With upcoming elections, the Pew Research Center has begun a series of nation-wide polls on matters of interest to the American People. The initial results of the polling are below. All polls have a margin of error of three percent. An issue marked with one asterisk is a low-priority issue for most Americans, two asterisks is a medium-priority issue, three asterisks is a high-priority issue.

Social Issues

*** Abortion remains a dividing issue in the country. In our latest polling, 24% of Americans supported abortion on demand, 37% supported abortion with some restrictions, 16% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 23% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

** Support for the death penalty remains high, with 72% of Americans in support.

** Support for stricter gun control is rising, with 59% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures.

** Most Americans continue to support the War on Drugs, with only 29% supporting looser enforcement.

* Some Americans believe that hate crime laws designed to fight race, gender, and religious-based crimes need to be enacted. 38% are currently in support.

** Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 41% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against.

** Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 61% of Americans in favor.

* Only 19% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana.

* Led by Tipper Gore and other Congressional wives, 44% of Americans support content controls on music and art.

* Led by Pat Buchanan and others, 41% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values.

** Only 39% of Americans believe that the gay lifestyle is valid.

*** 61% of Americans believe that AIDS is either result of a sinful lifestyle or an easily communicable disease.

** Americans are evenly split on the issue of prayer in school, with 50% for, 50% against.

* However, 62% of Americans want some sort of school reform, such as charter schools or school vouchers.

** 72% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising.

* 48% of Americans support large scale urban projects.

Economic Issues

* Support for drilling in the Arctic has dropped significantly since the Exxon Valdez spill. Only 29% of Americans support drilling, although those numbers are much higher in Alaska.

*** Only 29% of Americans support raising taxes.

*** 62% of those polled want to cut the deficit.

* 53% of Americans support some sort of Family and Medical Leave Act.

** 59% of Americans want some sort of health care reform.

* Only 38% of Americans want an expansion of nuclear power, many citing to the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents.

** A full 81% of Americans want a Balanced Budget Amendment.

* Americans are split on whether China should continue to enjoy the Most Favored Nation status, with 48% for, 52% against.

** 69% of Americans believe the Japanese are conducting unfair trade with the United States.

* 51% of Americans say that unions are a positive influence on the economy.

** 77% of Americans support an increase in the minimum wage.

*** 81% of Americans believe unemployment rates are too high.

Political Issues

*** Term limits enjoy broad support, with 31% of Americans support a two term limit, 32% supporting a four term limit, and 37% supporting no term limits.

*** American belief in Congressional Ethics is at an all-time low, with only 18% of Americans believing Congressmen are, on the whole, ethical.

International Issues

* There has been some discussion of creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but the vast majority, 82%, of Americans are against such a measure.

** Support for a border fence is rising, however, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

** Only 28% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

** Perot's campaign against the North American Free Trade agreement has borne fruit, as only 34% of Americans currently support NAFTA.

* While some scientists have been discussing the threat of climate change, only 9% of Americans feel the matter is important.

*** Despite the efforts of some in Congress, only 27% of Americans support foreign aid to Russia.

* 18% of Americans support military intervention for humanitarian reasons.

* 31% of Americans want to loosen trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

* In the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union and several successful summits, 59% of Americans want further arms control agreements.

Special Technology Report

The Pew Research Center has also examined the landscape of new and emerging technologies that might impact the next Presidential administration.

New technologies

Cold Fusion
Electric cars
AIDS Vaccine
Optical Computing
Superconductivity
Hydrogen Energy

Emerging Technologies

Stem Cell Research
Commercial Space Flight
Cloning
Virtual Reality
Carbon Nanotubes
Cure of Cancer

Developing Technologies

Biofuel
The Internet
Cell Phones
Genetically Modified Food
Planetary Space Flight
The International Space Station

Marketable Technologies

Personal Computers
Wind Power
Solar Power

In the wake of November's historic elections, the Pew Research Group has continued polling Americans on their views on issues of importance. The election itself will go into history as one of the more bizarre. A Democratic President is elected, but with no coattails. He faces a House controlled, and a Senate dominated, by the Republicans. It seems most Americans view the President as a "new Democrat," less likely to rely on "big government" solutions. A populist, almost libertarian, shift seems to be taking place in the American electorate. The economy and jobs are the dominate issues, while previously hot-button social issues seem to be on the back burner. In short - the electorate threw the bums out, tossing the GOP from the White House and the Democrats from the House and Senate. If President Clinton expects to have any of his agenda enacted, he's going to have to compromise, and learn to live with less. This will likely impact the Administration's ambitious health-care plans. Health care reform may not be viable if tied to a "big government solution," particularly against a GOP Congress. Other major issues the President will face are passing NAFTA in the face of an increasingly hostile public and large-scale school reform. The President and Governors will likely be facing issues of urban renewal, crime control, and gun control, all of which are viewed as closely related.

Issues that have seen significant movement from the prior poll are in bold.


Social Issues

*** Abortion remains a dividing issue in the country. In our latest polling, 24% of Americans supported abortion on demand, 37% supported abortion with some restrictions, 16% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 23% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

** Support for the death penalty has grown with the tough anti-crime talk during the election, with 76% of Americans in support.

** After the election, support for stricter gun control is up slightly, with 61% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures.

** Most Americans continue to support the War on Drugs, with only 29% supporting looser enforcement.

* Some Americans believe that hate crime laws designed to fight race, gender, and religious-based crimes need to be enacted. 38% are currently in support.

** Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 41% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against.

** Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 61% of Americans in favor.

* Only 19% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana.

* Led by Tipper Gore and other Congressional wives, 44% of Americans support content controls on music and art.

* Led by Pat Buchanan and others, 41% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values.

** Only 39% of Americans believe that the gay lifestyle is valid.

*** 61% of Americans believe that AIDS is either result of a sinful lifestyle or an easily communicable disease.

** Americans are evenly split on the issue of prayer in school, with 50% for, 50% against.

** Talk of school reform during the election has raised the prominence of the issue, but polls remain unchanged, with 62% of Americans in support.

** 72% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising.

** 53% of Americans now support large scale urban projects, and the issue has taken on additional importance after the election.

Economic Issues

* Support for drilling in the Arctic has dropped significantly since the Exxon Valdez spill. Only 29% of Americans support drilling, although those numbers are much higher in Alaska.

*** After tough talk on taxes during the election, only 23% of Americans support raising taxes.

*** 68% of those polled now appear to want to cut the deficit.

* 53% of Americans support some sort of Family and Medical Leave Act.

*** Health care reform takes on new prominence after the election, with 65% of Americans in support.

* Only 38% of Americans want an expansion of nuclear power, many citing to the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents.

** A full 81% of Americans want a Balanced Budget Amendment.

* Americans are split on whether China should continue to enjoy the Most Favored Nation status, with 48% for, 52% against.

** 69% of Americans believe the Japanese are conducting unfair trade with the United States.

* 51% of Americans say that unions are a positive influence on the economy.

** 79% of Americans support an increase in the minimum wage after the election.

*** 81% of Americans believe unemployment rates are too high.

Political Issues

*** Term limits enjoy broad support, with 31% of Americans support a two term limit, 32% supporting a four term limit, and 37% supporting no term limits.

*** American belief in Congressional Ethics is at an all-time low, with only 18% of Americans believing Congressmen are, on the whole, ethical.

International Issues

* There has been some discussion of creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but the vast majority, 82%, of Americans are against such a measure.

** Support for a border fence is rising, however, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

** Only 28% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

*** NAFTA has become a major issue after the election, and support has fallen to 31%.

* While some scientists have been discussing the threat of climate change, only 9% of Americans feel the matter is important.

*** Despite the efforts of some in Congress, only 27% of Americans support foreign aid to Russia.

* 18% of Americans support military intervention for humanitarian reasons.

* 31% of Americans want to loosen trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

* In the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union and several successful summits, 59% of Americans want further arms control agreements.

Special Technology Report

There have been no major advances in technologies, and the issue of basic and advanced research in any field was largely ignored during the election.

New technologies

Cold Fusion
Electric cars
AIDS Vaccine
Optical Computing
Superconductivity
Hydrogen Energy

Emerging Technologies

Stem Cell Research
Commercial Space Flight
Cloning
Virtual Reality
Carbon Nanotubes
Cure of Cancer

Developing Technologies

Biofuel
The Internet
Cell Phones
Genetically Modified Food
Planetary Space Flight
The International Space Station

Marketable Technologies

Personal Computers
Wind Power
Solar Power

The Pew Research Center has begun to track three issues of immediate importance to the American people.

* An Occurrence at Owl Creek

This small news story from remote parts of Wyoming has just begun to break into the national consciousness. The idea of Federal agents surrounding a compound occupied by an armed religious group is stirring up some resentment and some support. At this time, 22% of Americans support Federal action against the group, 19% believe the Federal government is overreaching its authority, and the remainder are undecided. These numbers are likely to shift wildly as more facts become apparent, and as the media enters the fray. Ambrose Bierce is thought to be watching the situation closely.

** Bosnia

As the situation in Bosnia heats up, so does its impact on American opinion. At this time, 6% of Americans support a U.N.-based ground offensive against the Serbs in Bosnia, 13% support U.N.-based air attacks, 35% support no action, and 32% support a lifting of the arms embargo. The remainder are undecided. Those supporting "no action" hold their views the strongest. Given the softness of most of these numbers, however, American political and media actions, coupled with actions overseas in the former Yugoslavia, may shift these numbers rapidly.

** The Nomination of Simon Tam

Americans traditionally have felt that Presidents should get to choose their cabinets. Absent incompetence (Lucius Horatio Stockton) or skeletons (John Tower), most Cabinet nominees become Cabinet members. The initial Republican reluctance to pass on Simon Tam for Secretary of Treasury was looked upon with a jaded eye by the public, particularly after the President nominated a Republican to run the CIA. However, effective and (generally) united GOP opposition to Tam, coupled with lackluster Democratic support, has begun to shift public opinion. In the media, the Wall Street Journal's savaging of the nominee has been somewhat blunted by the Economist's defense. At this time, 47% of American believe Simon Tam should be the Secretary of Treasury, 41% oppose him, and the rest are undecided. Given the lateness of the process, these numbers are not expected to shift dramatically.

The new Congress and the new President have settled down to work, while the Balkans heat up and riots break out in major American cities.

Issues that have seen significant movement from the prior poll are in bold.


Social Issues

*** Abortion remains a dividing issue in the country. In our latest polling, 24% of Americans supported abortion on demand, 37% supported abortion with some restrictions, 16% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 23% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

** Support for the death penalty has grown with the tough anti-crime talk during the election, with 76% of Americans in support.

** After the election, support for stricter gun control is up slightly, with 61% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures.

** Most Americans continue to support the War on Drugs, with only 29% supporting looser enforcement.

** As riots spill out in the cities, the number of Americans that believe that hate crime laws designed to fight race, gender, and religious-based crimes need to be enacted has risen. 43% are currently in support.[/b]

** Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 41% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against.

** Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 61% of Americans in favor.

* Only 19% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana.

* Led by Tipper Gore and other Congressional wives, 44% of Americans support content controls on music and art.

* Led by Pat Buchanan and others, 41% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values.

** Only 39% of Americans believe that the gay lifestyle is valid.

*** 61% of Americans believe that AIDS is either result of a sinful lifestyle or an easily communicable disease.

** Americans are evenly split on the issue of prayer in school, with 50% for, 50% against.

** Talk of school reform during the election has raised the prominence of the issue, but polls remain unchanged, with 62% of Americans in support.

** Between the riots and inflammatory speech by some American leaders, 78% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising.

** After the success of the Saving our Cities Grant Program Act and in light of the Los Angeles riots, 55% of Americans now support large scale urban projects.

Economic Issues

* Support for drilling in the Arctic has dropped significantly since the Exxon Valdez spill. Only 29% of Americans support drilling, although those numbers are much higher in Alaska.

*** After tough talk on taxes during the election, only 23% of Americans support raising taxes.

*** 68% of those polled now appear to want to cut the deficit.

* 58% of Americans support some sort of Family and Medical Leave Act, after the bill easily passed the Congress and was enacted into law.

*** Health care reform takes on new prominence after the election, with 65% of Americans in support.

* Only 38% of Americans want an expansion of nuclear power, many citing to the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents.

** A full 81% of Americans want a Balanced Budget Amendment.

* Americans are split on whether China should continue to enjoy the Most Favored Nation status, with 48% for, 52% against.

** 69% of Americans believe the Japanese are conducting unfair trade with the United States.

* 51% of Americans say that unions are a positive influence on the economy.

** 79% of Americans support an increase in the minimum wage after the election.[/b]

*** 81% of Americans believe unemployment rates are too high.

Political Issues

*** Term limits enjoy broad support, with 31% of Americans support a two term limit, 32% supporting a four term limit, and 37% supporting no term limits.

*** American belief in Congressional Ethics is at an all-time low, with only 18% of Americans believing Congressmen are, on the whole, ethical.

International Issues

* There has been some discussion of creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but the vast majority, 82%, of Americans are against such a measure.

** Support for a border fence is rising, however, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

** Only 28% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

*** NAFTA has become a major issue after the election, and support has fallen to 31%.

* While some scientists have been discussing the threat of climate change, only 9% of Americans feel the matter is important.

*** Antics by President Yeltsin have hurt his country in the eyes of Americans, and now only 22% of Americans support foreign aid to Russia.

* Carnage in the Balkans has raised Americans support military intervention for humanitarian reasons to 22%.

* 31% of Americans want to loosen trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

* In the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union and several successful summits, 59% of Americans want further arms control agreements.

Spot Polling Report

As the Owl Creek Standoff drags on, American attention span plummets. At this time, 16% of Americans support Federal action against the group, 21% believe the Federal government is overreaching its authority, and the remainder are undecided.

After recent events in the Balkans and several strong statements of Congressional support for the Bosnians, 8% of Americans support a U.N.-based ground offensive against the Serbs in Bosnia, 16% support U.N.-based air attacks, 34% support no action, and 35% support a lifting of the arms embargo.

The collapse of the Tam nomination will likely have little to no impact. The Republicans made their case in the eyes of their supporters and they scuttled a fine nominee to get back at the President in the eyes of Democrats. Independents are split on the matter, but in general the GOP can be considered the winners of this round, taking down a Clinton cabinet nominee with little blowback - so far.

The Los Angeles riots, and rioting in other major cities, has begun to dominate the news. At the time of the King beating, over 90% of Angelenos believed the police had used excessive force. The acquittal of the police has stunned L.A. and the country, and Pew polling shows that 82% of Americans believe the police were guilty, and 65% believe the verdict was racially motivated.

Given the President's partial endorsement, the Economic Roadmap and Entitlement Reform Act enjoys the support of a slim majority of Americans. 56% support passage of the Act. Generally, it is viewed as a very bipartisan piece of legislation, but the debate in the House may be shifting opinion.

Special Technology Report

There have been no major advances in technologies, and the issue of basic and advanced research in any field was largely ignored during the election.

New technologies

Cold Fusion
Electric cars
AIDS Vaccine
Optical Computing
Superconductivity
Hydrogen Energy

Emerging Technologies

Stem Cell Research
Commercial Space Flight
Cloning
Virtual Reality
Carbon Nanotubes
Cure of Cancer

Developing Technologies

Biofuel
The Internet
Cell Phones
Genetically Modified Food
Planetary Space Flight
The International Space Station

Marketable Technologies

Personal Computers
Wind Power
Solar Power

Congress picks up speeds, the Balkans stay on the front page, and the new Pew numbers are out.

Issues that have seen significant movement from the prior poll are in bold.


Social Issues

*** Abortion remains a dividing issue in the country. Recent legislation to restrict or lower the number of abortions has passed in the Midwest, West, Dixie, and the Heartlands, showing an increasing number of Americans support limits on abortions. In our latest polling, 21% of Americans supported abortion on demand, 35% supported abortion with some restrictions, 19% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 25% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

** Support for the death penalty has grown with the tough anti-crime talk during the election, with 76% of Americans in support.

** After the election, support for stricter gun control is up slightly, with 61% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures.

** The Three Strikes Law has increased American support for the War on Drugs. Only 22% of Americans supporting looser enforcement.

** In the aftermath of the riots American support for hate crime laws designed to fight race, gender, and religious-based crimes continues to rise. 47% are currently in support.[/b]

** Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 41% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against.

** Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 61% of Americans in favor.

* Only 19% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana.

* Recent news of child pornography on the World Wide Web has increased the number of Americans supporting content controls on music and art to 46%.

* Led by Pat Buchanan and others, 41% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values.

** Only 39% of Americans believe that the gay lifestyle is valid.

*** 59% of Americans believe that AIDS is either result of a sinful lifestyle or an easily communicable disease. This number has dropped thanks largely to education programs in the West.

** Americans are evenly split on the issue of prayer in school, with 50% for, 50% against.

** Talk of school reform during the election has raised the prominence of the issue, but polls remain unchanged, with 62% of Americans in support.

** Between the riots and continued inflammatory speech by some American leaders, 81% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising.

** After the success of the Saving our Cities Grant Program Act and in light of the Los Angeles riots, 55% of Americans now support large scale urban projects.

Economic Issues

* Support for drilling in the Arctic has dropped significantly since the Exxon Valdez spill. Only 29% of Americans support drilling, although those numbers are much higher in Alaska.

*** After tough talk on taxes during the election, only 23% of Americans support raising taxes.

*** 68% of those polled now appear to want to cut the deficit.

* 58% of Americans support some sort of Family and Medical Leave Act, after the bill easily passed the Congress and was enacted into law.

*** Health care reform takes on new prominence after the election, with 65% of Americans in support.

* Only 38% of Americans want an expansion of nuclear power, many citing to the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents.

** A full 81% of Americans want a Balanced Budget Amendment.

* Americans are split on whether China should continue to enjoy the Most Favored Nation status, with 48% for, 52% against.

** 69% of Americans believe the Japanese are conducting unfair trade with the United States.

* 51% of Americans say that unions are a positive influence on the economy.

** 79% of Americans support an increase in the minimum wage after the election.[/b]

*** 81% of Americans believe unemployment rates are too high.

Political Issues

*** Term limits enjoy broad support, with 31% of Americans support a two term limit, 32% supporting a four term limit, and 37% supporting no term limits.

*** American belief in Congressional Ethics is rising after recent legislative action. 24% of Americans believing Congressmen are, on the whole, ethical, and 46% believe their Congressman is ethical.

International Issues

* There has been some discussion of creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but the vast majority, 82%, of Americans are against such a measure.

** Support for a border fence is rising, however, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

** Only 28% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

*** NAFTA has become a major issue after the election, and support has fallen to 31%.

* While some scientists have been discussing the threat of climate change, only 9% of Americans feel the matter is important.

*** The continued public humilation of President Yeltsin has damaged American support for foreign aid to Russia, now supported by only 16% of Americans.

** The Washington Summit and the Blankenship fiasco have driven down America support for military intervention for humanitarian reasons to 18%.

* 31% of Americans want to loosen trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

* After recent Congressional action on START II, 64% of Americans want further arms control agreements.

Spot Polling Report

The White House's handling of the the Owl Creek Standoff has been praised, with 67% of Americans supporting the Administration solutions.

The Blankenship fiasco and use of American air power in the Balkans, coupled with the initial stalling at the Washington Summit, has generally lowered American support for Balkan intervention. 4% of Americans support a U.N.-based ground offensive against the Serbs in Bosnia, 11% support U.N.-based air attacks, 43% support no action, and 32% support a lifting of the arms embargo.

Americans are beginning to learn about something called the "fair tax," but at this point 80% of Americans don't have an opinion due to a lack of information.

A large majority of Americans favor raising the national speed limit, with 82% in favor.

A small percentage of Americans favor lowering the national drinking age, with only 22% in favor.

Pew Center Flash Poll

With the notion of "homosexual marriage" gaining prominence after recent House debates on the Defense of Marriage Act, the Pew Center polling indicates that only 31% of Americans support gay marriage of any sort.

Election season arrives, and the House and Senate recess for campaigns. Here are the issues that concern Americans on the eve of the '94 midterm elections.

Issues that have seen significant movement from the prior poll are in bold. Matters with strikethrough are currently resolved.


Social Issues

*** Abortion is one of the most significant issues for Americans, and the President's veto of the partial birth abortion ban has proven to be very unpopular. In our latest polling, 19% of Americans supported abortion on demand, 32% supported abortion with some restrictions, 24% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 26% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

** Support for the death penalty is unchanged, with 76% of Americans in support.

** Support for stricter gun control is unchanged, with 61% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures.

** The Three Strikes Law has increased American support for the War on Drugs. Only 22% of Americans supporting looser enforcement.

** In the aftermath of the riots American support for hate crime laws designed to fight race, gender, and religious-based crimes continues to rise. 47% are currently in support.

** Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 41% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against.

** Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 61% of Americans in favor.

* Only 19% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana.

* Recent news of child pornography on the World Wide Web has increased the number of Americans supporting content controls on music and art to 46%.

** Recent debates on abortion, marriage, and other closely held beliefs has led 48% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values.

*** Recent heated debate and battle press releases related to the Defense of Marriage Act has polarized opinions on the validity of the gay lifestyle. 43% of Americans strongly believe it is not valid, 41% strongly believe it is, and the remainder are undecided. This is an increase in support for both sides as the undecideds begin to peel away

*** 59% of Americans believe that AIDS is either result of a sinful lifestyle or an easily communicable disease. This number has dropped thanks largely to education programs in the West.

** Passage of the Voluntary Prayer Act has increased American support for prayer in school to 55% for.

** Talk of school reform during the election raised the prominence of the issue, but polls remain unchanged, with 62% of Americans in support.

** With continued inflammatory speech by some American leaders, 83% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising.

** After the success of the Saving our Cities Grant Program Act and in light of the Los Angeles riots, 55% of Americans now support large scale urban projects.

Economic Issues

* Support for drilling in the Arctic has dropped significantly since the Exxon Valdez spill. Only 29% of Americans support drilling, although those numbers are much higher in Alaska.

*** After tough talk on taxes during the election, only 23% of Americans support raising taxes.

*** 68% of those polled now appear to want to cut the deficit.

* 58% of Americans support some sort of Family and Medical Leave Act, after the bill easily passed the Congress and was enacted into law.

*** Health care reform takes on new prominence after the election, with 65% of Americans in support.

* Only 38% of Americans want an expansion of nuclear power, many citing to the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents.

** A full 81% of Americans want a Balanced Budget Amendment.

* Americans are split on whether China should continue to enjoy the Most Favored Nation status, with 48% for, 52% against.

** 69% of Americans believe the Japanese are conducting unfair trade with the United States.

* 51% of Americans say that unions are a positive influence on the economy.

** With the passage of new minimum wage standards, only 34% of Americans support an additional increase in the minimum wage.

*** 81% of Americans believe unemployment rates are too high.

Political Issues

*** Term limits enjoy broad support, with 31% of Americans support a two term limit, 32% supporting a four term limit, and 37% supporting no term limits.

*** American belief in Congressional Ethics is rising after recent legislative action. 24% of Americans believing Congressmen are, on the whole, ethical, and 46% believe their Congressman is ethical.

** Americans tend to see the House and the Senate as largely ineffectual. Anti-incumbent sentiment is rising,
with 43% of Americans saying the incumbents should be thrown out.

** President Clinton's approval ratings are low, with the majority of Americans, 57%, seeing him as an uninvolved caretaker.

International Issues

* There has been some discussion of creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but the vast majority, 82%, of Americans are against such a measure.

** Support for a border fence is rising, however, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

** Only 28% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

*** NAFTA has become a major issue after the election, and support has fallen to 31%.

* While some scientists have been discussing the threat of climate change, only 9% of Americans feel the matter is important.

*** The continued public antics of President Yeltsin has damaged American support for foreign aid to Russia, now supported by only 7% of Americans.

** The faltering Washington Summit and the Blankenship fiasco have driven down America support for military intervention for humanitarian reasons to 15%.

* 31% of Americans want to loosen trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

* After recent Congressional action on START II, 64% of Americans want further arms control agreements.

Spot Polling Report

The White House's handling of the the Owl Creek Standoff has been praised, with 67% of Americans supporting the Administration solutions.

The faltering Washington Summit has generally lowered American support for Balkan intervention. 4% of Americans support a U.N.-based ground offensive against the Serbs in Bosnia, 8% support U.N.-based air attacks, 60% support no action, and 28% support a lifting of the arms embargo.

Americans are beginning to learn about something called the "fair tax," and support is rising, with 24% of Americans in support.

A large majority of Americans favor raising the national speed limit, with 82% in favor.

A small percentage of Americans favor lowering the national drinking age, with only 22% in favor.

With the notion of "homosexual marriage" gaining prominence after recent House debates on the Defense of Marriage Act, the Pew Center polling indicates that only 31% of Americans support gay marriage of any sort.

After a long hiatus, here are the issues that concern Americans on the eve of the '98 midterm elections.

Issues that have seen significant movement from the prior poll are in bold. Matters with strikethrough are currently resolved.


Social Issues

*** Abortion is one of the most significant issues for Americans, and President Clinton's veto of the partial birth abortion ban has proven to be very unpopular. In our latest polling, 19% of Americans supported abortion on demand, 32% supported abortion with some restrictions, 24% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 26% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

** Support for the death penalty has edged downward slightly to 74%, with the Pennypacker execution making some soften their views.

** Support for stricter gun control is unchanged, with 61% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures.

** The Three Strikes Law has increased American support for the War on Drugs. Only 22% of Americans supporting looser enforcement.

** Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 41% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against.

** Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 61% of Americans in favor.

* Only 19% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana. A lack of interest by politicians in this issue have denied it oxygen and it is no longer on the political radar.

* Recent news of child pornography on the World Wide Web has increased the number of Americans supporting content controls on music and art to 46%.

** Recent debates on abortion, marriage, and other closely held beliefs has led 48% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values.

*** Recent bans on homosexual marriage by a number of regions, a ban on homosexuals serving openly in the Dixie National Guard and passage of the Service With Honor Act have influenced opinions on the validity of the homosexual lifestyle, with virtually all Americans now having an opinion on the issue. 53% of Americans believe it is not valid, 47% believe it is.

*** 59% of Americans believe that AIDS is either result of a sinful lifestyle or an easily communicable disease. This number has dropped thanks largely to education programs in the West.

** Passage of the Voluntary Prayer Act has increased American support for prayer in school to 55% for.

** Talk of school reform during the election raised the prominence of the issue, but polls remain unchanged, with 62% of Americans in support.

** With continued inflammatory speech by some American leaders, 83% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising.

** After the success of the Saving our Cities Grant Program Act and in light of the Los Angeles riots, 55% of Americans now support large scale urban projects.

Economic Issues

* Support for drilling in the Arctic has dropped significantly since the Exxon Valdez spill. Only 29% of Americans support drilling, although those numbers are much higher in Alaska.

*** After tough talk on taxes during the election, only 23% of Americans support raising taxes.

*** 63% of those polled now appear to want to cut the deficit, a slight decrease following a reduced projected deficit in the recently passed budget.

** Health care reform has lost some prominence after the passage of the American HEALTH Act, with only 35% of Americans now in support.

* President Houston's support for nuclear power has boosted public opinion of this source of energy. 40% of Americans now want an expansion of nuclear power.

** A fall in the deficit has reduced the number of Americans who want a Balanced Budget Amendment to 76%.

* Americans are split on whether China should continue to enjoy the Most Favored Nation status, with 48% for, 52% against.

** 69% of Americans believe the Japanese are conducting unfair trade with the United States.

* 51% of Americans say that unions are a positive influence on the economy.

** With the passage of new minimum wage standards, only 34% of Americans support an additional increase in the minimum wage.

*** Following a strengthening of the economy and a pick up in employment, only 72% of Americans now believe unemployment rates are too high.

Political Issues

*** Support for term limits has increased after the President voiced his support for them, with 32% of Americans support a two term limit, 35% supporting a four term limit, and 33% supporting no term limits.

*** American belief in Congressional Ethics has seen a boost following the refusal by the Speaker and House Minority Leader to accept bribes. 30% of Americans believe Congressmen are, on the whole, ethical.

** Americans tend to see the House and the Senate as largely ineffectual. Anti-incumbent sentiment is rising, with 43% of Americans saying the incumbents should be thrown out.

** President Clinton's approval ratings are low, with the majority of Americans, 57%, seeing him as an uninvolved caretaker.

International Issues

* There has been some discussion of creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but the vast majority, 82%, of Americans are against such a measure.

** Support for a border fence is rising, however, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

** Only 28% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

*** The election of President Houston, a supporter of NAFTA, has made it less unpopular, with support now at 37%. Its prominence has also fallen as voters begin to accept that the trade agreement looks like it is here to stay due to near unanimous Congressional support.

* While some scientists have been discussing the threat of climate change, only 9% of Americans feel the matter is important.

*** The continued public antics of President Yeltsin has damaged American support for foreign aid to Russia, now supported by only 7% of Americans. The recent coup in Russia has made this a non-issue.

** The deployment of US troops to Ethiopia following Muslim attacks on Christians in that country have increased America support for military intervention for humanitarian reasons to 33%.

* 31% of Americans want to loosen trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

Spot Polling Report

Not in this edition

Special Technology Report

Not in this edition

As it turns out, NAFTA has not yet been passed into law and does not have near universal Congressional support. I seem to have gotten it confused with something else in my notes. This was an oversight on my part. The poll above in relation to NAFTA has been updated for this. (i.e. Raised from 2 stars back to 3.)

The Pew Research Center has polled the American people to see how they rate the important issues after the 1998 election. Major issues during the election were NAFTA, education, crime, energy and abortion.

Issues that have seen significant movement from the prior poll are in bold. Matters with strikethrough are currently resolved.


Social Issues

*** Abortion remains a significant issues for Americans and was one of the most talked about issues on the campaign trail. More campaigning was done by the pro-life side than the pro-choice side, and when the pro-choice argument was put forward it was generally done so in the context of abortion reduction, reducing support for abortion on demand. In our latest polling, only 15% of Americans now supported abortion on demand, 33% supported abortion with some restrictions, 26% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 26% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

*** Support for the death penalty remains at 74%, but its prominence has risen following consistent campaigning on the crime issue during the election.

*** Support for stricter gun control is unchanged, with 56% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures. Prominence of this issue has risen thanks to the strong campaign on the crime issue.

*** American support for the War on Drugs remains strong, with only 22% of Americans supporting looser enforcement. Following the large amount of campaigning on crime, its prominence has risen.

* Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 41% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against. However, a lack of interest in this issue has caused its prominence to drop.

** Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 61% of Americans in favor.

* Recent news of child pornography on the World Wide Web has increased the number of Americans supporting content controls on music and art to 46%.

** Recent debates on abortion, marriage, and other closely held beliefs has led 48% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values.

** Due to the overwhelmingly one sided campaign on the issue during the election, fewer Americans support the validity of the homosexual lifestyle. Only 42% now believe it is valid, with 58% believing it is not. However, campaigning on the issue was minimal, and the issue is no longer showing up on the radars of as many Americans.

** Following years of education on the disease, only 49% of Americans now believe that AIDS is either result of a sinful lifestyle or an easily communicable disease. Campaigning on the issue is rare and frames AIDS as a health issue, rather than a moral one. Prominence of AIDS has also dropped as a result.

** Passage of the Voluntary Prayer Act has increased American support for prayer in school to 55% for.

*** Heavy campaigning on education during the election raised the prominence of school reform, but polls remain unchanged, with 62% of Americans in support.

** With continued inflammatory speech by some American leaders, 83% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising.

** After the success of the Saving our Cities Grant Program Act and in light of the Los Angeles riots, 55% of Americans now support large scale urban projects.

Economic Issues

** Due to heavy campaigning on the issue, energy has become a more prominent issue. 68% of Americans support increased investment in renewable energy, 44% support expanding nuclear power and 35% support allowing drilling in the arctic and/or offshore.

*** After tough talk on taxes during the election, only 23% of Americans support raising taxes.

*** 63% of those polled now appear to want to cut the deficit, a slight decrease following a reduced projected deficit in the recently passed budget.

** Health care reform has lost some prominence after the passage of the American HEALTH Act, with only 35% of Americans now in support.

** A fall in the deficit has reduced the number of Americans who want a Balanced Budget Amendment to 76%.

* Americans are split on whether China should continue to enjoy the Most Favored Nation status, with 48% for, 52% against.

* 69% of Americans believe the Japanese are conducting unfair trade with the United States. With NAFTA taking in all attention on the trade front, prominence of this issue has fallen away in favor of NAFTA.

** Following Treasury Secretary Black Deer's successful negotiations with the UAW on NAFTA, 57% of Americans now believe that unions are a positive influence on the economy.

** With the passage of new minimum wage standards, only 34% of Americans support an additional increase in the minimum wage.

*** Following a strengthening of the economy and a pick up in employment, only 72% of Americans now believe unemployment rates are too high.

Political Issues

*** Support for term limits has increased after the President voiced his support for them, with 32% of Americans support a two term limit, 35% supporting a four term limit, and 33% supporting no term limits.

** Congressional Ethics is starting to fall off the radar as an important issue. 30% of Americans believe Congressmen are, on the whole, ethical.

International Issues

* There has been some discussion of creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but the vast majority, 82%, of Americans are against such a measure.

** Support for a border fence is rising, however, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

** Only 28% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

*** Strong campaigning against NAFTA, including the defeat of the two main pro-NAFTA Democrats (Anderson and Tucker) plus a win by the main anti-NAFTA Republican (McKinley), has reduced its popularity. Treasury Secretary Black Deer's work in getting the support of the Big Three automakers and in getting the UAW to not oppose NAFTA has cushioned the drop somewhat, but support for NAFTA has still fallen to 33%.

* While some scientists have been discussing the threat of climate change, only 9% of Americans feel the matter is important.

** The deployment of US troops to Ethiopia following Muslim attacks on Christians in that country have increased America support for military intervention for humanitarian reasons to 33%.

* 31% of Americans want to loosen trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

Spot Polling Report

** Following a drop in the size of the US military after the end of the Cold War, 17% of Americans believe it is too big, 49% think it is about the right size and 34% would like to see it expanded.

* Despite attacks in other countries, few Americans fear the threat of terrorism. Only 28% of Americans fear a terrorist attack on US soil.

** With the military in control of the Russian government, the fear that weapons of mass destruction could be used has risen. 66% of Americans believe that an attack against them using WMD is possible. 32% of Americans believe that Russian nuclear weapons are safe and secure.

Special Technology Report

Not in this edition

The Pew Research Center has polled the American people to see how they rate the important issues prior to the 2010 election. Key issues currently include the budget deficit, unemployment, energy, abortion, gay marriage, terrorism, defense spending and military intervention.

Issues that have seen significant movement from the prior poll (in 1999) are in bold. Matters with strikethrough are currently resolved.

NOTE: If you have issues or questions about any of these numbers, please use the "Contact the Pew Research Center" thread. I realise 10 years is a long time during which public opinion can fluctuate and that there may be some issues which you thought were left out. If so, I'll do my best to either explain my rationale or to be more inclusive in the next poll.


Social Issues

*** Abortion has seen some moderation in views following a drop in the number of abortions, in part from implementation of the CAPRA law. Americans now tend to be more supportive of abortion, on the condition that there are certain restrictions on it. In our latest polling, only 15% of Americans now supported abortion on demand, 37% supported abortion with some restrictions, 27% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 21% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

** Support for the death penalty remains at 74%, but with lower prominence.

** Support for stricter gun control is unchanged, with 56% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures, but with lower prominence.

** American support for the War on Drugs remains strong, with only 22% of Americans supporting looser enforcement, but with lower prominence.

* Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 41% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against. However, a lack of interest in this issue has caused its prominence to drop.

** Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 61% of Americans in favor.

* Recent news of child pornography on the World Wide Web has increased the number of Americans supporting content controls on music and art to 46%.

** Recent debates on abortion, marriage, and other closely held beliefs has led 48% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values.

** With greater social and cultural exposure, including some high profile gay servicemen and women, support for the validity of the homosexual lifestyle has increased in the last decade. Today 72% now believe it is valid, with 28% believing it is not.

** Following years of education on the disease, only 49% of Americans now believe that AIDS is either result of a sinful lifestyle or an easily communicable disease. Campaigning on the issue is rare and frames AIDS as a health issue, rather than a moral one. Prominence of AIDS has also dropped as a result.

*** Support for gay marriage remains split. 58% of Americans currently support the Defending Regional Marriage Rights Act (DRMRA). Support varies amongst regions, the Northeast is the only region with a majority that opposes the law.

* American support for prayer in school remains at 55%, with a lower prominence.

** The prominence of school reform has fallen back again, but polls remain unchanged with 62% of Americans in support.

** 83% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising. While the percentage remains the same, the tension has shifted from blacks to Muslims.

* Support for large scale urban projects has fallen to 40% with fewer people believing it is a key issue.

Economic Issues

*** High oil prices has made energy a key issue for voters and increased support for various sources of energy. 71% of Americans support increased investment in renewable energy, 51% support expanding nuclear power and 57% support loosening restrictions on drilling in the arctic and/or offshore.

*** Given the shrinking size of the deficit, only 15% of Americans support raising taxes.

*** 43% of those polled now appear to want to cut the deficit, with more people seeing the current deficit as more manageable.

** With 15 years having passed since the last major health care reform was passed, 53% of Americans now support a new round of reform.

** A fall in the deficit has reduced the number of Americans who want a Balanced Budget Amendment to 63%.

* Americans are split on whether China should continue to enjoy the Most Favored Nation status, with 48% for, 52% against.

* 69% of Americans believe the Japanese are conducting unfair trade with the United States. With NAFTA taking in all attention on the trade front, prominence of this issue has fallen away in favor of NAFTA.

** Following Treasury Secretary Black Deer's successful negotiations with the UAW on NAFTA, 57% of Americans now believe that unions are a positive influence on the economy.

* Now that the minimum wage includes cost of living adjustments, only 29% of Americans support an additional increase in the minimum wage.

*** Though down from its 9% high in early 2008, 74% of Americans still believe unemployment rates are too high.

** Increasing competitiveness by the Chinese has increased tension towards their pegged currency policy, with 84% of Americans now wanting China to float the Yuan.

Political Issues

*** Support for term limits has increased after the President voiced his support for them, with 32% of Americans support a two term limit, 35% supporting a four term limit, and 33% supporting no term limits. Improved views on Congressional ethics and the introduction of some term limits at the regional level has satisfied the needs of voters on this issue.

** Congressional Ethics is starting to fall off the radar as an important issue. 30% of Americans believe Congressmen are, on the whole, ethical.

National Security Issues

*** The reversal of President White's budget cuts to the military has decreased support for increases in defense spending, but a majority still favor an additional increase. 61% of Americans want to expand the size of the military further.

*** With 4/11 still fresh in the memory of most Americans and the military operation aspects of Sudan seen as a success, support for military intervention remains strong at 66%.

*** Support for stronger measures to counter terrorism remains strong. 60% of Americans support extending the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act after they currently sunset.

International Issues

* There has been some discussion of creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, but the vast majority, 82%, of Americans are against such a measure.

** Support for a border fence is rising, however, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

** Only 28% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

*** Strong campaigning against NAFTA, including the defeat of the two main pro-NAFTA Democrats (Anderson and Tucker) plus a win by the main anti-NAFTA Republican (McKinley), has reduced its popularity. Treasury Secretary Black Deer's work in getting the support of the Big Three automakers and in getting the UAW to not oppose NAFTA has cushioned the drop somewhat, but support for NAFTA has still fallen to 33%.

** Support for free trade remains a large minority, with 45% of Americans supporting further trade agreements.

** The threat of climate change has risen in prominence and now 51% of Americans believe it is man made and that action must be taken to reduce carbon emissions.

* 31% of Americans want to loosen trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

Spot Polling Report

Not in this edition

Special Technology Report

Not in this edition

Economic Indicators

Budget deficit - $165bn
Economic growth - 3.9%
Unemployment rate - 7.0%

The Pew Research Center has polled the American people to see how they rate the important issues in 2011. Key issues currently include energy, abortion, taxes, terrorism, military intervention and climate change.

Issues that have seen significant movement from the prior poll are in bold. Matters with strikethrough are currently resolved.


Social Issues

*** Abortion has seen some moderation in views following a drop in the number of abortions, in part from implementation of the CAPRA law. Americans now tend to be more supportive of abortion, on the condition that there are certain restrictions on it. In our latest polling, only 15% of Americans now supported abortion on demand, 37% supported abortion with some restrictions, 27% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 21% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

** Support for the death penalty remains at 74%, but with lower prominence.

** Support for stricter gun control is unchanged, with 56% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures, but with lower prominence.

** American support for the War on Drugs remains strong, with only 22% of Americans supporting looser enforcement, but with lower prominence.

* Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 41% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against. However, a lack of interest in this issue has caused its prominence to drop.

** Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 61% of Americans in favor.

** Recent debates on abortion, marriage, and other closely held beliefs has led 48% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values.

** With greater social and cultural exposure, including some high profile gay servicemen and women, support for the validity of the homosexual lifestyle has increased in the last decade. Today 72% now believe it is valid, with 28% believing it is not.

** Limited campaigning on gay marriage in 2010 has reduced its prominence, with voters no longer considering this a top issue. Opinions on the issue remain split, with 58% of Americans currently support the Defending Regional Marriage Rights Act (DRMRA). Support varies amongst regions, the Northeast is the only region with a majority that opposes the law.

* American support for prayer in school remains at 55%, with a lower prominence.

** The prominence of school reform has fallen back again, but polls remain unchanged with 62% of Americans in support.

** 83% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising. While the percentage remains the same, the tension has shifted from blacks to Muslims.

* Support for large scale urban projects has fallen to 40% with fewer people believing it is a key issue.

** Campaigning on judicial activism has raised voter awareness of the ideological slant of the Supreme Court. 43% of voters believe the court is too liberal, 43% of voters believe it is about right and 14% believe it is too conservative.

Economic Issues

*** Energy continues to be a major issue for Americans, with a number of events influencing their views. Falling oil prices due to increased access to Iraqi oil has led to a minority of 49% of voters support loosening restrictions on drilling in the arctic and/or offshore. The meltdown caused by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami has caused support for nuclear power to dive, with only 28% of Americans now supporting nuclear. Campaigning on American coal as an alternative source of energy has brought it to the table as a major issue, 60% of Americans support an expansion of local coal mining and coal power plants. Support for renewables remains unchanged at 71%.

*** Given the shrinking size of the deficit, only 15% of Americans support raising taxes.

** The number of people wanting to cut the deficit remains unchanged at 43%. However, a shrinking deficit and a lack of campaigning on the issue in the 2010 election has reduced its prominence for many Americans.

** With 15 years having passed since the last major health care reform was passed, 53% of Americans now support a new round of reform.

** Support for a Balanced Budget Amendment remains unchanged at 63%. Relatively strong support for the amendment in the 2010 election has prevented its prominence from falling like the deficit issue has.

* Now that the minimum wage includes cost of living adjustments, only 29% of Americans support an additional increase in the minimum wage.

** 65% of Americans now believe that unemployment rates are too high. A continued fall in the unemployment rate due to robust economic growth, coupled with a lack of campaigning on the issue in the 2010 midterm election has caused this drop, along with a drop in the prominence of this issue.

** Increasing competitiveness by the Chinese has increased tension towards their pegged currency policy, with 84% of Americans now wanting China to float the Yuan.

National Security Issues

** A virtual silence on discussing defense spending in the 2010 election has caused its prominence to fall. The number of Americans who want to expand the size of the military remains 61%.

*** A bipartisan push for a troop surge in the 2010 election has increased support for military intervention, which now stands at 75%.

*** Bipartisan Congressional support for stronger counter-terrorism measures following terrorist attacks in America and Africa has ensured that voter support for reauthorising the PATRIOT Act remains strong, with 68% of Americans support an extension of its provisions.

** Natural disasters in Dixie and the West have raised the prominence of disaster preparedness. Currently, 22% of Americans believe they are prepared, 39% believe they are partly prepared and 39% believe they are not prepared for a natural disaster.

International Issues

* A number of candidates from both parties in the previous election proposed creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, which has boosted support for such a measure. However, 69% of Americans remain opposed to the idea.

** Support for a border fence is rising, however, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

** Only 28% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

** Support for free trade remains a large minority, with 45% of Americans supporting further trade agreements.

*** Bipartisan campaigning on the threat of climate change and the need to take action has raised its prominence. 57% of Americans now believe it is man made and that action must be taken to reduce carbon emissions.

* 31% of Americans want to loosen trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

Spot Polling Report

** With the 2012 Presidential Primary season approaching, national polling was conducted for both major parties on candidate support. This far out from the election, these numbers reflect little more than name recognition, based on previous runs for the White House, actual declarations of intent to run and/or mentions in the media. Others/Undecided includes any individuals below the 3% margin of error. (These numbers are as at 25 May, and haven't factored in anything done since then.)

Democratic Party - Governor Nicole Bowman 11%, Senator Russell DeWitt 10%, Senator Henry Clark 7%, Senator Spencer Chase 5%, Governor Brady Fitzgerald 4%, Governor Beau Patterson 3%, Senator Aaron Perez 3%, Senator Sasithorn Wongkhaluang 3%, Others/Undecided 54%.

Republican Party - Governor Edward Lilly 10%, Senator Vassily Lyakhov 8%, Representative Haley Cavalier 7%, Senator Zeke Nimpson 6%, Governor Matthias Roland 5%, Senator Johnny-Joe Allen 3%, Senator Daniel Hood 3%, Senator Chloe Richards 3%, Others/Undecided 55%.

* Senator DeWitt's suggestion of allowing letters of marquee in the War on Terrorism has got policy wonks interested in the idea, but it has yet to get mainstream Americans talking about it. At this point, about 90% of Americans wouldn't be able to tell you what it means.

Economic Indicators

Economic growth - 4.1%
Unemployment rate - 6.6%

The Pew Research Center has polled the American people to see how they rate the important issues in 2015. Key issues currently include the current military intervention in Iran, the gas crisis, war on terror, same-sex marriage, abortion, Cuba and marijuana.

Iran

Public response to the President's strikes against Iran has been mixed. 52% of Americans stated their "support for the troops", and 81% agreed when asked whether they believe Iran to be a terrorist sponsoring regime. However, when it comes to intervention, Americans are highly undecided. While only 31% believe President Lyakhov should have started a war against Iran (with 35% believing he should have stayed out, and a huge 34% having no opinion yet), 71% see the destruction of Iran's nuclear program as a good decision.

When it comes to trust, 51% of Americans believe the President has been forthright and open about the reasons for war, but support is soft, and could swift easily. Additionally, a significant plurality (37%) believe it's too soon to tell how well the President handled the crisis. And finally, Americans are almost unanimously (78%) concerned about the economic effects American intervention in Iran could have.

National Security

In a rapid flip, 71% of those polled now oppose removing the Cuban embargo, and 83% affirm they're increasingly concerned about Cuba's harboring of terrorists.

Bipartisan Congressional support for stronger counter-terrorism measures has ensured that voter support for the PATRIOT Act remains strong, with 66% of Americans support an extension of its provisions. Support for American military interventions in Africa is currently at 79%.

Prominence of disaster preparedness remains high. Currently, 19% of Americans believe they are prepared, 42% believe they are partly prepared and 39% believe they are not prepared for a natural disaster.

Marijuana

While 75% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana for medical treatment, only 45% support the legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Regardless of opinions, the public is divided on who should handle marijuana policy, with 32% stating it should be the regions (with support high in the Midwest and Northeast), and 37% stating it should remain a federal decision.

On the recent marijuana dispute in the Northeast, more Americans support the federal government (27%) than Fitzgerald's government (21%), but even more believe neither has acted appropiately (36%), or don't care (13%). Few believe both have acted correctly (3%).

Social Issues

Recent Supreme Court decisions, and the debate over the proposed constitutional convention has brought the issue of gay marriage back to the forefront. 35% of Americans support the call for a constitutional convention while 30% are opposed; the remainder are undecided for a variety of reasons. On the question of gay marriage itself, the American people remain sharply divided with 48% opposed to gay marriage and 46% in support. Support varies amongst regions, but the Northeast is the only region with a majority that supports gay marriage.

American views on Abortion are greatly moderate nowadays. Americans tend to be more supportive of abortion, on the condition that there are certain restrictions on it. In our latest polling, only 13% of Americans now supported abortion on demand, 40% supported abortion with some restrictions, 32% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 15% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

Views are mixed on the Preserving Unborn Life Act, recently signed into law by President Lyakhov. 46% believe it goes too far, 13% believe it doesn't go far enough, and 26% support it as written. The rest? Undecided.

The prominence of school reform has fallen back again, with the introduction of the Save our Schools Act. While 62% of Americans support school reform, BEST's unpopularity has made people wary of another "bipartisan" political ploy in the education system.

An overwhelming 89% support the recent Great Lakes clean-up deal.

Americans reject recent controversial scientific advancements, including cloning (13% approve), body modification (15% approve), and sterility pills (26% approve). In-vitro meat, on the other hand, earned mixed reception, with 33% in favor, 30% against, and 36% being undecided.

Support for the death penalty remains at 71%, but with lower prominence.

Support for stricter gun control is unchanged, with 58% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures, but with lower prominence.

American support for the War on Drugs remains strong, with only 24% of Americans supporting looser enforcement, but with lower prominence.

Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 43% of Americans in strong support, 31% strongly against. However, a lack of interest in this issue has caused its prominence to drop.

Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 65% of Americans in favor.

Recent debates on abortion, marriage, and other closely held beliefs has led 47% of Americans believe there is a culture war against American values. Prominence of this issue, however, has dropped.

With greater social and cultural exposure, including some high profile gay servicemen and women, support for the validity of the homosexual lifestyle keeps increasing. Today 76% now believe it is valid, with 19% believing it is not.

American support for prayer in school remains at 55%, with a lower prominence.

86% of Americans believe that racial tensions are rising. While the percentage remains the same, the tension has shifted from blacks to Muslims and Iranians.

Support for large scale urban projects has fallen to 39% with very few people believing it is a key issue.

Recent Supreme Court decisions have raised voter awareness of the ideological slant of the Supreme Court and judicial activism. 49% of voters believe the court is too liberal, 38% of voters believe it is about right and 13% believe it is too conservative.

Energy Crisis

With the continued rise of gas prices, a majority of 59% supported increasing offshore drilling operations in the United States, but only 40% supported reducing regulations. ANWR drilling, meanwhile, remains a contentious issue, as only 49% support opening ANWR to oil drilling.

When asked which path should be pursued for America's energy future, only 9% supported continuing with the current situation. 23% supported greater focus on alternative energies, 25% supported continued focus on domestic drilling, and 35% supported increasing domestic drilling and alternative energy development. 8% was undecided or gave different answers.

Support for nuclear power remains low at 39%, due to Japan's still recent meltdown. Support for clean coal, meanwhile, ascended to 45%, with 36% opposing.

A great majority of 71% claim their community has no electric car charging stations. Americans remain undecided on whether they would purchase electric cars, with 51% affirming they didn't know.

Economy

While only 31% of Americans will answer affirmatively to whether they support raising taxes, a majority of 59% support raising taxes for the wealthy.

The number of people wanting to cut the deficit has risen to 51%. Support for a Balanced Budget Amendment, meanwhile, remains at 63%.

79% of Americans now believe that unemployment rates are too high. Recent economic news have raised awareness.

With almost 20 years having passed since the last major health care reform was passed, 61% of Americans now support a new round of reform.

Now that the minimum wage includes cost of living adjustments, only 27% of Americans support an additional increase in the minimum wage. Awareness of this issue has decreased.

Increasing competitiveness by the Chinese, and recent international events have increased tension towards their pegged currency policy, with 89% of Americans now wanting China to float the Yuan.

International Issues

60% of Americans remain opposed to creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, especially in the Heartland.

Support for a border fence is stable, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

Only 29% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

Support for free trade remains a large minority, with 47% of Americans supporting further trade agreements.

63% of Americans now believe climate change is man made and that action must be taken to reduce carbon emissions.

An increasing number of Americans are now concerned about Basque terrorism, in comparison to the 0.5% polled in our last release.

Spot Polling Report

While President Lyakhov's approval ratings stood firmly at 57% before the Iran attack, only 48% currently view his Presidency favorably.

With the 2016 Presidential Election approaching, national polling was conducted on candidate support. This far out from the election, these numbers reflect little more than name recognition, based on previous runs for the White House, actual declarations of intent to run and/or mentions in the media. Others/Undecided includes any individuals below the 3% margin of error.

Democratic Primary - Governor Brady Fitzgerald 13%, Governor Nicole Bowman 11%, Senator Henry Clark 9%, Governor Eric Smith 9%, Governor Spencer Chase 7%, Senator Jennifer Grant 5%, Senator Aaron Perez 5%, Senator Katherine Midura 3%, Senator Sasithorn Wongkhaluang 3%, Others/Undecided 35%.

General Election - Lyakhov 45%, Generic Democrat 45%.

Economic Indicators

Now released in Economic News!

The Pew Research Center has polled the American people to see how they rate the important issues in 2017. Key issues currently include Cuba, the Wall Street crisis, war on terror, same-sex marriage and the Constitutional Convention, abortion, and Social Security reform.

Foreign Policy

While a majority of Americans (53%) don't trust the Castroists' promise to uphold the democratic Constitution of Free State of Cuba, another majority (71%) supports the end of the war. With the issue starting to appear in media, voters are undecided on the issue of forging a Caribbean Defence Alliance (49% don't know), but among those who have an opinion, support is on the lead (29-22).

Voter support for the PATRIOT Act remains strong, but is starting to fade away, with 57% of Americans supporting the bill.

As American Military Interventions in Africa reaches its tenth year, 61% of Americans believe that the United States have many significant accomplishments in Africa fighting against terrorism while 33% of Americans believe little has been accomplished. Today, 67% of Americans remain in support of American military interventions in Africa.

Prominence of disaster preparedness remains high. Currently, 13% of Americans believe they are prepared, 45% believe they are partly prepared and 42% believe they are not prepared for a natural disaster.

The War of Iran is no longer in the radar of most voters, but opinions are strong. 42% now believe the U. S. shouldn't have gone in, with 34% believing it was the right decision.

A majority, 59%, approve of the President's actions during the Chile-Argentina war.

67% of Americans condemn Israel's operations in the Gaza strip, with 64% praising the United States' government decision to support sanctions, but strongly criticizing the lack of further action against said operations. On the other hand, a small minority of 31%, supports Israel's actions, but equally condemns the United States government's decision to withdraw support from Israel.

Marijuana

While 76% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana for medical treatment, only 48% support the legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Regardless of opinions, the public is divided on who should handle marijuana policy. 38%, up 6% since 2015, state it should be the regions (with support high in the Midwest and Northeast), while 33%, down 4%, state it should remain a federal decision.

Social Issues

The issue of gay marriage and the Constitutional Convention remain as issues at the forefront of the American political landscape. 41% of Americans think the Constitutional Convention should adjourn immediately, 10% think the Convention should remain in session to try to pass something on the marriage issue, and the remainder (49%) are unsure. On the question of gay marriage itself, the American people remain sharply divided with 47% opposed to gay marriage and 46% in support. The Northeast remains the only region with a majority that supports gay marriage.

American views on Abortion are greatly moderate nowadays, tending to be more supportive of abortion, on the condition that there are certain restrictions on it. In our latest polling, only 13% of Americans now supported abortion on demand, 41% supported abortion with some restrictions, 33% would prohibit abortion in most circumstances, and 13% would prohibit abortion in all circumstances.

47% support the court's decision to roll back a number of provisions in the Preserving Unborn Life Act, while 39% are opposed, with the rest undecided. Support for the remnants of the bill is, as a result, higher, up to 45%, with 43% opposed.

The prominence of school reform has fallen back again, with the progress of the Save our Schools Act. A soft 65% of Americans support the bill while they wait for its results.

Americans' rejection for recent controversial scientific advancements has grown stronger, with only 11% approving cloning, 13% approving body modification, and 22% approving sterility pills. Support for In-vitro meat, on the other hand, has slightly increased, with 33% in favor, 29% against, and 38% being undecided.

Support for the death penalty has slightly decreased, currentlys standing at 69%, with lower prominence.

Support for stricter gun control is mostly unchanged, with 57% of Americans favoring some stronger gun control measures, but with lower prominence.

On the passage of the Keep and Bear Arms Act, and subsequent regional legislation in the Northeast refusing to recognize out-of-region concealed carry licenses, opinions are mixed. 43% support the bill as written, while 47% oppose it. Only 31% of those opposed, however, believe regions should ignore the federal law, with a majority of those opposed (63%) calling for its repeal instead.

American support for the War on Drugs remains strong, with only 27% of Americans supporting looser enforcement, but with lower prominence.

Affirmative Action remains a contested issue, with 44% of Americans in strong support, 33% strongly against. However, a lack of interest in this issue has caused its prominence to drop.

Laws requiring English as the only official language have strong support nationwide, with 68% of Americans in favor.

Despite debates on abortion, marriage, and other closely held beliefs, the number of Americans who believe there is a culture war against American values has decreased, currently at 41%. Prominence of this issue keeps dropping.

With greater social and cultural exposure, including some high profile gay servicemen and women, support for the validity of the homosexual lifestyle keeps increasing. Today 79% now believe it is valid, with 17% believing it is not.

American support for prayer in school remains at 55%, with a lower prominence.

80% of Americans still believe that racial tensions are rising, still shifted from blacks to Muslims and Iranians.

Support for large scale urban projects has fallen to 37% with very few people believing it is a key issue.

Recent Supreme Court decisions have raised voter awareness of the ideological slant of the Supreme Court and judicial activism. 51% of voters believe the court is too liberal, 34% of voters believe it is about right and 15% believe it is too conservative.

Energy Crisis

Support for increasing offshore drilling operations in the United States has dropped to 57%, but remains strong. However, only 34% support reducing regulations, and a majority of 58% oppose using EPA funds for oil platform construction.

ANWR drilling remains a contentious issue, as only 48% support opening ANWR to oil drilling.

In the latest regional-federal fight between President Lyakhov and Governor Bowman, national opinion is mixed. 46% support the President and federal authority over drilling, while 45% support the Governor, and regional authority over regional drilling.

When asked which path should be pursued for America's energy future, only 7% supported continuing with the current situation. 24% supported greater focus on alternative energies, 25% supported continued focus on domestic drilling, and 36% supported increasing domestic drilling and alternative energy development. 8% were undecided or gave different answers.

Months after the War of Iran, 63% still believe gas prices are too high.

Support for nuclear power remains low at 43%, but starts to rise as the issue of Japan's meltdown loses prominence. Support for clean coal, meanwhile, ascended to 47%, with 33% opposing.

A majority of 62% claim their community has no electric car charging stations, a 9% drop from 2015. Americans remain undecided on whether they would purchase electric cars, with 51% affirming they didn't know.

Social Security

The issue of Social Security has piqued public interest after a recent news report that the trust may be bankrupt within the next five years. We polled several solutions presented.

While only 22% supported full privatization, 51% would allow workers to invest part of their Social Security taxes privately.

When given the choice between avoiding benefits cuts or avoiding tax increases, only 37% supported avoiding tax increases, with 59% prefering to avoid benefits cuts.

Voters are undecided on the issue of raising the retirement age. 43% said it is a solution to consider, while 44% opposed it right away.

In general, 77% of citizens affirm they support some kind of entitlement reform.

Economy

Voters have a firm opinion on the Wall Street Bloomberg crisis, with 79% support investigating Paulson, 67% affirming Paulson should resign, 81% in favor of a vigorous investigation of Bloomberg, and 73% in favor of investigations of other firms.

The prominence of the End Wall Street movement is still low. Amongst those who affirm they have knowledge about EWS and its goals, 43% are in favor.

While only 29% of Americans will answer affirmatively to whether they support raising taxes, a majority of 61% support raising taxes for the wealthy.

The number of people wanting to cut the deficit remains at 51%. Support for a Balanced Budget Amendment, meanwhile, is at 62%

61% of Americans still believe that unemployment rates are too high.

With almost 20 years having passed since the last major health care reform was passed, 65% of Americans now support a new round of reform, with 13% claiming they have no insurance or are underinsured.

Now that the minimum wage includes cost of living adjustments, only 25% of Americans support an additional increase in the minimum wage. Awareness of this issue continues to decrease.

Increasing competitiveness by the Chinese, and recent international events have increased tension towards their pegged currency policy, with 91% of Americans now wanting China to float the Yuan.

International Issues

59% of Americans remain opposed to creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, especially in the Heartland.

Support for a border fence is stable, as 41% of Americans now support a fence.

Only 30% of Americans think illegal aliens should get government benefits.

Support for free trade remains a large minority, with 47% of Americans supporting further trade agreements.

66% of Americans now believe climate change is man made and that action must be taken to reduce carbon emissions.

Spot Polling Report

After a close re-election, President Lyakhov's approval ratings currently at 51%.

Only a few months after the 2016 Presidential Election, national polling was conducted on candidate support for 2020. This far out from the election, these numbers reflect little more than name recognition, based on previous runs for the White House, actual declarations of intent to run and/or mentions in the media. Others/Undecided includes any individuals below the 3% margin of error.

Democratic Primary - Governor Nicole Bowman 11%, former Governor Eric Smith 10%, Governor Brady Fitzgerald 10%, Senator Aaron Perez 7%, Senator Jennifer Grant 6%, Senator Katherine Midura 5%, former Senator Russell DeWitt 3%, Others 48%

Republican Primary - Vice President Daniel Hood 10%, Governor Matthias Roland 9%, Governor Adelina Valdez-Morrison 9%, Governor Aiden Black Deer 8%, Senator Jean Houston 6%, Senator Josiah Dresner 5%, Senator Doug Butcher 3%, Senator Valeria Smith 3%, Others 47%

General Election - Generic Republican 43%, Generic Democrat 43%.

Economic Indicators

Now released in Economic News!