Examining Americans’ Attitudes About the NSA Surveillance Program

How do we summarize what Americans think about the NSA surveillance programs? I would say that Americans don’t particularly like the programs (which is not surprising), but in some circumstances find them acceptable if that’s what it takes to help investigate and prevent acts of terrorism. [cont.] Frank Newport, Gallup Read more »

Support for the Leaker—and His Prosecution

More than half of Americans approve of a former intelligence contractor’s decision to leak classified details of sprawling government surveillance programs, according to the results of a new TIME poll. Fifty-four percent of respondents said the leaker, Edward Snowden, 29, did a “good thing” in releasing information about the government […] Read more »

Fox News poll: Voters oppose NSA program, most lack trust in government

Most Americans find it unacceptable for the National Security Agency to collect the phone records of millions of U.S. citizens. In addition, a majority lacks trust in the federal government, and an increasing number of people say it’s too big. [cont.] Dana Blanton, Fox News Read more »

Polls show Obama’s real worry: NSA leaks erode trust in government

Thursday, the Guardian released a poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday nights by Public Policy Polling looking at America’s reaction to the National Security Agency (NSA) controversy. The public appears to be reacting negatively to the revelations – and it seems to be hurting President Obama. We found 50% of […] Read more »

Americans Disapprove of Government Surveillance Programs

More Americans disapprove (53%) than approve (37%) of the federal government agency program that as part of its efforts to investigate terrorism obtained records from U.S. telephone and Internet companies to “compile telephone call logs and Internet communications.” … There are significant partisan differences in views of the government’s program […] Read more »