News

Newly Licensed Registered Nurses Study 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

The 2009 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS 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.

Minnesota Poll: Boosts to economy get a thumbs up 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.

Minnesota Poll: Strong support for Obama as state's mood improves 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.

Faith in Flux: Changes in Religious Affiliation in the U.S. 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.

Obama at 100 Days 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.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll - April 2009 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.

Partisan Bickering Is Back, Says Public 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?

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

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 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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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: Obama's big lead solid at the stretch 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.

Minnesota Poll: Franken, Coleman are neck and neck 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.

Obama Leads McCain 52% to 46% in Campaign's Final Days 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 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

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 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 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 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 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

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 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.

Obama Boosts Leadership Image and Regains Lead Over McCain 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.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: Election 2008 -- September 2008 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.

Cell Phones and the 2008 Vote 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 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 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 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

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 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

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 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? 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 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 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 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 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

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 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?

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 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

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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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

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 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?

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 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 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 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

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 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 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.

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