… In my research, I argue that partisan divergences on the magnitude of security threats and of the virtues of flexing more American military muscle have deep roots in socioeconomic transformations that have disproportionately affected core Republican voters. Since World War II, government investments in military technology have not only […] Read more »
Party Groups Agree on Importance of Big Election Issues
Mirroring the top issue priorities of Americans as a whole, Republicans, independents and Democrats largely agree on the top issues that will affect their vote for president this fall. Education, the economy, jobs, healthcare and terrorism/national defense rank among the six most important voting issues for all three groups, with […] Read more »
Trump Leads Clinton on Top-Ranking Economic Issues
If the race for president comes down to Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, Trump could benefit from an edge in public confidence on the issues Americans are prioritizing most this election. A slight majority of Americans choose Trump as better able to handle the economy (53%) and jobs (52%), and […] Read more »
Consumer confidence rebounds in May: Renewed strength in personal finances
Consumer sentiment rebounded in May to its highest level in the last nine months. There have been only four times out of the last 110 monthly surveys that the Sentiment Index was higher, according to the University of Michigan (U-M) Surveys of Consumers. CONT. University of Michigan Read more »
When Elections Aren’t About the Economy
The boring economy seems to be making this presidential race even more exciting. And uncertain. The economy has reliably been one of the most important factors influencing a presidential election. A strong economy helps to keep the party in power in power. A weak economy tends to cause voters to […] Read more »
Democrats More Liberal on Social Issues Than Economic Ones
A majority of Democrats, 57%, describe their views on social issues as liberal. At the same time, Democrats are about as likely to say they are moderate (37%) as liberal (41%) on economic issues. Most Republicans say they are conservative in both areas, but more say this about economic matters […] Read more »