Just 10% say the economy is in good shape, while 72% say the economy is either in a recession (54%) or a depression (18%). On a personal level, concerns about rising prices have surged. Beyond widespread anxiety about energy costs, a growing number of Americans say it is difficult for them to afford food. To view more from this survey, Click here.

America's Four Middle Classes    Tuesday, July 29, 2008
There isn''t one American middle class; there are four. Each is different from the others in its attitudes, outlook and financial circumstance--sometimes in ways that defy traditional stereotypes of the middle class, according to an analysis of a recent national survey conducted by the Pew Research Center Social and Demographic Trends Project. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Newsweek Poll: Obama and God    Friday, July 11, 2008
The latest Newsweek poll finds Barack Obama leading John McCain by a margin of 44% to 41% among registered voters nationally. The current statistical tie is a significant change from last month''s poll, which showed the Illinois Senator with a double-digit lead, 51% to 36%. While some of this difference is likely explained by sampling error, the closer margin may also reflect more stable poll numbers as a "bounce" in support for Obama after his rival, Hillary Clinton, left the race and endorsed him has waned. To view more from this survey, click here.

Likely Rise in Voter Turnout Bodes Well for Democrats    Thursday, July 10, 2008
The latest national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, finds greater public interest and engagement in the presidential election than during the five previous campaigns. Fully 72% say they are giving quite a lot of thought to this election - by far the highest percentage at this point in the campaign since 1988. The proportion saying they are more interested in politics this year than during the previous campaign is greater than it has been since 1992. And public interest in campaign news has been consistently higher than in recent elections. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Newsweek Poll: What Do Americans Know?    Saturday, June 28, 2008
The most recent Newsweek poll quizzed the public on a variety of topics, ranging from politics and government to foreign affairs, economics, science and health, and the arts. To view more from this survey, click here.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Election 2008 -- June 2008    Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The latest Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Election 2008 poll finds that the recent economic downturn continues to create serious financial problems for most Americans. When asked about the impact of recent economic changes, nearly six in 10 adults (59 percent) report having a "serious problem" with one of seven major financial issues, including one in four who cite paying for health care as a serious problem. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Obama Gaining Ground    Friday, June 20, 2008
A Newsweek poll shows Barack Obama has gained significant ground in the presidential race against John McCain. The Illinois Senator now has a double-digit lead, 51% to 36%, over his GOP rival among registered voters nationwide. In the previous Newsweek poll, completed in late May when Hillary Clinton was still fighting hard for the Democratic nomination, Obama managed no better than a 46%-46% tie with McCain. Obama is running much stronger at this point in the race than his two most recent predecessors, John Kerry and Al Gore, who both failed in their bids to win the White House. To view more from this survey, click here.

How Many Are Underinsured? Trends Among U.S. Adults, 2003 and 2007    Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The number of underinsured U.S. adults that is, people who have health coverage that does not adequately protect them from high medical expenses has risen dramatically, a Commonwealth Fund study finds. As of 2007, there were an estimated 25 million underinsured adults in the United States, up 60 percent from 2003. To view more from this survey, click here.

Democratic Party's Favorables Rise, Congress Still Unpopular    Tuesday, June 03, 2008
According to a new survey, the overall image of the Democratic Party has improved over the past year, although the Democratic-led Congress remains widely unpopular. A majority of Americans (57%) say they have a favorable view of the Democratic Party, up six points since July 2007 and 10 points since July 2006. Public attitudes toward Congress remain very negative. Currently, just 41% of the public expresses a favorable opinion of Congress, with 51% unfavorable; that is identical to opinions of Congress in July 2007. To view more from this survey, click here.

Rite of Passage? Why Young Adults Become Uninsured and How New Policies Can Help, 2008 Update    Friday, May 30, 2008
According to a new survey, young adults, ages 19 to 29, are one of the largest segments of the U.S. population without health insurance: 13.7 million lacked coverage in 2006. They often lose coverage at age 19 or upon high school or college graduation almost two of five (38%) high school graduates who do not enroll in college and one-third of college graduates are uninsured for a time during the first year after graduation. To view more from this survey, click here.

Obama and McCain in a General Election Matchup    Thursday, May 29, 2008
According to a new survey, Barack Obama is the clear favorite of Democratic voters for their party''s presidential nomination as the end of the primary season approaches. Obama currently holds a wide 54% to 41% lead over Hillary Clinton. But when the Illinois Democrat is tested against John McCain in a general election matchup, he now runs about even against the presumptive Republican nominee. Previously, Obama had led McCain by modest margins in three surveys conducted since late February. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Obama and the Race Factor    Friday, May 23, 2008
As he closes in on the Democratic nomination, Barack Obama faces a unique obstacle to victory over John McCain in November - his race. The results from a recent Newsweek poll suggest that Obama''s problems winning white support in some places - as seen in Hillary Clinton''s big wins in Kentucky and West Virginia - will make it more difficult for him to put together a winning coalition for the general election. In a political environment very favorable to the Democrats, Obama manages only a tie in a trial heat against McCain (46%-46%). By comparison, in party identification that Democrats have a 15-point advantage among registered voters nationally - 53% consider themselves Democrats or lean to the party, while 38% self-identify as Republicans or lean Republican. Meanwhile, Clinton remains competitive in the battle for voter support among Democrats and Democratic leaners nationally, even as her chances of victory dwindle. To view more from this survey, click here.

Opinion of Oprah More Politicized, Gore's Ratings Improve Favorability of Leading Figures    Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A new survey shows that Oprah Winfrey''s image has not recovered from last year, following a slip in her popularity after endorsing of Barack Obama. Long one of America''s best-known and best-liked media figures, opinions about the talk show host have become increasingly divided along partisan political lines. Currently, 68% of Americans say they have a favorable opinion of Winfrey, which is largely unchanged from a Gallup survey in October 2007 (66%). At that time, Gallup found that positive views of Winfrey had declined by eight points, from 74%, since January 2007. To view more from this survey, click here.

Pope Benedict's Image Improves Following U.S. Visit    Tuesday, May 06, 2008
According to a new survey, following his first visit to the United States as spiritual leader of the world''s Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI is viewed more favorably than he was a few weeks before his trip. Currently, 61% of Americans say they have a favorable impression of the pope, up from 52% in late March. To view more from this survey, click here.

2008 Financial Literacy Survey    Tuesday, April 29, 2008
According to a new survey, one in every 10 Americans with a mortgage or roughly 10 million adults report being late or missing a mortgage payment in the last year. Adding more stress to the current housing market, almost one-quarter of Americans say they do not know enough about owning a home to consider buying one. While a majority of the public report that they pay their bills on time and do not have any debts in collections, a notable minority has fallen behind and is struggling with seven percent or roughly 15 million adults either getting calls from collectors or seriously considering filing for bankruptcy. Higher income households and older Americans are more likely to stay on top of their bills. And whites and Latinos are more likely to pay their bills on time and stay clear of collections than blacks. Alarmingly, only 59 percent or roughly 23 million of the young adults in Generation Y, those ages 18-29, pay their bills on time every month. That translates into millions of tomorrows leaders, those who will drive the engine of our economy for years to come, who are not practicing a most basic financial principle. And the previous generation of consumers, those ages 30-49, also do not appear to be modeling good financial behavior. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Race, Class & Obama    Saturday, April 26, 2008
A new Newsweek poll shows Barack Obama losing ground on a number of key survey measures. The double-digit lead for Obama in preference for the nomination among registered Democrats and Democratic leaners has been reduced to seven points (48%-41%). Obama''s favorability rating has dropped further since last week''s poll. Four in 10 (40%) registered voters now say they have an unfavorable opinion of him. Only a week ago, the Illinois Senator was widely viewed as the Democratic candidate most likely to defeat John McCain. With another win in Pennsylvania, Clinton has cut into Obama''s advantage as the stronger candidate for the fall. Currently, 46% believe Obama is more electable while 38% give Clinton the edge. One week ago, Obama led on this measure by 55% to 33%. To view more click from this survey, click here.

Writing, Technology and Teens    Thursday, April 24, 2008
According to a new survey, teenagers lives are filled with writing. All teens write for school, and 93% of teens say they write for their own pleasure. Most notably, the vast majority of teens have eagerly embraced written communication with their peers as they share messages on their social network pages, in emails and instant messages online, and through fast-paced thumb choreography on their cell phones. Parents believe that their children write more as teens than they did at that age. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Newsweek Poll: Who's More Electable?    Friday, April 18, 2008
A Newsweek poll reveals Barack Obama has the momentum going into next Tuesday''s Pennsylvania Democratic primary. Obama now leads Hillary Clinton by double digits in the battle for support among registered Democrats and leaners nationwide, 54% to 35%. The previous Newsweek poll in March showed the two Democrats locked in a statistical tie (45% Obama-44% Clinton). The new poll shows Obama ahead among women as well as men, and voters age 60 and older as well as younger voters. A majority of registered voters see Clinton as dishonest and untrustworthy, suggesting that Clinton''s being caught telling a tall tale about landing in Bosnia under sniper fire has had a more negative impact with voters than the recent Obama controversies. Still, poll results indicate both Clinton and Obama have been harmed by the attacks they have directed at each other, as both candidates have seen a drop in favorabilty since March. To view more from this survey, click here.

Inside the Middle Class: Bad Times Hit the Good Life    Wednesday, April 09, 2008
According to a new survey, Americans feel stuck in their tracks. A majority of survey respondents say that in the past five years, they either haven''t moved forward in life (25%) or have fallen backwards (31%). This is the most downbeat short-term assessment of personal progress in nearly half a century of polling by the Pew Research Center and the Gallup organization. When asked to measure their progress over a longer time frame, Americans are more upbeat. Nearly two-thirds say they have a higher standard of living than their parents had when their parents were their age. To view more from this survey, Click here.

Obama Weathers the Wright Storm, Clinton Faces Credibility Problem    Thursday, March 27, 2008
According to a new survey, the videos of Rev. Jeremiah Wright''s controversial sermons and Barack Obama''s subsequent speech on race and politics have attracted more public attention than any events thus far in the 2008 presidential campaign. A majority of the public (51%) said they heard "a lot" about the videos, and an even larger percentage (54%) said they heard a lot about Obama''s speech, according to the weekly News Interest Index. Most voters aware of the sermons say they were personally offended by Wright''s comments, and a sizable minority (35%) says that their opinion of Obama has grown less favorable because of Wright''s statements. To view more from this survey, click here.

Financial Woes Now Overshadow All Other Concerns for Journalists    Monday, March 17, 2008
According to a new survey, the financial crisis facing news organizations is so grave that it is now overshadowing concerns about the quality of news coverage, the flagging credibility of the news media, and other problems that have been very much on the minds of journalists over the past decade. An ever larger majority of journalists at national media outlets -- 62% -- says that journalism is going in the wrong direction, an increase from the 51% who expressed this view in 2004. Half of internet journalists and about the same proportion of local journalists (49%) also take a negative view of the state of their profession. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: The Democratic Presidential Race    Monday, March 10, 2008
After Hillary Clinton''s comeback primary victories in Ohio and Texas, the Democratic presidential race is a dead heat nationally. According to the latest Newsweek poll, Barack Obama has a statistically insignificant one-point lead (45%-44%) over Senator Clinton in support for the nomination among registered Democrats and Democratic leaners nationwide. Most national polling done prior to the March 4th primaries had shown Obama with a significant lead after a winning streak of 11 straight victories in primaries and caucuses. The basic structure of this race is much the same as it was a month ago. Obama is the change candidate and Clinton is the candidate who is seen as more experienced and tested. To view from this survey click here.

Economy Top Issue for Presidential Candidates to Discuss    Friday, March 07, 2008
A new survey reveals that economic worries have overcome health and Iraq as a campaign issue. Health care ranks third as the issue that people want presidential candidates to discuss during the campaign -- named by 28% of voters, behind the economy (45%) and Iraq (32%). Party differences exist, with health care ranking second for Democrats, third for independents, and fourth for Republicans. Overall, the share of registered voters picking the economy as the issue they want to hear the candidates talk about doubled since December. To view more from this survey, click here.

New York City Global Warming Survey    Tuesday, March 04, 2008
According to a new survey, a large majority of New York City residents say that they are personally convinced that global warming is happening (78%). Of those personally convinced, 82 percent believe that global warming is caused mainly by human activities (70%), or caused equally by humans and natural changes (12%), while only 15 percent believe it is caused mostly by natural changes in the environment. A majority of New Yorkers (60%) say they personally worry either a great deal (26%) or a fair amount (34%) about global warming, whereas 39 percent say they worry only a little (24%) or not at all (15%). Yet most New York City residents believe that global warming is a greater threat to species, people, and places relatively far away, than to themselves or other people in the city. To view more from this survey, click here.

Obama Leading    Thursday, February 28, 2008
According to a new survey, Barack Obama leads Hillary Clinton in the national Democratic primary contest as the March 4 primaries approach. He holds a 50%-43% lead over John McCain in a general election matchup. Yet, a solid majority of voters (56%) says Obama has not provided enough information about his plans and policies; in contrast, most voters say Clinton and McCain have disclosed enough information about their plans. In addition, 43% of voters say that Obama would not be "tough enough" in dealing with foreign policy and national security issues. To view more from this survey, click here.

Religious Affiliation in America Very Diverse    Monday, February 25, 2008
A new survey describes the religious affiliation of the American public and explores the shifts taking place in the U.S. religious landscape. The survey finds that religious affiliation in the U.S. is both very diverse and extremely fluid. More than one-quarter of American adults (28%) have left the faith in which they were raised in favor of another religion -- or no religion at all. If change in affiliation from one type of Protestantism to another is included, roughly 44% of adults have either switched religious affiliation, moved from being unaffiliated with any religion to being affiliated with a particular faith, or dropped any connection to a specific religious tradition altogether. To view more from this survey, click here.

Online Shopping    Wednesday, February 13, 2008
According to a new survey, most online Americans view online shopping as a way to save time and a convenient way to buy products. At the same time, most internet users express discomfort over a key step in online shopping -- sending personal or credit card information over the internet. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Post-Super Tuesday    Monday, February 11, 2008
After Super Tuesday, the NEWSWEEK poll shows Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton statistically tied for support among registered Democrats and Democratic leaners nationwide. Obama is the first choice of 42% of Democratic voters, while 41% prefer Hillary Clinton. A large number (17%) are undecided at this point. The co-frontrunners have different appeals: Obama is the choice of those looking for change and a more inspirational, unifying candidate; Clinton is the favorite of voters who see her as more experienced, a more effective leader, and someone who cares about their problems. On the Republican side, with Romney's withdrawal, John McCain is in a strong position to capture the nomination. There is less enthusiasm among GOP voters for McCain than there is among Democrats for Obama and Clinton. Nonetheless, three-quarters (76%) of all Republican voters and two-thirds (69%) of self-described conservatives say they are okay with McCain as the GOP nominee.

McCain's Support Soars, Democratic Race Tightens    Sunday, February 03, 2008
According to a new survey, Barack Obama and John McCain have made significant gains in support as the field of candidates has narrowed in both parties. John McCain now leads 42%-22% over Mitt Romney among Republican voters nationally. Support for McCain is up 13 points since mid-January, and he currently draws about twice as much support as either Romney or Mike Huckabee. To view more from this survey, click here.

The Impact Of "Cell-Onlys" On Public Opinion Polling    Thursday, January 31, 2008
According to two new surveys, the proportion of Americans who rely solely on a cell phone for their telephone service continues to grow, as does the share who still have a landline phone but do most of their calling on their cell phone. With these changes, there is an increased concern that polls conducted only on landline telephones may not accurately measure public opinion. A new Pew Research Center study finds that, while different demographically, Americans who mostly or exclusively rely on cell phones are not substantially different from the landline population in their basic political attitudes and preferences. To view more from this survey, click here.

COMMONWEALTH EDUCATION POLL 2007/2008    Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Approaching the one year anniversary of the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech, according to a new survey, Virginians are divided over whether any government or societal action can prevent similar shootings; 48% take the more optimistic view while 47% say that shootings like the one at Virginia Tech will happen again regardless of what action is taken by government and society. About seven in ten (69%) Virginians believe parents need to tell schools about any social and emotional problems their children are having in order to prevent school violence, while 18% say parents should be able to keep this information private. Further, 74% say parents should be required to provide schools with a childs history of social and emotional problems at enrollment. Two thirds of Virginians say this should be required for students entering college.

An Even More Partisan Agenda for 2008    Thursday, January 24, 2008
According to a new survey, with the economy slowing and the stock market reeling, there is greater agreement among Republicans and Democrats that strengthening the nation's economy should be a top priority for the president and Congress in the coming year. By contrast, partisan differences over the importance of other domestic issues such as dealing with global warming, helping the poor and providing health insurance to the uninsured have all increased substantially over the past year. As President Bush prepares for his final State of the Union address on Jan. 28, opinions about his administration's legacy, already fairly negative, have declined further. Fully 59% say the Bush administration's failures will outweigh its accomplishments, while just 28% believe the Bush administration will be remembered more for its accomplishments. A year ago, a smaller majority (53%) believed the administration's failures would be more enduring than its successes. To view more from this survey, click here.

In GOP Primaries: Three Victors, Three Constituencies    Wednesday, January 16, 2008
According to a new survey, the Republican nomination contest is being increasingly shaped by ideology and religion as it moves toward the Super Tuesday states on Feb. 5. John McCain has moved out to a solid lead nationally, increasing his support among Republican and GOP-leaning voters from 22% in late December to 29% currently. Mike Huckabee, at 20%, and Mitt Romney, with 17%, trail McCain. Rudy Giuliani is a distant fourth, polling just 13%. Giuliani's support has declined seven points since late December. To view more from this survey, click here.

Internet's Broader Role in Campaign 2008    Friday, January 11, 2008
According to a new survey, the internet is living up to its potential as a major source for news about the presidential campaign. Nearly a quarter of Americans (24%) say they regularly learn something about the campaign from the internet, almost double the percentage from a comparable point in the 2004 campaign (13%). Moreover, the internet has now become a leading source of campaign news for young people, and the role of social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook is a notable part of the story. Fully 42% of those ages 18 to 29 say they regularly learn about the campaign from the internet, the highest percentage for any news source. In January 2004, just 20% of young people said they routinely got campaign news from the internet. To view more from this survey, click here.

Increased use of video-sharing sites    Wednesday, January 09, 2008
According to a new survey, 48% of internet users said they had ever visited a video-sharing site such as YouTube. A year ago, in December 2006, 33% of internet users said they had ever visited such sites. That represents growth of more than 45% year-to-year. 15% of respondents said they had used a video-sharing site "yesterday" -- the day before they were contacted for our survey. A year ago, 8% had visited such a site "yesterday." Thus, on an average day, the number of users of video sites nearly doubled from the end of 2006 to the end of 2007. To view more from this survey, click here.

McCain and Huckabee Catch Up to Giuliani Nationwide    Wednesday, January 02, 2008
On the eve of the Iowa caucuses, Rudy Giuliani's once solid lead in nationwide polling of Republican voters has vanished. The latest nationwide survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press finds about equal levels of support for John McCain (22%), Rudy Giuliani (20%), and Mike Huckabee (17%). To view more from this survey, click here.

Information Searches That Solve Problems    Sunday, December 30, 2007
According to a new survey, for help with a variety of common problems, more people turn to the internet than consult experts or family members to provide information and resources. Another key insight is that members of Gen Y are the leading users of libraries for help solving problems and in more general patronage. To view more from this survey, click here.

Kaiser Poll Finds Iraq and Health Care Remain Top Issues for Presidential Candidates to Discuss, Though the Economy and Immigration Are Up    Thursday, December 20, 2007
With the first presidential primaries quickly approaching, the December Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Election 2008 finds that Iraq continues to top the list of issues the public wants to hear presidential candidates talk about, with more than a third (35 percent) naming the war as one of the top two issues in an open-ended question. Health care (30 percent) ranks second, followed by the economy (21 percent) and immigration (17 percent). To view more from this survey, click here.

Teens and Social Media    Wednesday, December 19, 2007
According to a new survey, content creation by teenagers continues to grow, with 64% of online teenagers ages 12 to 17 engaging in at least one type of content creation, up from 57% of online teens in 2004. Girls continue to dominate most elements of content creation. Some 35% of all teen girls blog, compared with 20% of online boys, and 54% of wired girls post photos online compared with 40% of online boys. Boys, however, do dominate one area - posting of video content online. Online teen boys are nearly twice as likely as online girls (19% vs. 10%) to have posted a video online somewhere where someone else could see it.To view more from this survey, click here.

Digital Footprints: Online identity management and search in the age of transparency    Sunday, December 16, 2007
According to a new survey, internet users are becoming more aware of their digital footprint; 47% have searched for information about themselves online, up from just 22% five years ago. However, few monitor their online presence with great regularity. Just 3% of self-searchers report that they make a regular habit of it and 74% have checked up on their digital footprints only once or twice. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Huckabee Surges, Obama Gains in Iowa    Friday, December 07, 2007
A Newsweek poll in Iowa shows Mike Huckabee is now the Republican frontrunner in Iowa. Mitt Romney is in second place, while support for Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson has dropped to single digits. Huckabee's ordained minister status seems to be doing more to help than hurt his prospects in Iowa. The same cannot be said of Mitt Romney's Mormon religion. Close to half of Iowa Republican voters think at least some of their fellow Republicans will not be willing to back Romney because he is a Mormon. To view more from this survey, click here.

Republicans in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina    Tuesday, December 04, 2007
According to a new survey, Republican voter sentiment in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina is highly fluid. Compared with Democratic voters, likely Republican voters in these three politically disparate states express less enthusiasm about their field of presidential candidates, and many Republicans voice only modest support for their choices. Mike Huckabee runs even with Mitt Romney in Iowa, but the former Massachusetts governor holds a wide lead over all of his rivals in neighboring New Hampshire. There is no frontrunner in South Carolina, where Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson have about as much support as Romney, closely followed by John McCain and Huckabee. To view more from this survey, click here.

Democrats in Iowa, New Hampshire & South Carolina     Monday, December 03, 2007
According to a new survey, Democrats enter the presidential primary campaign upbeat about their candidates and united in their views on major issues. Sen. Hillary Clinton is the clear frontrunner in New Hampshire and South Carolina, where she holds 19-point and 14-point leads, respectively. However in Iowa she is in a statistical tie with Barack Obama. Clinton has a clear advantage on the key issue of health care, and leads among Democratic women voters in all three states - where women constitute majorities of the likely caucus and primary electorates. Her lead is also particularly wide among older voters - voters over age 50 in all three states favor her over Obama by more than two-to-one. To view more from this survey, click here.

Journalists in Iraq    Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A new survey of journalists covering the war from Iraq reveals that after four years of war, the journalists reporting from Iraq give their coverage a mixed but generally positive assessment, but they believe they have done a better job of covering the American military and the insurgency than they have the lives of ordinary Iraqis. And they do not believe the coverage of Iraq over time has been too negative. If anything, many believe the situation over the course of the war has been worse than the American public has perceived. To view more from this survey conducted by PSRA for The Project for Excellence in Journalism, click here.

Optimism About Black Progress Declines    Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A new national poll finds that African Americans see a widening gulf between the values of middle class and poor blacks, and nearly four-in-ten say that because of the diversity within their community, blacks can no longer be thought of as a single race. Blacks are also less upbeat about the state of black progress now than at any time since 1983. Looking backward, just one-in-five blacks say things are better for blacks now than they were five years ago. Looking ahead, fewer than half of all blacks (44%) say they think life for blacks will get better in the future, down from the 57% who said so in a 1986 survey. To view more from this survey click here.

Clinton Favorite to Win the White House    Sunday, November 04, 2007
With the presidential election only a year away, the Newsweek poll shows Senator Hillary Clinton and the Democrats as the favorites to win the White House - if only by a small margin. Clinton gets 44% support from registered Democrats and leaners, followed by Barack Obama with 24% and John Edwards with 12%. Clinton appeals more to the core voters within her party. She is the first choice of 45% of self-identified Democrats, compared with 39% of Democratic leaners. Rudy Giuliani remains the frontrunner in the Republican race, but he too has failed to build any momentum since the summer. He leads the GOP field with 30% support among registered Republicans and leaners, the same support level he received in August. There is no clear second place Republican candidate. Fred Thompson gets 15%, John McCain 14%, and Mitt Romney 12%. To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Election 2008 One Year Out    Saturday, November 03, 2007
With the presidential election only a year away, the Newsweek poll shows Senator Hillary Clinton and the Democrats as the favorites to win the White House. But Clinton's lead over the Democratic field for her party's nomination is not so wide at this point that she has a lock on the nomination. And a GOP frontrunner continues to give her a close race in a trial heat for the general election.

A Year Before the 2008 Election    Wednesday, October 31, 2007
A new national survey finds that while the 2008 presidential election is still a year away, most major national opinion trends favor the Democrats. Discontent with the state of the nation is noticeably greater than it was four years ago. President Bush's approval rating has fallen from 50% to 30% over this period. The public continues to express more confidence in the Democratic Party than in the Republican Party as being able to bring about needed change, to govern in an honest and ethical way and to manage the federal government. To view more from this survey, click here.

Real Estate Slump Felt in Wealthy Areas    Thursday, October 11, 2007
Americans are substantially less inclined than they were even a few months ago to say they expect home prices to increase over the next few years. A Pew Center Research poll shows that, overall, 53% of Americans think local housing prices will climb in the next few years, down from 62% in June, while the number expecting prices to fall has increased from 28% to 36%. People living in areas with the most expensive homes and middle-income Americans are particularly likely to say that future home prices will decline.

To learn more, click here.

Minnesota Poll: U.S. Senate race wild and wide open    Monday, October 01, 2007
According to a new poll of Minnesota adults, all three leading contenders in Minnesota's 2008 U.S. Senate race face obstacles in winning the favor of the public, suggesting a wide open, unpredictable contest in a campaign expected to attract intense national attention. To view more from this survey conducted by PSRAI for the Minneapolis Star Tribune click here.

Newsweek Poll: Iowa Caucuses    Saturday, September 29, 2007
A Newsweek poll in Iowa, measuring voter preferences prior to the January presidential caucuses, shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as the top choice of one-quarter (24%) of likely GOP caucus goers, followed by Fred Thompson (16%), Rudy Giuliani (13%), and Mike Huckabee (12%). Romney also leads when GOP voters' second choice for the nomination is considered. He is the first or second choice of 45% of likely Republican caucus-goers, followed by Giuliani (34%) and Thompson (26%). The Democratic race is highly competitive, with Hillary Clinton not separating herself from the pack in Iowa. Among all Iowa Democratic voters she leads with 31% support over Barack Obama (25%) and John Edwards (21%). Among likely Democratic caucus-goers, however, Obama has a marginal lead with 28%, followed by Clinton at 24% and Edwards at 22%. Clinton has one clear advantage over her Democratic rivals - a majority (55%) of her support is strong, compared with less than half of Obama (41%) and Edwards (37%) support.

Clinton and Giuliani Linked with Strong Traits    Thursday, September 20, 2007
As many as 67% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say Clinton is the Democratic candidate who first comes to mind when they hear the word tough and more than half (52%) associate Clinton with the word smart. No other candidate - Democrat or Republican - comes close to Clinton in being linked with each of these traits. GOP frontrunner Rudy Giuliani is the Republican candidate that GOP voters most closely associate with a number of positive personality traits, including energetic, compassionate and optimistic, as well as tough and smart. Roughly half (48%) say Giuliani is the candidate who first comes to mind when the word energetic is mentioned. To view more from this survey, click here.

Positive Reactions to Petraeus' Recommendations, But No Increase in War Support    Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Most Americans (57%) who heard at least something about General David Petraeus' report say they approve of his recommendations for troop withdrawals, which President Bush has endorsed. However, just 16% say Petraeus' statements have made them more optimistic about the war, while 67% say their views were unchanged by the general's report. The mostly stable opinions about the war and U.S. policies toward Iraq are consistent with this assessment. In the current survey, a 47% plurality says the United States will probably or definitely fail to achieve its goals in Iraq, which is largely unchanged from July (49%). To view more from this survey, click here.

The Political Fallout: Bush, Iraq, and the GOP    Saturday, September 15, 2007
In May 2007, Newsweek magazine reported that President George W. Bush's job approval rating had slipped to 28 percent, putting him below the 30 percent mark for the first time in the Newsweek poll. Within a matter of weeks, the results of other national media polls confirmed this finding. All presidents have ups and downs in popularity, but an approval rating below 30 percent is relatively uncommon. It has been fifteen years since a U.S. president was last held in such low esteem. To view more from this article, click here.

Fewer than a third of Americans know Supreme Court rulings are final    Thursday, September 13, 2007
Most Americans know little about the workings of the U.S. Supreme Court, including the fact that Supreme Court rulings are final, according to a national survey conducted for the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center.

The findings are being released today in advance of Constitution Day, Monday, September 17.

For other findings, click here.
To read the press release, click here.

Iraq and Health Care Remain Top Concerns    Thursday, August 30, 2007
A new poll in a tracking series finds that Iraq continues to be the biggest concern for the public, with 42% saying it is one of the most important problems for the government to address. Health care remains the second most mentioned issue, with 27% citing it as one of the most important problems for the government to address. The economy ranks third (16%) and immigration fourth (13%). To view the findings for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

The Impact of the Movie "Sicko"    Monday, August 27, 2007
A new poll gauges public opinion of Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko." The survey finds that just 4% of adults say they have watched it, but nearly half (46%) had seen the movie or heard or read something about it a little over a month after its national release. Among those familiar with "Sicko," 45% said they have had a discussion with friends, co-workers, and family about the U.S. health system as a result of the movie; 43% said they were more likely to think there is a need to reform the health system. About equal numbers believe the movie accurately represents problems in the U.S. health system versus overstating them. To view more findings for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

Newsweek Poll: Clinton v. Giuliani?    Friday, August 03, 2007
Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani continue to be the frontrunners in their respective presidential races, according to the latest Newsweek poll. Clinton leads Barack Obama by a 44%-23% margin among registered Democrats and Democratic leaners, no significant change from the 43%-27% advantage she had in a June Newsweek poll. John Edwards is in third place in the Democratic race with 14% and no other candidate gets as much as 5% support. In the GOP race, Giuliani leads the field with 30% support among registered Republican and Republican leaners. Former Illinois Senator Fred Thompson, yet to formally enter the GOP race, is second with 22%, followed by the fading John McCain (13%) and Mitt Romney (10%).

A Rising Tide Lifts Mood in the Developing World    Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The Pew Global Attitudes Project's 47-nation survey finds that measures of personal and economic satisfaction remain modest in the developing world when compared with measures for advanced nations, but this gap has narrowed. This increasing contentment was found to be correlated with sizable increases in per capita gross domestic product that, in most cases, far outpaced the rate of growth prior to 2002.

To view more of this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Muslims in America    Friday, July 20, 2007
Over a third (36%) of adult Americans claim to personally know a Muslim living in the United States, according to a Newsweek poll. Most people seem to recognize that Muslim Americans are mostly immigrants rather than U.S.-born persons who converted to Islam. The survey results paint a mixed picture of public acceptance of Muslims in mainstream America. On one hand, close to two-thirds (64%) of Americans say they would have no objection to a son or a daughter dating a Muslim. A substantial majority (69%) also think Muslim students should be allowed to wear their traditional headscarves to class. On the other hand, close to half (46%) of Americans say they believe this country allows too many immigrants to come here from Muslim countries and people are split down the middle on whether or not they would vote for a qualified Muslim for political office.

What Makes a Successful Marriage?    Wednesday, July 18, 2007
According to a Pew Research Center survey of American adults, "sharing household chores" now ranks third in importance on a list of nine items often associated with successful marriages - well ahead of such staples as adequate income, good housing, common interests and shared religious beliefs. Sixty-two percent of adults say sharing household chores is very important to marital success, with virtually no difference of opinion between men and women, older adults and younger adults, or married people and singles.

To view more from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Iraq "Surge" Strategy Considered a Failure    Friday, July 13, 2007
A new Newsweek poll shows only 27% of adult Americans approving of the way George W. Bush is handling the situation in Iraq, two points below the 29% Bush receives for his job performance overall. Public unhappiness with the Iraq war and the way it has been conducted has played a major role in Bush's declining approval ratings since his re-election in 2004. The Newsweek poll trendline shows that public approval of the President's handling of the Iraq situation has remained below 30% since January 2007 when his "surge" plan for increasing troop levels in Iraq was announced. The current poll finds widespread public displeasure with Bush's current Iraq strategy. Almost two-thirds (64%) of Americans say Bush's surge plan has been a failure, and less than a quarter (22%) say it has been successful.

Fewer Mothers Prefer Full-time Work: 1997 to 2007    Thursday, July 12, 2007
In the span of the past decade, full-time work outside the home has lost some of its appeal to mothers, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Among working mothers with minor children (ages 17 and under), just one-in-five (21%) say full-time work is the ideal situation for them, down from the 32% who said this back in 1997. Fully six-in-ten (up from 48% in 1997) of today's working mothers say part-time work would be their ideal, and another one-in-five (19%) say she would prefer not working at all outside the home. There's been a similar shift in preferences among at-home mothers with minor children.

For more findings, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Obama and Race in America    Friday, July 06, 2007
According to a Newsweek poll, large majorities of Americans say that they would vote for a woman or for an African-American candidate for president, continuing a decade-long trend. But far fewer think America is ready to elect an African-American or a woman for president. Although 92% of adults say they would vote for an African-American candidate, just 59 percent think the country is ready for an African-American president. And while 86% say they would vote for a woman for president, only 58 percent believe the country is ready for one. Two-thirds (66%) of registered voters say there is at least some chance they would vote for Barack Obama, with about as many (62%) saying the same about Hillary Clinton. However, in a head-to-head match up, Clinton leads Obama 56 to 33 percent.

Home Broadband Adoption 2007    Tuesday, July 03, 2007
After exhibiting relatively strong growth between early 2005 and early 2006, home broadband adoption in 2006-2007 grew at its slowest rate in recent years. As of March 2007, 47% of adult Americans say they have a high-speed connection at home, up from 42% in early 2006. This 12% year-to-year growth rate is much lower than the 40% rate in the previous period.

To find out more, click here.

Cyberbullying and Online Teens    Wednesday, June 27, 2007
About one third (32%) of all teenagers who use the internet say they have been targets of a range of annoying and potentially menacing online activities - such as receiving threatening messages; having their private emails or text messages forwarded without consent; having an embarrassing picture posted without permission; or having rumors about them spread online. Several patterns are clear: girls are more likely than boys to be targets; and teens who share their identities and thoughts online are more likely to be targets than are those who lead less active online lives.

To read more, click here.

Global Unease With Major World Powers    Wednesday, June 27, 2007
A 47-nation survey finds global public opinion increasingly wary of the world's dominant nations and disapproving of their leaders. Anti-Americanism is extensive, as it has been for the past five years. At the same time, the image of China has slipped significantly among the publics of other major nations. Opinion about Russia is mixed, but confidence in its president, Vladimir Putin, has declined sharply. In fact, the Russian leader's negatives have soared to the point that they mirror the nearly worldwide lack of confidence in George W. Bush.

To view more click here.

Insurance and a Medical Home Improves Health Care for Minorities    Wednesday, June 27, 2007
A study conducted by The Commonwealth Fund found that providing minority patients a "medical home" in which they have a regular doctor or health professional who oversees and coordinates their care would help eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities and promote more health care equity. The 2006 survey of more than 2,830 adults found that linking minority patients with a health care setting that offers timely, well-organized care where they can routinely seek physicians and medical advice can help them better manage chronic conditions and obtain critical preventive care services.

To view more, click here.

Newsweek Poll: What You Need to Know    Sunday, June 24, 2007
The latest Newsweek poll quizzed the public on a variety of topics, ranging from politics and government to foreign affairs, business and technology and pop culture. The results show many gaps in people's knowledge, such as continuing misperceptions about Iraq's role in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and a very sketchy knowledge about other countries.

Newsweek Poll: Bloomberg for President?    Friday, June 22, 2007
How would New York City Michael Bloomberg impact the presidential race if he runs as an independent candidate for president? The latest Newsweek poll finds that many voters are critical of the two major parties and are open to alternatives, but Michael Bloomberg is not well positioned to take advantage of this situation - at least until he becomes better known. At the national level, two-thirds (68%) of registered voters say they know little or nothing about Bloomberg. When asked if they think the popular New York City mayor would make a good president, voters who have an opinion are about evenly divided - 29% see him as fit for the office but 30% take the opposite view.

Newsweek Poll: New Low for President Bush    Thursday, June 21, 2007
George W. Bush's overall approval rating has slipped further in the latest Newsweek poll. Currently only 26% of adults approve of his job performance, down a statistically insignificant two points from 28% in early May. The President's new low in approval puts him below Jimmy Carter's lowest rating on record in the Gallup poll (28% in 1979). The new poll also shows the President with his lowest rating on record for his handling of the situation in Iraq (23%). However, public dissatisfaction with Washington is not limited to the Bush Administration. Congress also takes its share of heat. Overall only 25% of Americans say they approve of the job Congress is doing, while 63% disapprove.

Iraq, Health Care, and Immigration Top Concerns    Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The second poll in a tracking series finds that Iraq continues to be the biggest concern for the public, with 43% saying it is one of the most important problems for the government to address. Health care follows with 28% citing it as one of the most important problems for the government to address. Gas prices (12%) and immigration (12%) emerge as greater concerns than in the first poll.

To view the findings for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

Parents, Children & Media: A Kaiser Family Foundation Survey    Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Parents say they are gaining control of their children's exposure to sex and violence in the media, according to a national survey of parents by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Sixty-five percent of parents say they 'closely' monitor their children's media use, while just 18% say they 'should do more.' This may help to explain why since 1998 the proportion of parents who say they are 'very' concerned that their own children are exposed to inappropriate content - while still high - has dropped, from 67% to 51% for sexual content, from 62% to 46% for violence, and from 59% to 41% for adult language.

For more findings, click here.

Mixed Views on Immigration Bill    Thursday, June 07, 2007
The public is ambivalent about the immigration bill being debated by the Senate, according to a national poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. Just a third of those who have heard something about the bill favor it, while 41% are opposed, and a relatively large minority (26%) offers no opinion. Yet one of the bill's primary goals - to provide a way for people who are in this country illegally to gain legal citizenship under certain conditions - wins broad and bipartisan support. Overall, 63% of the public - and nearly identical numbers of Republicans, Democrats and independents - favor such an approach if illegal immigrants pass background checks, pay fines and have jobs.

To read on, click here.

Thompson Demonstrates Broad Potential Appeal    Monday, June 04, 2007
Former Sen. Fred Thompson has broad potential appeal among Republican voters even before his expected entrance into the presidential race. Thompson is not nearly as well known as other leading GOP candidates, but 37% of the Republican and Republican-leaning voters who have heard of Thompson say there is a "good chance" they will support him, according to a national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.

For more findings, click here.

Spam 2007    Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Spam continues to plague the internet, according to a survey conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life project. More Americans than ever say they are getting more spam than in the past. But while American internet users report increasing volumes of spam, they also indicate that they are less bothered by it than before.

For more details, click here.

A Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users    Sunday, May 06, 2007
Fully 85% of American adults use the internet or cell phones - and most use both. Yet half of adults have a distant or non-existent relationship to modern information technology, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project's typology of information and communication technology users. Some of this diffidence is driven by concerns about information overload; some is related to a sense that gadgets have more capacity than users can master; some is connected to a lack of personal interest in activities like blogging; and some is rooted in an inability to afford or unwillingness to buy the gear associated with the digital age.

To read on, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Political Courage    Saturday, May 05, 2007
After his veto of an Iraq war funding bill with a timetable for withdrawal, George W. Bush's approval rating has slipped to 28% in the latest Newsweek poll, the lowest rating on record in the Newsweek poll. When Americans think about presidential courage - doing the right thing despite the political risks - they most often see it exemplified by Ronald Reagan (18%), Bill Clinton (18%), and John F. Kennedy (14%). Just 4% name George W. Bush as the U.S. president who has displayed the greatest political courage, and over half (55%) don't see Bush as politically courageous.

Both Sides Reject Compromise in Iraq Funding Fight    Thursday, April 26, 2007
With battle lines drawn over legislation funding the Iraq war, the public is showing little appetite for compromise, according to a national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. Overall, a solid majority of Americans (59%) continue to say they want their representative to support a bill calling for a U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq by August 2008, while just a third want their representative to vote against such legislation. Most supporters (54%) of a timeline for withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq say they want Democratic leaders to insist on that position rather than work toward an agreement with President Bush. An identical percentage of opponents of a timetable (54%) want Bush to hold to his threat to veto legislation that includes a withdrawal timeline, rather than seeking compromise with the Democrats.

For more findings, click here.

Online Activities and Pursuits: Wikipedia Users    Tuesday, April 24, 2007
More than a third of American adult internet users (36%) consult the citizen-generated online encyclopedia Wikipedia, according to a nationwide survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. And on a typical day in the winter of 2007, 8% of online Americans consulted Wikipedia. Despite ongoing controversy about the reliability of articles on Wikipedia, the site is far more popular among the well-educated than it is among those with lower levels of education. For instance, 50% of those with at least a college degree consult the site, compared with 22% of those with a high school diploma .

To learn more, click here.

Little Boost for Gun Control or Agreement on Causes of the Va. Tech Shootings    Monday, April 23, 2007
Last week's shootings at Virginia Tech have had little immediate impact on public opinion about gun control, according to a nationally representative telephone survey by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Six-in-ten Americans say it is more important to control gun ownership, while 32% say it is more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns. These numbers have changed little since 2004. At the same time, a 55% majority now opposes a ban on the sale of handguns, while just 37% favor such a ban. There was greater support for gun control in 2000, when the public was evenly split over a handgun ban (47% favor/47% opposed).

For more findings, click here.

Only A Minority of Americans Keep Close Track of Their Spending    Thursday, April 19, 2007
Financial experts generally agree that having a household budget is sound financial management. But only a minority of Americans keep close track of what they spend on typically monthly expenses. And although a majority of the public has at least a somewhat good idea of where their money goes each month, more than two in 10 keep little or no track at all. To view more from this survey, click here.

Teens, Privacy and Online Social Networks    Wednesday, April 18, 2007
According to a survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, the majority of teens actively manage their online profiles to keep the information they believe is most sensitive, such as their full name and phone number, away from the unwanted gaze of strangers, parents and other adults. At the same time, nearly two-thirds of teens with profiles (63%) believe that a motivated person could eventually identify them from the information they publicly provide on their profiles.

To learn more, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Religious Beliefs    Saturday, March 31, 2007
The Newsweek poll finds that belief in God and identification with a religion are very widespread in this country. Nine in 10 (91%) U.S. adults say they believe in God. Eighty-seven percent of Americans identify with a religion: 82% of adults call themselves Christians, and another 5% say they follow a non-Christian faith. Overall, the new poll finds one in 10 adults identify as having no religion, and 6% saying they do not believe in God. Just 3% of the public self-identifies as atheist. Close to half (47%) of Americans believe the country is more accepting of atheists today than it had been in the past, while only about one in 10 (9%) thinks atheists are less accepted today. Still, declaring oneself an atheist is clearly not the road to electoral success. Six in 10 (62%) registered voters say they would not vote for a political candidate who was an atheist.

Iraq and Health Care Top American's List of Concerns    Thursday, March 29, 2007
A new poll shows that Iraq continues to top the public's list of issues. Forty-four percent of adults say it is one of the most important problems for the government to address and the same share say they would like to hear presidential candidates talk about it. Health care ranks second, with 29% citing it as one of the most important problems for the government to address, followed by the economy at 13%.

To view the findings for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

Solid Majority Favors Congressional Troop Deadline    Monday, March 26, 2007
A nationwide survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press finds that a solid majority of Americans (59%) say they want their congressional representative to support a bill calling for a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by August 2008. Regarding the impact of President Bush's troop surge, 27% of Americans say that the troop increase is currently making things better in Iraq, though somewhat more (36%) think the surge will make things better in the long run. Opinions about the troop increase and a congressional troop deadline - like nearly all other issues relating to the war in Iraq - are deeply divided along partisan lines.

For more findings, click here.

Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes: 1987-2007    Thursday, March 22, 2007
A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press explores trends in the social, political and economic values of the American public over the past ten years. Among the more dramatic findings is a shift in party identification since 2002, when 43% of Americans identified with the Republican Party or leaned to the GOP, while an identical proportion said they were Democrats. Today, half of the public (50%) either identifies as a Democrat or says they lean to the Democratic Party, compared with 35% who align with the GOP.

To read more, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Gonzales Has Weak Support    Saturday, March 17, 2007
Public opinion is divided on whether Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez should resign after reports of the possible White House involvement in the firings of eight federal prosecutors last year, according to a new Newsweek poll. While roughly a third (35%) of Americans want Gonzalez to step down, a similar number want him to stay on (32%), and another third (33%) are undecided. This poll also asked how the issue of marriage and divorce might affect the 2008 presidential race. The poll finds that Americans generally and Evangelical Republicans specifically take a decidedly realistic and nuanced view of marriage and divorce. People are willing to give divorced candidates quite a bit of leeway, but many admit that a candidate's current and past marital relationships do influence their chances of winning their support.

Aging in Asia and Oceania    Wednesday, March 14, 2007
A 2006 AARP survey of opinion leaders in the United States and in seven countries in Asia and Oceania shows that Asian leaders feel ill prepared to deal with the challenges of an aging population. The study examines issues such as the perceived importance of population aging, the types of challenges and opportunities societies are expected to face because of population aging, the degree to which different sectors of society are prepared for the changing demographics, the different ways in which societies address retirement security and quality of life issues in old age, and attitudes toward older people and their place in society. .

To view the complete report, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Giuliani and the GOP    Saturday, March 03, 2007
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has moved ahead of Arizona Senator John McCain in the race for the Republican Party's presidential nomination, according to the latest Newsweek poll. In a head-to-head contest among registered Republicans and Republican leaners, Giuliani tops McCain by a whopping 59%-34% margin. In a late January poll, Giuliani's lead over McCain in the Newsweek poll was a statistically insignificant four points (48%/44%). Giuliani shows the potential to run strongly among Independents and attract a fair share of Democratic votes as the GOP presidential standard-bearer. When matched against Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton in a general election trial heat, Giuliani edges Clinton by one point (47%/46%), taking the Independent vote by a 49%-42% margin. Giuliani's moderate to liberal positions on social issues help him attract support from Democrats and Independents, but might cost him votes in GOP primaries, where voters tend to be more socially conservative.

Pennsylvanians Express High Levels of Confidence in State Elected Officials    Tuesday, February 27, 2007
According to an IssuesPA/Pew Benchmark and Legislator Survey, the public mood among Pennsylvanians is upbeat with regard to state elected officials and the direction of the state. Seventy-two percent of residents say they have a lot or some confidence in Governor Edward G. Rendell, and two-thirds (66 percent) of Pennsylvanians polled have a lot or some confidence in the legislature as a whole. This is up from 48 percent in November 2005 and may be a result of the election that swept in many new legislators who ran on a reform agenda.

For detailed findings, click here.

Internet Evolution: Wireless Internet Access    Sunday, February 25, 2007
Some 34% of internet users have logged onto the internet using a wireless connection either around the house, at their workplace, or some place else, according to a national survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. In other words, one-third of internet users, either with a laptop computer, a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA), or cell phone, have surfed the internet or checked email using means such as WiFi broadband or cell phone networks. Survey findings suggest that the "relentless connectivity" of wireless access lends a unique quality to the online behavior of those who use it.

For more details, click here.

Voters Remain in Neutral as Presidential Campaign Moves into High Gear    Friday, February 23, 2007
A national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press revealed that despite the early kickoff of the 2008 presidential campaign and the large number of candidates, much of the American public has taken little notice of the campaign. Americans are no more likely to say they have given the presidential campaign much thought than they did in December, and just small minorities can name a candidate they might support. The results of in-depth questions suggest that the images of even the well-known candidates are fairly thin.

Despite low interest in and knowledge of candidates, certain candidate traits and experiences, both positive and negative, have registered with the public and point both to challenges and opportunities for the leading contenders.

To read more, click here.

Americans and Social Trust: Who, Where, and Why    Thursday, February 22, 2007
Social trust is a belief in the honesty, integrity and reliability of others - a "faith in people." A nationally representative Pew Social Trends telephone survey asked 2,000 Americans three questions designed to measure social trust. Americans are closely divided in terms of their level of social trust; public opinion was split over the following question: "Generally speaking, would you say that most people can be trusted or that you can't be too careful in dealing with people?" Some 45% of respondents say the former, while 50% say the latter.

The survey results identified several demographic traits that are correlated with social trust, including race, income, marital status, age, and community type. For analyses of these demographic differences in social trust, read the full report here.

War Support Slips, Fewer Expect a Successful Outcome    Thursday, February 15, 2007
A nationwide survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press reveals increasingly negative public perceptions of the war in Iraq. Fully two-thirds of Americans (67%) say things are not going well with the U.S. military effort in Iraq. Additionally, confidence in a successful outcome in Iraq, which remained fairly high last year even as perceptions of the situation grew negative, has eroded. The public is now evenly divided over whether the U.S. is likely to achieve its goals in Iraq - 47% believe it will definitely or probably succeed, while 46% disagree. Three months ago, 53% saw success as at least probable and 41% disagreed.

For more findings, click here.

Online Activities and Pursuits: Tagging    Wednesday, January 31, 2007
The Pew Internet & American Life Project's first-ever survey data on the topic of tagging reveal that 28% of online Americans have tagged or organized online content such as photos, news stories or blog posts. On a typical day, 7% of internet users say they tag online content. Tagging, a revolutionary way to organize and categorize digital material, enables internet users to personalize the way they mark, store and retrieve web content.

To learn more, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Bush and 2008    Saturday, January 27, 2007
After his televised State of the Union address, there are no signs that George W. Bush has improved his standing with the public. In fact, the latest Newsweek poll, conducted in the days immediately following the speech, shows Bush's overall approval rating at 30%. That's the lowest approval figure for this president in the Newsweek poll so far. The unpopularity of George W. Bush and his policies seems to be having a negative impact on the GOP's prospects for retaining the White House in 2008. Registered voters nationwide now say they would prefer to see a Democrat elected in 2008 over a Republican by a lopsided margin of 49% to 28%.

Broad Support for Political Compromise in Washington    Monday, January 22, 2007
A large majority of the American public expresses a strong desire for political compromise. Fully three-quarters say they like political leaders who are willing to compromise, and roughly twice as many Americans (60% to 34%) like as dislike leaders who take a mix of conservative and liberal positions. At the same time, most Americans feels that the country is more polarized than in the past, and only about a quarter (28%) believes that relations between the two political parties will improve over the next year.

To find out more, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Bush's Iraq Plan    Saturday, January 20, 2007
After formally announcing his plan for additional troops in Iraq, George W. Bush's approval rating stands at 31% in the latest Newsweek poll, matching his previous low. In contrast, the poll shows opinion of the new Democratic-controlled Congress to be generally positive, at least among those who are paying attention. The poll also shows the President receiving his lowest ratings so far for his handling of the situation in Iraq (24%) and terrorism (41%). In fact, for the first time in the Newsweek poll, over half (53%) the public disapproves of the way Bush is handling terrorism.

Broad Opposition to Bush's Iraq Plan    Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The American public expressed widespread disapproval of President Bush's plan to send roughly 21,000 additional troops to Iraq, according to a Pew Research Center national survey. Opinion of Bush's initiative is split sharply along party lines, with 60% of Republicans and only 12% of Democrats favoring the plan.

To view more findings, click here.

Social Networking Websites and Teens: An Overview    Sunday, January 07, 2007
A social networking site is an online place where a user can create a profile and build a personal network that connects him or her to other users. In the past five years, such sites have rocketed from a niche activity into a phenomenon that engages tens of millions of internet users. More than half (55%) of all online American youths ages 12-17 use online social networking sites, according to a new national survey of teenagers conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

To learn more, click here

Americans Fairly Upbeat about Family Finances in 2007    Thursday, January 04, 2007
According to a survey, 57% of Americans are expecting some improvement in their financial situation in the coming year, and another 10% are expecting a lot of improvement.

To view more from the survey, click here.

Americans Divided Over Impact of Free Trade Agreements    Tuesday, December 19, 2006
The American public continues to have a mixed opinion about free trade agreements such as NAFTA and the WTO. On balance they are seen as a good thing for the country, but Americans are divided over the impact of free trade agreements on their own personal financial situations. About as many people think they are helped by them (35%) as believe they are hurt (36%).

To view more from this poll, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Hillary and Obama    Sunday, December 17, 2006
Gauging the prospects of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as presidential candidates, a Newsweek poll shows Clinton is preferred as the Democratic Party's 2008 presidential nominee by a 50%-32% margin among registered Democrats and Democratic leaners. Poll analysis suggests that Hillary Clinton's frontrunner status depends strongly on her name recognition advantage. But Obama is likely to be helped by voters' desire for a fresh face and rise in the polls as more get to know him. Both Democrats who are the early frontrunners would have to break precedent to go on to capture the White House in 2008. According to the poll, 86 percent of registered voters would vote for a qualified woman candidate for president if their party nominated one, and 93 percent say the same for a qualified African-American.

Luxury or Necessity?    Thursday, December 14, 2006
The number of things Americans say they can't live without has multiplied in the past decade, according to a survey that asks whether a broad array of everyday consumer products are luxuries or necessities.

To view more, click here.

Modest Public Interest of Baker-Hamilton Report    Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Despite deep public dissatisfaction with the Iraq war, the highly anticipated report by a bipartisan panel proposing policy options for Iraq did not register strongly with most Americans. Only about half say they heard even a little about the report released last week by the Iraq Study Group led by James Baker and Lee Hamilton, while nearly as many (47%) say they heard nothing at all about the group's recommendations.

Click here to view more findings.

Newsweek Poll: The Iraq Study Group    Saturday, December 09, 2006
According to a Newsweek poll, the public seems weary of the Iraq war and prepared to support anything that stabilizes Iraq and paves the way for a withdrawal of U.S. forces. Before being told about any of the Iraq Study group's specific recommendations, Americans polled said they generally agreed with the group's recommendations for changing policy in Iraq by a two-to-one margin (39% vs. 20% disagree). On the specifics, majority support is found for withholding support if the Iraqi government fails to meet certain benchmarks (65%), making a renewed and sustained effort to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (61%), and reaching out to Iraq and Syria for help (57%).

Online Activities and Pursuits: Podcast Downloading    Wednesday, November 22, 2006
According to a Pew Internet Project poll conducted in August of 2006, some 12% of internet users say they have downloaded a podcast so they can listen to it or view it at a later time. This finding compares to the 7% of internet users who reported podcast downloading in a survey conducted just a few months earlier in 2006, from February to April.

To find out more, click here.

Americans' Plans for Holiday Shopping    Monday, November 20, 2006
For most Americans, the heart of the holiday shopping season still lies ahead. According to a Pew Social Trends survey, fewer than 3 in 10 (27%) adults have started their holiday shopping. Once they start flooding the stores, more than half of all adults (56%) say they'll be working within a holiday shopping budget.

To view more from this survey, click here.

The Internet as a Resource for News and Information about Science    Monday, November 20, 2006
According to a poll by the Pew Internet Project, fully 87% of online users have at one time used the internet to carry out research on a scientific topic or concept and 40 million adults use the internet as their primary source of news and information about science.

To learn more, click here

Public Cheers Democratic Victory    Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Democrats' big win on Nov. 7 has gotten a highly favorable response from the public. Initial reactions to the Democratic victory are as positive as they were to the GOP's electoral sweep of Congress twelve years ago. Six-in-ten Americans say they are happy that the Democratic Party won control of Congress; in December 1994, roughly the same percentage (57%) expressed a positive opinion of the GOP's takeover.

To view more findings, click here.

ADB Deemed Effective, But Could Do Better, Survey Finds    Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The Asian Development Bank is viewed as effective and largely successful in its work, but there is room for improvement, according to the first ever independent ADB perceptions survey, conducted of more than 700 opinion leaders in 30 member countries. The survey found that the Manila-based multilateral development bank is acknowledged for its contribution to the development progress of the Asia and Pacific region. Many opinion leaders interviewed noted ADB's operational excellence particularly in infrastructure and regional cooperation and integration initiatives.

To view more of the findings, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Post-Election 2006    Saturday, November 11, 2006
After the Democratic takeover of Congress in Tuesday's elections, a Newsweek Poll shows President Bush's approval ratings falling to a new low. Just 31% of Americans now say they approve of the way George W. Bush is handling his job, while 63% disapprove. A Newsweek poll conducted in the final days of the midterm election campaign showed Bush's ratings at 35% approve/56% disapprove. The President is now more widely seen as a lame duck than he was before the election. Two-thirds (66%) of the public thinks Bush won't be able to get much done for the remainder of his second term, up from 56% in a mid-October poll.

Online Health Search 2006    Sunday, October 29, 2006
According to a survey by the Pew Internet Project, most internet users start at a search engine when looking for health information online. Very few check the source and date of the information they find.

To view more findings from this survey, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Controversial Political Ads    Saturday, October 28, 2006
With the battle for control of Congress moving toward the final week, a Newsweek poll shows some evidence of gains for George W. Bush and the Republicans. Bush approval is up a few points (37% vs. 35% last week and 33% three weeks ago), a larger number of Americans now say they are satisfied with the direction of the country (31% vs. 25% last week), and public opinion about the situation in Iraq is not quite as negative as it has been. The poll also asks a series of questions about recent ads for Republican and Democratic candidates running for the U.S. House and Senate; majorities of voters have seen these ads. Those aware of these ads are quite critical of them. Ads for Republican and Democratic candidates are about equally likely to be seen as too negative (63% and 61%, respectively) and misleading or distorted (65% and 63%). Less than a third (28%) of aware voters see the GOP ads and a third (32%) of aware voters see the Democratic ads as providing useful information.

Democrats Hold Lead in Competitive Districts    Thursday, October 26, 2006
With less than two weeks to go before the midterm elections, the Democrats not only continue to maintain a double-digit advantage nationally, but also lead by the same margin in the competitive districts that will determine which party controls the House of Representatives. Nationally, the Democrats hold a 49%-38% lead among registered voters, and a nearly identical 50%-39% lead among those voters most likely to cast ballots on Nov. 7.

To view the findings click here.

Health Care and the 2006 Elections    Monday, October 23, 2006
According to a poll, voters are increasingly worried about the rising costs of health care at a personal level, but the issue has not broken through as a voting priority in the upcoming Congressional elections.

To view the findings for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

Newsweek Poll: Priorities for a Democratic Congress    Saturday, October 21, 2006
As Election Day draws near and voters begin to focus more on the race for Congress, a Newsweek poll shows the Democrats maintaining their double-digit lead over the Republicans in the generic trial heat. Overall, 51% of registered voters say they would vote for the Democratic candidate in their Congressional district if the election were held today, while 37% would vote for the Republican. In six Newsweek polls conducted over the course of 2006, the size of the Democratic lead has been remarkably consistent, ranging from 11 to 14 points.

Election Turnout May Be Higher Than Normal    Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Turnout in the 2006 midterm election may well be higher than normal, given the level of interest expressed by voters. In a poll conducted between September 21 and October 4, 2006, 51% of voters say they have given a lot of thought to this November's election, up from 45% at this point in 2002 and 42% in early October of 1998. Even in 1994 - a recent high in midterm election turnout - just 44% of voters had thought a lot about the election in early October.

To view the findings, click here.

Newsweek Poll: The Foley Fiasco    Saturday, October 07, 2006
The image of the Republican Party has suffered some fallout in the aftermath of the Mark Foley scandal, according to a Newsweek Poll. When presented with a list of eight key issues - including such issues as terrorism, immigration, and moral values where the GOP has typically had an edge - the public now trusts the Democrats more to handle every issue on the list. President Bush's approval rating is at a record low (33% approve/59% disapprove), and only 25% of Americans say they are satisfied with the direction of the country.

By a margin of 52% to 24%, the public is inclined to believe that House Speaker Dennis Hastert was aware of Foley's inappropriate conduct involving sexually graphic emails and tried to cover it up. However, the public is closely divided (43% yes vs. 36% no) on whether Hastert should have to step down as House Speaker due to the way he has handled this matter. The poll suggests the Democrats need to be careful in their response to the Foley scandal. Asked if the Democrats were going too far in trying to use the Foley matter for partisan advantage, 37% say they are, 43% say they are not, and 20% are not sure.

Iraq Central Issue of Midterm Elections    Thursday, October 05, 2006
A survey shows there is more dismay about how the U.S. military effort in Iraq is going than at any point since the war began more than three years ago. And the war is the dominant concern among the majority of voters who say they will be thinking about national issues, rather than local issues, when they cast their ballot for Congress this fall.

To view the results from this survey click here.

Spirit and Power: A 10-Country Survey of Pentecostals    Thursday, October 05, 2006
By all accounts, Pentecostalism and related charismatic movements represent one of the fastest-growing segments of global Christianity. According to the World Christian Database, at least a quarter of the world's 2 billion Christians are thought to be members of these lively, highly personal faiths, which emphasize such spiritually renewing "gifts of the Holy Spirit" as speaking in tongues, divine healing and prophesying. .

To view more of this survey, click here.

Americans Trust Courts but also Believe them Biased, Surveys Find    Thursday, September 28, 2006
Many Americans Lack Basic Understanding of the Judiciary

Americans consistently rank the Supreme Court as the most trusted branch of government and hold a similar level of trust in state courts. But many also believe that the nation's courts favor the wealthy and politically connected, that judges are motivated by political and personal biases, and are influenced by campaign fundraising.

To read the full release, click here.

To read a survey summary, click here.

Internet Revolution: The future of the Internet II    Sunday, September 24, 2006
A survey of technology thinkers and stakeholders shows they believe the internet will continue to spread in a "flattening" and improving world. There are many, though, who think major problems will accompany technology advances by 2020.

To read the full report, click here.

Publics of Asian Powers Hold Negative Views of One Another    Thursday, September 21, 2006
There is a good deal of dislike, if not outright hostility, in how the publics of major Asian countries view their neighbors. The deepest divides exist between traditional rivals - roughly seven-in-ten Japanese express an unfavorable view of China and an equal number of Chinese dislike Japan. Similarly, most Indians have an unfavorable view of Pakistan and most Pakistanis hold negative views about India. But there are other divisions as well. Both the Chinese and Japanese express generally unfavorable views of Pakistan, while the Chinese tend to feel negatively toward India as well.

To view more, click here.

E-Gov & E-Policy    Wednesday, September 20, 2006
26 million Americans were logging onto for news or information about the campaign on a typical day in August, the highest such figure recorded by the Pew Internet Project.

On a typical day in August, 26 million Americans were using the internet for news or information about politics and the upcoming mid-term elections. That corresponds to 19% of adult internet users, or 13% of all Americans over the age of 18.

To read the full report, click here.

Constitution Day: For Many Americans, It's Time for the Basics    Thursday, September 14, 2006
In observance of Constitution Day this year, millions of American students will interrupt their regular studies to learn more about the most important document in U.S. history.

Millions of American adults should be sitting right alongside them.

To view the press release, click here.

Crime and Punishment: Public Attitudes Toward Sentencing    Thursday, September 14, 2006
The climate of public opinion toward crime and punishment in this country has changed considerably over the past decade. As the national crime rate has declined, crime is less likely to be in the forefront of people's minds. A frequent polling topic 10 years ago, surveys about crime get much less attention today. A survey conducted by PSRAI for the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) examines the American public's views toward sentencing and related issues in an objective manner.

To read the executive summary, click here.
To read the full report, click here.

Strong Anti-Incumbent, Anti-Bush Sentiment    Thursday, September 14, 2006
As the congressional midterm campaign begins in earnest, voters are disappointed with Congress and disapproving of President Bush. Anti-incumbent sentiment, while a bit lower than a few months ago, is far more extensive than in the previous two midterms and remains close to 1994 levels. Many more voters see their vote as being against the president than at a comparable point in 1994, and a solid majority says party control of Congress will be a factor in their voting decision.

To view the results from this survey click here.

Pharmacists and Physicians See Real Benefits from Medicare Drug Law, But Most Think It Is Too Complicated     Thursday, September 07, 2006
Majorities of pharmacists (86%) and physicians (71%) believe the prescription drug law is helping people on Medicare save money on their medications. At the same time, pharmacists (91%) and doctors (92%) believe the law is too complicated. A majority in both professions say that Medicare beneficiaries who they see are encountering problems in getting their medications, sometimes with serious consequences.

To view the findings from two national surveys conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, click here.

Diminished Public Appetite for Military Force and Mideast Oil    Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Five years later, Americans' views of the impact of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have changed little, but opinions about how best to protect against future attacks have shifted substantially. In particular, far more Americans say reducing America's overseas military presence, rather than expanding it, will have a greater effect in reducing the threat of terrorism.

To view the results from this survey click here.

Only 53%-58% of Americans Say President Must Follow a Supreme Court Ruling    Thursday, August 31, 2006
Only 53%-58% of Americans say the president must follow a Supreme Court ruling, and a large minority (38%) says the president can ignore the Supreme Court under some conditions, according to a survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center. The survey also shows that fully three-fourths reject presidential signing statements as a replacement for veto.

To read the full release, click here.

American Work Life is Worsening, But Most Workers Still Content    Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Americans believe that workers in this country are worse off now than a generation ago - toiling longer and harder for less in wages and benefits, for employers who aren't as loyal as they once were, in jobs that aren't as secure, and in a global economy that might very well send their work overseas.

Yet the public has generally taken in stride this perceived fraying of the social safety net at work, according to a Pew Research Center nationwide survey. Most people still have positive feelings about their own jobs, and even though many are troubled by the way the forces of modernization and globalization are affecting the American workplace, the level of public concern today is not substantially greater than it had been a decade or two ago.

To read the full report, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Split Remains    Saturday, August 26, 2006
A possibly revolutionary innovation in stem-cell research hasn't changed American opinions on the topic. Meanwhile, Bush's approval rating dips to 36 percent.

The announcement this week sounded momentous. Scientists said they had developed a new method of generating stem cells that, unlike previous techniques, wouldn't destroy human embryos. If the innovation stands up to scrutiny, it could eliminate the main rationale for objecting to such research. So in the wake of the news, you might think public opinion on the issue would shift. Not so. According to the Newsweek Poll, 48 percent of respondents favor federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research, while 40 percent oppose it. That's little different from the results of an October 2004 poll, taken in the heat of a presidential campaign, which found that 50 percent of registered voters favored the research and 36 percent opposed it.

Newsweek Poll: The Ripple Effect    Saturday, August 12, 2006
The foiled airline plot boosts President Bush's terror ratings, but this Newsweek Poll finds a lot for Democrats to cheer as the midterm elections approach.

Even after British officials revealed a terrorist plot to blow up as many as 10 jetliners traveling from the U.K. to the United States, using ordinary-looking liquid explosives smuggled into airplane cabins, a majority of Americans still aren't willing to part with their carry-ons.

So says this Newsweek Poll. Fifty-four percent of respondents oppose prohibiting all carry-on baggage "to better prevent terrorists from putting a bomb on a plane," according to the poll, conducted Thursday and Friday nights. Only 26 percent say they "definitely favor" such a move, and 18 percent say they would "probably favor" it.

Hispanic and African-American Adults Are Uninsured at Rates One-and-a Half to Three Times Higher Than White Adults    Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Hispanic and African-American working-age adults in the U.S. are at greater risk of experiencing gaps in insurance coverage, lacking access to health care, and facing medical debt than white working-age adults, according to a new report from The Commonwealth Fund. Sixty-two percent of Hispanic adults ages 19 to 64 - an estimated 15 million adults -were uninsured at some point during the year, a rate more than three times as high as than for white working-age adults (20%). Uninsured rates for working-age African-American adults are also high, with one-third (33%) - more than 6 million adults - uninsured or experiencing a gap in coverage during the year.

To view more click here.

Online Papers Modestly Boost Newspaper Readership    Sunday, July 30, 2006
A decade ago, just one-in-fifty Americans got the news with some regularity from the internet. Today, nearly one-in-three regularly get news online. But the growth of the online news audience has slowed considerably since 2000, particularly among the very young. For the most part, online news has evolved as a supplemental source that is used along with traditional news media outlets. It is valued most for headlines and convenience, not detailed, in-depth reporting.

To view the results from this survey click here.

Most Seniors Enrolled In Medicare Drug Plans Satisfied With Their Plans    Thursday, July 27, 2006
More than eight in 10 seniors who are enrolled in a Medicare drug plan are satisfied with their plan, although almost two in 10 say they encountered a major problem in using it, according to a survey of seniors' experiences under the new Medicare drug benefit.

To view the findings for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

Bloggers: A Portrait of the Internet's New Storytellers    Wednesday, July 19, 2006
The ease and appeal of blogging is inspiring a new group of writers and creators to share their voices with the world.

A national phone survey of bloggers finds that most are focused on describing their personal experiences to a relatively small audience of readers and that only a small proportion focus their coverage on politics, media, government, or technology. Blogs, the survey finds, are as individual as the people who keep them. However, most bloggers are primarily interested in creative, personal expression -- documenting individual experiences, sharing practical knowledge, or just keeping in touch with friends and family.

Click here to learn more.

Muslims in Europe: Economic Worries Top Concerns About Religious and Cultural Identity    Thursday, July 06, 2006
Muslims in Europe worry about their future, but their concern is more economic than religious or cultural. And while there are some signs of tension between Europe's majority populations and its Muslim minorities, Muslims there do not generally believe that most Europeans are hostile toward people of their faith. Still, over a third of Muslims in France and one-in-four in Spain say they have had a bad experience as a result of their religion or ethnicity.

To view more, click here.

Democrats More Eager to Vote, But Unhappy with Party    Tuesday, June 27, 2006
With less than five months to go before Election Day, Democrats hold distinct advantages in the midterm campaign that they have not enjoyed for some time. Voters continue to say they favor the Democratic candidate in their district, by a 51% to 39% margin. And the level of enthusiasm about voting among Democrats is unusually high, and is atypically low among Republicans. In fact, Democrats now hold a voter enthusiasm advantage that is the mirror image of the GOP's edge in voter zeal leading up to the 1994 midterm election.

To view the findings click here.

The Great Divide: How Westerners and Muslims View Each Other    Thursday, June 22, 2006
After a year marked by riots over cartoon portrayals of Muhammad, a major terrorist attack in London, and continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, most Muslims and Westerners are convinced that relations between them are generally bad these days. Many in the West see Muslims as fanatical, violent, and as lacking tolerance. Meanwhile, Muslims in the Middle East and Asia generally see Westerners as selfish, immoral and greedy - as well as violent and fanatical. However, both Westerners and Muslims believe that Muslim nations should be more economically prosperous than they are today.

To view more click here.

Iraq Views Improve After Zarqawi's Death    Tuesday, June 20, 2006
A study from the Pew Research Center finds Americans are now more positive about the way things are going in Iraq than in the past few months, following the killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and President Bush's brief visit to the country. Optimism about the U.S. achieving its goals in Iraq, which sagged in the spring, has rebounded. But this has resulted in only a slight boost in the president's overall approval ratings, and last week's congressional debate failed to engage the public or improve the GOP's standing on the issue.

To view the results from this survey click here.

Online Banking 2006: Surfing to the Bank    Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Online banking is holding steady as a mainstream internet activity, growing along with internet use generally, though not accelerating as have some other forms of online activities. Fully 43% of internet users, or about 63 million American adults, bank online.

Click here to learn more.

America's Image Slips, But Allies Share U.S. Concerns Over Iran, Hamas    Tuesday, June 13, 2006
America's global image has again slipped and support for the war on terrorism has declined even among close U.S. allies like Japan. Though a year ago, anti-Americanism had shown some signs of abating, favorable opinions of the United States have fallen in most of the 15 countries surveyed. Yet the survey shows that Americans and the publics of major U.S. allies share common concerns, not only over the possible nuclear threat posed by Iran, but also over the recent victory by the Hamas Party in Palestinian elections.

To view more click here.

Home Broadband Adoption 2006    Sunday, May 28, 2006
Adoption of high-speed internet at home grew twice as fast in the year prior to March 2006 than in the same time frame from 2004 to 2005. Middle-income Americans accounted for much of the increase, along with African Americans and new internet users coming online with broadband at home. At the end of March 2006, 42% of Americans had high-speed at home, up from 30% in March 2005, or a 40% increase. And 48 million Americans -- mostly those with high-speed at home -- have posted content to the internet.

To read the full report, click here.

Grief Issues Still Interfere With the Lives of Many 9/11 Survivors    Friday, May 26, 2006
Nearly five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, a survey of 1,500 adults directly affected by the attacks - including the families who lost loved ones and people who were seriously injured - found that although people are making progress in dealing with the emotional issues related to 9/11, grief is still a factor in their lives. Two-thirds (66%) of the 431 respondents who received mental health treatment said that grief issues still interfere to a large or moderate extent with their lives. Overall, 43 percent of respondents believe that they need additional services of some kind to help them or their families with their continuing recovery.

Study Shows How Kids' Media Use Helps Parents Cope    Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Electronic media is a central focus of many very young children's lives, used by parents to help manage busy schedules, keep the peace, and facilitate family routines such as eating, relaxing, and falling asleep, according to a national study by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Many parents also express satisfaction with the educational benefits of TV and how it can teach positive behaviors. The report, The Media Family: Electronic Media in the Lives of Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Their Parents, is based on a national survey of 1,051 parents with children age 6 months to 6 years old and a series of focus groups across the country.

To read the full News Release, click here.

Gambling: As the Take Rises, So Does Public Concern    Tuesday, May 23, 2006
A study from the Pew Research Center finds a modest backlash in attitudes toward legalized gambling has taken hold among an American public that spends more money on more forms of legal gambling now than at any time in the nation's history.

To view the results from this survey click here.

How Prepared Are We, New York?    Monday, May 22, 2006
The results of a New York City-wide survey indicates that while most New York residents have taken important preparedness actions, there is still more work to be done. Of the households surveyed, 17-percent report that they are much more prepared than this time last year, 22-percent are somewhat more prepared, and 52-percent are about as well prepared. Only seven percent have become less prepared over the past year. Still, many have not taken tangible steps to prepare for emergencies. A majority claim to have preparedness plans, though nearly seven in ten households with plans report having never tested them. Half of respondents say they have put together emergency supply kits, but most of these kits are incomplete. Fortunately, many would like to become better prepared by receiving more preparedness information and training. The report concludes with recommendations on how to build on existing preparedness efforts, based on NewYorkers' preferred methods of receiving preparedness information and training.

To read the full report, click here.

To read Press Release, click here.

To read Report/Findings cited in the NY Times, click here.

Increasingly, Americans Prefer Watching Movies At Home    Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Three-quarters of all adults say they would prefer watching movies at home rather than in a theater, according to a Pew Research Center survey, up from 67% in 1994. The survey finds that more than seven-in-ten adults (71%) watch at least one movie a week, but the great bulk of this viewing occurs at home rather than in a theater.

Click here to view more results from this survey.

Newsweek Poll: Americans Wary of NSA Spying    Saturday, May 13, 2006
Has the Bush administration gone too far in expanding the powers of the President to fight terrorism? Yes, say a majority of Americans, following this week's revelation that the National Security Agency has been secretly collecting the phone records of U.S. citizens since the September 11 terrorist attacks. According to this Newsweek poll, 53 percent of Americans think the NSA's surveillance program "goes too far in invading people's privacy," while 41 percent see it as a necessary tool to combat terrorism.

National Survey on HIV/AIDS Finds Increased Support for U.S. Leadership to Fight the Epidemic Abroad and at Home    Monday, May 08, 2006
A survey finds that Americans increasingly believe the U.S. should be a global leader on HIV/AIDS, including spending more money to fight the epidemic abroad and at home, despite an American characteristic distaste for foreign aid and a growing budget deficit. Six in ten Americans agree that the U.S. is a global leader and has a responsibility to help fight HIV/AIDS in developing countries -- up from 44% in 2002.

To view results for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

Gaps in Health Insurance: An All-American Problem    Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Gaps in health insurance coverage - a problem that has long afflicted lower-income U.S. families - is increasingly becoming an all-American problem. Findings from the Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey show that, while lack of insurance continues to be highest among families with incomes under $20,000, uninsured rates for moderate- and middle-income earners and their families are rising, putting their health and financial security at risk. The survey finds that most of these individuals reside in working families: Of the estimated 48 million American adults who spent any time uninsured in the past year, 67 percent were in families where at least one person was working full time. In addition, survey respondents were asked about problems with medical bills and accrued medical debt; difficulties in accessing needed health care; problems managing chronic conditions; utilization of routine preventive care, like mammograms and colonoscopies; and coordination and efficiency of care.

To read the full report, click here.

Most Seniors Enrolled in Medicare Drug Plans Are Getting Drugs without Problems    Tuesday, April 25, 2006
A national poll finds that most seniors enrolled in a Medicare drug plan are satisfied with their plan and are not having trouble getting the drugs they need. Most seniors enrolled in plans reported filling at least one prescription, and the vast majority of them -- more than 8 in 10 -- reported no problems getting their prescriptions filled. But still, nearly 2 in 10 did report a problem getting their drugs. Future surveys will probe in greater depth the nature of the problems seniors experience filling their prescriptions.

To view the selected findings for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

2006 Governor's Race Up For Grabs; Voters Say Issues Will Be Important    Friday, March 31, 2006
An IssuesPA/Pew poll shows one-third of Pennsylvania voters are not committed to voting for either candidate in the 2006 gubernatorial election. Three-in-ten (29 percent) said they were likely to vote for Governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat, and 35 percent likely to vote for presumptive Republican nominee Lynn Swann. Thirty-four percent of voters are categorized as swing voters who are open to voting for either candidate. According to 43 percent of voters, the candidates' positions on issues will be the key factor in determining who will recieve their vote.

Click here to view more details from the poll, conducted by PSRAI among 1,504 Pennsylvania adults statewide March 14-March 22.

For many home broadband users, the internet is a primary news source    Wednesday, March 22, 2006
By the end of 2005, 50 million Americans got news online on a typical day, a sizable increase since 2002. Much of that growth has been fueled by the rise in home broadband connections over the last four years. For a group of "high-powered" online users - early adopters of home broadband who are the heaviest internet users - the internet is their primary news source on the average day.

To read the full report, click here.

Newsweek Poll: President Bush's Numbers Dropping to New Lows    Saturday, March 18, 2006
George W. Bush's approval rating now stands at 36% in the NEWSWEEK poll, matching the low point is his presidency recorded last November. While President Bush could once count on his image as an effective leader in the war on terrorism to keep his ratings up, that is no longer the case. Today, fewer than half (44%) the public approves of the way he is dealing with terrorism and homeland security. Approval of his handling of the situation in Iraq has also sunk to 29%.

For details, read about this Newsweek Poll conducted by PSRAI. This poll also includes questions on Sigmund Freud's "talking cure", and whether people's dreams reflect their unconscious desires.

To view more, click here.

Newsweek Poll: President Bush's Numbers Dropping to New Lows    Saturday, March 18, 2006
George W. Bush's approval rating now stands at 36% in the NEWSWEEK poll, matching the low point is his presidency recorded last November. While President Bush could once count on his image as an effective leader in the war on terrorism to keep his ratings up, that is no longer the case. Today, fewer than half (44%) the public approves of the way he is dealing with terrorism and homeland security. Approval of his handling of the situation in Iraq has also sunk to 29%.

For details, read about this Newsweek Poll conducted by PSRAI. This poll also includes questions on Sigmund Freud's "talking cure", and whether people's dreams reflect their unconscious desires.

To view more, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Gonzales Has Weak Support    Friday, March 17, 2006
Public opinion is divided on whether Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez should resign after reports of the possible White House involvement in the firings of eight federal prosecutors last year, according to a Newsweek poll. While roughly a third (35%) of Americans want Gonzalez to step down, a similar number want him to stay on (32%), and another third (33%) are undecided. This poll also asked how the issue of marriage and divorce might affect the 2008 presidential race. The poll finds that Americans generally and Evangelical Republicans specifically take a decidedly realistic and nuanced view of marriage and divorce. People are willing to give divorced candidates quite a bit of leeway, but many admit that a candidate's current and past marital relationships do influence their chances of winning their support.

Bush Approval Falls, Congress Gets Praise on Ports Deal    Wednesday, March 15, 2006
In the aftermath of the Dubai ports deal, President Bush's approval rating has hit a new low of 33%, and his image for honesty and effectiveness has been damaged. Yet the public uncharacteristically has good things to say about the role that Congress played in this high-profile Washington controversy.

To view the findings, please click here.

A report in PDF format is also available here.

Bush Approval Falls, Congress Gets Praise on Ports Deal    Wednesday, March 15, 2006
In the aftermath of the Dubai ports deal, President Bush's approval rating has hit a new low of 33%, and his image for honesty and effectiveness has been damaged. Yet the public uncharacteristically has good things to say about the role that Congress played in this high-profile Washington controversy.

To view the findings, please click here.

A report in PDF format is also available here.

Online Dating    Sunday, March 05, 2006
There is now relatively broad public contact with the online dating world. Yet, dating sites are just one of many online avenues that facilitate romantic connections.

To read the full report, click here.

Home Broadband Adoption in Rural America    Sunday, February 26, 2006
Rural Americans are less likely to log on to the internet at home with high-speed internet connections than people living in other parts of the country. By the end of 2005, 24% of adult rural Americans went online at home with high-speed internet connections compared with 39% of adults in urban and suburban areas.

Click here to learn more.

Survey Gauges American's Impression of New Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit    Friday, February 17, 2006
Thirty percent of Americans say they understand the new Medicare prescription drug benefit very well or somewhat well. However, seven in ten (68%) say they do not understand the new benefit. Just 28 percent have a favorable impression of the prescription drug benefit, while 61 percent have either an unfavorable impression or a neutral opinion.

To view the topline results for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

Are Parents and Students Ready for More Math and Science?    Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The first of a series of Reality Check reports finds that while parents generally support proposals to make high schools globally competitive, parents start from a different mindset than leaders. In fact, parents' concern about math and science achievement has actually declined since the mid-1990s. Most parents also say the material their children are learning is more challenging than the lessons they had to learn in school.

To read the full report, conducted by PSRAI for Public Agenda, click here.

Most Americans Not Aware of Health Savings Accounts    Wednesday, February 15, 2006
A new national survey looks at what the public has taken away from President Bush's State of the Union address in terms of health care. Forty-one percent of people say they watched or listened to the speech, and almost half say the President's emphasis on health care costs in the health segment of the speech came through to them. But seven in ten (71%) people say they have not heard of the term "health savings account" or don't know what it means, despite news coverage before and after the speech about proposals for expanding their use.

To view the topline results for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

Surfing for Fun    Wednesday, February 15, 2006
More Americans are turning to the internet as a place to hang out.

Nearly a third of internet users go online on a typical day for no particular reason, just for fun or to pass the time.

Two-thirds of all internet users have tried surfing the Web just to pass the time, according to a survey we conducted in December 2005. Some 40 million people said they were surfing for fun on a typical day during the month. This number is up from 25 million people who were browsing for no particular reason in November 2004, the most recent time when this question was asked by the Pew Internet Project.

Click here to learn more.

The Strength of Internet Ties    Wednesday, January 25, 2006
The internet helps maintain people's social networks, and connects them to members of their social network when they need help. 60 million Americans have turned to the internet for help with major life decisions.

Click here to learn more.

Generations Online    Sunday, January 22, 2006
Internet users ages 12 to 28 years old have embraced the online applications that enable communicative, creative, and social uses. Older users are more likely to engage in online activities that require some capital: travel reservations and online banking. Tables comparing how different generations' use the internet are included in this data memo.

To read the full report, click here.

Americans Taking Abramoff, Alito and Domestic Spying in Stride    Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Just 18% are paying very close attention to news reports about disgraced Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff's admission that he bribed members of Congress. As many as 81% of Americans say that lobbyists bribing lawmakers is common behavior in Congress. But the survey finds little political fallout so far from these disclosures.

Click here to view the findings. A report in PDF format is also available here.

Americans Taking Abramoff, Alito and Domestic Spying in Stride    Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Just 18% are paying very close attention to news reports about disgraced Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff's admission that he bribed members of Congress. As many as 81% of Americans say that lobbyists bribing lawmakers is common behavior in Congress. But the survey finds little political fallout so far from these disclosures.

Click here to view the findings. A report in PDF format is also available here.

Strong Public Support for Right to Die    Thursday, January 05, 2006
A new Pew Research Center poll about end-of-life issues finds overwhelming support (84%) for laws giving patients the right to decide whether they want to be kept alive through medical treatment. And by a 70% to 22% margin, the public says there are circumstances when patients should be allowed to die rather than doing everything medically possible to save a patient.

To view the findings, please click here. A report in PDF format is also available here.

Strong Public Support for Right to Die    Thursday, January 05, 2006
A new Pew Research Center poll about end-of-life issues finds overwhelming support (84%) for laws giving patients the right to decide whether they want to be kept alive through medical treatment. And by a 70% to 22% margin, the public says there are circumstances when patients should be allowed to die rather than doing everything medically possible to save a patient.

To view the findings, please click here. A report in PDF format is also available here.

How Women and Men Use the Internet    Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Women are catching up to men in most measures of online life. Men like the internet for the experiences it offers, while women like it for the human connections it promotes.

To read the full report, click here.

How Women and Men Use the Internet    Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Women are catching up to men in most measures of online life. Men like the internet for the experiences it offers, while women like it for the human connections it promotes.

To read the full report, click here.

Baby Boomers Approach 60    Thursday, December 08, 2005
As the oldest of the nation's 75 million baby boomers approach the age of 60, a major new Pew Research Center survey finds many are looking ahead to their own retirement while balancing a full plate of family responsibilities - either raising minor children or providing financial or other forms of support to adult children or aging parents. Detailed information, including the full report "From the Age of Aquarius to the Age of Responsibility" is available here.

Baby Boomers Approach 60    Thursday, December 08, 2005
As the oldest of the nation's 75 million baby boomers approach the age of 60, a major new Pew Research Center survey finds many are looking ahead to their own retirement while balancing a full plate of family responsibilities - either raising minor children or providing financial or other forms of support to adult children or aging parents. Detailed information, including the full report "From the Age of Aquarius to the Age of Responsibility" is available here.

Pennsylvanians Less Pleased with Direction of State, Property Taxes    Thursday, December 08, 2005
The 2005 IssuesPA/Pew benchmark poll shows a continuing downward trend in Pennsylvanians' satisfaction with the direction of their state over the past year. Only 44% of those surveyed describe themselves as satisfied, compared to 50% a year ago. Citizens' declining faith in the state's leadership and uneasiness with taxes highlighted concerns, although other economic insecurity issues such as their ability to afford health care, finance retirement and pay energy costs were also mentioned.

To read about this poll, conducted by PSRAI, click here.

Massachusetts Baby Boomers Redefining Retirement    Friday, December 02, 2005
Baby boomers in Massachusetts are planning to delay retirement and continue working even after they retire, according to a new poll conducted by PSRAI for MassINC, an independent, non-partisan organization working to improve life in Massachusetts. The survey explored issues surrounding a generation in transition, including their expectations for work, retirement, housing, family responsibilities, personal health, and civic life. The survey is based on 1,000 interviews with Massachusetts adults ages 40 to 58, conducted between June 23-July 23, 2005.

To view the report, please click here.

To view the survey results, please click here.

Massachusetts Baby Boomers Redefining Retirement    Friday, December 02, 2005
Baby boomers in Massachusetts are planning to delay retirement and continue working even after they retire, according to a new poll conducted by PSRAI for MassINC, an independent, non-partisan organization working to improve life in Massachusetts. The survey explored issues surrounding a generation in transition, including their expectations for work, retirement, housing, family responsibilities, personal health, and civic life. The survey is based on 1,000 interviews with Massachusetts adults ages 40 to 58, conducted between June 23-July 23, 2005.

To view the report, please click here.

To view the survey results, please click here.

Americans Concerned About HIV/AIDS Despite Progress    Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Four in ten Americans feel the U.S. is making progress in dealing with the problem of HIV/AIDS today, while one quarter say the problem is about the same as it has been in the past. However, another quarter feel the country is losing ground in this area.

To view the topline results for this poll, conducted by PSRAI for The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, please click here.

About 25 million people have used the internet to sell something    Sunday, November 27, 2005
Some 17% of online American adults have used the internet to sell things. That amounts to approximately 25 million Americans. In addition, internet traffic data show that visits to classified ad web sites has grown 80% in the past year. Almost everything imaginable is currently for sale or has been for sale by individuals on various auction or classified ad sites. Tangible items like pink plastic Christmas trees, collectible coins, wedding dresses, automobiles, books, or CDs share web space with a myriad of intangibles including virtual weaponry and characters from online games (sold for real money) and services including everything from finding a French tutor, a personal trainer or someone to clean your aquarium. Demographically, online sellers have an "early adopter" profile and they are relatively intense users of the internet.

To read the full report, click here.

13 million Americans made donations online after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita    Thursday, November 24, 2005
In the aftermath of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes, 13 million Americans made donations to relief efforts online and 7 million set up their own hurricane relief efforts using the internet. In addition to using the internet to respond directly to the crisis, 50% of online users sought out news and information online.

To read the full report, click here.

Foreign Policy Views of Opinion Leaders and Public Turn Cautious    Monday, November 21, 2005
A quadrennial poll on foreign policy issues finds both the public and U.S. opinion leaders taking a decidedly cautious view of America's place in the world, reflecting concerns about the war abroad and growing problems at home. The survey, a collaborative effort between the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and the Council on Foreign Relations, finds a revival of isolationist sentiment among the general public, and a decline in support from opinion leaders for the United States playing a "first among equals" role among the world's leading nations.

The findings of the America's Place in the World 2005 Survey are based on interviews conducted between September 5-October 31, 2005. To read more about it, click here.

Foreign Policy Views of Opinion Leaders and Public Turn Cautious    Monday, November 21, 2005
A quadrennial poll on foreign policy issues finds both the public and U.S. opinion leaders taking a decidedly cautious view of America's place in the world, reflecting concerns about the war abroad and growing problems at home. The survey, a collaborative effort between the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and the Council on Foreign Relations, finds a revival of isolationist sentiment among the general public, and a decline in support from opinion leaders for the United States playing a "first among equals" role among the world's leading nations.

The findings of the America's Place in the World 2005 Survey are based on interviews conducted between September 5-October 31, 2005. To read more about it, click here.

Search engine use shoots up in the past year and edges towards email as the primary internet application    Sunday, November 20, 2005
Washington -- Search engines have become an increasingly important part of the online experience of American internet users. These findings from Pew Internet & American Life tracking surveys and consumer behavior trends from the comScore Media Metrix consumer panel show that about 60 million American adults are using search engines on a typical day.

To read the full report, click here.

Search engine use shoots up in the past year and edges towards email as the primary internet application    Sunday, November 20, 2005
Washington -- Search engines have become an increasingly important part of the online experience of American internet users. These findings from Pew Internet & American Life tracking surveys and consumer behavior trends from the comScore Media Metrix consumer panel show that about 60 million American adults are using search engines on a typical day.

To read the full report, click here.

Storms Had Little Impact on Readiness, Study Finds    Friday, November 18, 2005
Most Americans are no better prepared for a disaster than they were before hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Gulf Coast and are generally unaware of local response plans for disasters, according to a study by New York University.

Most Americans No Better Prepared For Disasters After Katrina, Poll Shows    Thursday, November 17, 2005
A majority of Americans say they are no better prepared for a disaster than they were before Hurricane Katrina and have less confidence in their government to protect them. Yet most people will keep relying on state and local officials in the immediate aftermath of a terrorist attack or natural disaster, according to two polls and an accompanying analysis by New York University's Center for Catastrophe Preparedness and Response. The research was obtained Thursday by The Associated Press...

Newsweek Poll: Serious Trouble for President Bush    Monday, November 14, 2005
George W. Bush's approval rating has fallen to 36 percent in the aftermath of the Scooter Libby indictment and the withdrawal of the Harriet Miers Supreme Court nomination. Two-thirds (68%) of Americans are unhappy with the direction of the country - the highest level of public dissatisfaction seen in a decade. Just a year after winning re-election, President Bush is now regarded as "honest and ethical" by less than half of the public (42%).

For details, read about the Newsweek Poll conducted by PSRAI.

Teen Content Creators and Consumers    Wednesday, November 02, 2005
American teenagers today are utilizing the interactive capabilities of the internet as they create and share their own media creations. Fully half of all teens and 57% of teens who use the internet could be considered Content Creators. They have created a blog or webpage, posted original artwork, photography, stories or videos online or remixed online content into their own new creations.

To read the full report, click here.

Leap of Faith: Using the Internet Despite the Dangers    Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Web users are demanding more of Web sites while becoming less trustful of them. They are adjusting their behavior in response to what they see as real threats online. In fact, almost a third say they are cutting back their Web use, according to a survey of Internet users by Consumer Reports WebWatch.

For the full report, click here.

Public Sours on Government AND Business    Tuesday, October 25, 2005
The public's ratings of the federal government and Congress have dropped sharply in the past year. But public discontent with the state of the nation is not reserved for Washington institutions alone. Favorable opinions of business corporations are at their lowest point in two decades, according to a national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press.

For more details, click here.

How to Bridge America's Economic Divides Post-Katrina    Tuesday, October 18, 2005
The survey indicates that even after Katrina, Americans across income levels share many of the same hopes and aspirations for the future. However, most Americans agree that the gap between the rich and poor is very big. The majority of respondents supported a broad range of measures to help with poverty, such as increased wages, health insurance, education, job training and tax credits. Among the top reasons cited for poverty are low minimum wage, benefit cuts, too many part-time jobs and jobs being exported to other countries.

Pennsylvanians Losing Confidence in State Government    Thursday, October 13, 2005
After voting themselves a pay raise this past summer, Pennsylvania state legislators are viewed less favorably by state residents. At least for now, Governor Ed Rendell has managed to avoid the pay raise fallout.

To read more about this IssuesPA/Pew Poll conducted by PSRAI, click here.

Newsweek Poll: Bush Approval Slide Stopped    Monday, October 03, 2005
George W. Bush's approval rating is up a few points from the record low recorded in early September, despite the indictment of House Speaker Tom Delay. Americans believe the President has done a better job responding to Hurricane Rita and her aftermath than he after Katrina.

For details, read about this in a Newsweek Poll conducted by PSRAI.

Newsweek Poll: President's Image Also Suffers Hurricane Damage    Monday, September 12, 2005
George W. Bush's popularity and approval ratings have dropped across the board in Katrina's wake, according to a Newsweek Poll conducted by PSRAI.

Two-In-Three Critical Of Bush's Hurricane Relief Work    Thursday, September 08, 2005
The American public is highly critical of President Bush's handling of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. And there is a huge racial divide over Katrina and its consequences, according to a national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.

To read the full report, click here.

Religion: A Strength And Weakness For Both Parties     Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Both major political parties have a problem with their approach toward religion, in the eyes of many Americans, according to a national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

To learn more, click here

Teens Leading Transition to Mobile Nation    Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Today, American teens live in a world enveloped by communications technologies; the internet and cell phones have become a central force that fuels the rhythm of daily life, according to a Pew Internet and American Life survey.

Click here for more details.

Public Confident, Lawyers Not, that President Bush will Make Good Choice in Supreme Court Nomination     Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Nearly six in ten of Americans say that they are confident the President will make good choices in his nominations to replace Supreme Court justices, while six in ten lawyers do not have faith in Bush's ability to choose the best candidate for lifetime appointment in the highest court.

To read the release, click here.

Islamic Extremism: Common Concern for Muslims    Thursday, July 14, 2005
Concerns over Islamic extremism, extensive in the West even before this month's terrorist attacks in London, are shared to a considerable degree by the publics in several predominantly Muslim nations surveyed by the Pew Global Attitudes Project.

Click here to learn more.

Islamic Extremism: Common Concern for Muslims    Thursday, July 14, 2005
Concerns over Islamic extremism, extensive in the West even before this month's terrorist attacks in London, are shared to a considerable degree by the publics in several predominantly Muslim nations surveyed by the Pew Global Attitudes Project.

Click here to learn more.

Women and Health Care: A National Profile    Thursday, July 07, 2005
A new national survey of women on their health by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that a substantial percentage of women cannot afford to go to the doctor or get prescriptions filled. Although a majority of women are in good health and satisfied with their health care, many have health problems and do not get adequate levels of preventive care, according to the survey conducted by PSRAI.

For a detailed report, click here.

Spyware is changing the internet    Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Spyware and the threat of unwanted programs being secretly loaded onto computers are becoming serious threats online, according to a Pew Internet and American Life survey.

To find out more, click here.

U.S. Image Up Slightly, But Still Negative    Thursday, June 23, 2005
Anti-Americanism in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, which surged as a result of the U.S. war in Iraq, shows modest signs of abating. But the United States remains broadly disliked in most countries surveyed, and the opinion of the American people is not as positive as it once was, according to a 16-nation Pew Global Attitudes survey.

To view the detailed findings, click here.

Baby Boomers Want to Work and Help in Retirement    Thursday, June 16, 2005
A recent PSRAI poll for Civic Ventures finds that leading-edge Baby Boomers as well as Americans age 60 to 70 are ready now, and in retirement, to shift to jobs that give back to their communities

Click here to check out the New Face of Work.

One American in Four Considers Rush Limbaugh a Journalist    Monday, June 13, 2005
About as many Americans consider Rush Limbaugh, the conservative radio talk show star, to be a journalist as say the same of Bob Woodward, the Washington Post assistant managing editor who broke the Watergate story with Carl Bernstein, according to a national survey conducted for the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg Public Policy Center.

For the full press release, click here.

Party Identification and Election 2004    Monday, May 16, 2005
2005 AAPOR Conference Paper

2004 Presidential Approval Ratings in Perspective    Saturday, May 15, 2004
2004 AAPOR Conference Paper


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