Fear is back. It looks like 2004 all over again. … The biggest political problem Democrats face is one that didn’t come up in 2004: refugees. Obama called Republican opposition to admitting refugees “shameful” and “a betrayal of our values.” He mocked Republican critics, saying “They’re scared of widows and […] Read more »
This Isn’t The First Time Americans Have Shown Fear Of Refugees
… Polls throughout the week showed clear majorities of Americans supporting at least “a pause” in the resettlement of refugees from the region being roiled by the self-proclaimed Islamic State. For all that America prides itself on being “a nation of immigrants” symbolized by the Statue of Liberty with her […] Read more »
Of Paris and (Would-Be) Presidents
… So, what effect will the tragedy in Paris have on the U.S. presidential campaign and next year’s election? The short answer: Ask me again in 50 weeks. But let’s parse the possibilities. CONT. Charlie Cook Read more »
Terrorism Fears Rise Post-Paris; Most Back Force, Oppose Refugees
With terrorism fears near a post-9/11 high in a new ABC News-Washington Post poll, majorities of Americans back increased use of military force, including ground forces, against the Islamic State, and more than half oppose admitting Mideast refugees to the United States. CONT. Gary Langer, ABC News Read more »
Paris Attacks Will Keep Obama and Democrats Playing Defense
I say it repeatedly: Events matter. And for President Barack Obama, the terror attacks in Paris present a no-win political situation, at least until other, compelling news changes the subject. That is not to say the president, the Democratic Party or the likely Democratic 2016 nominee, Hillary Rodham Clinton, will […] Read more »
What France can learn from how the U.S. reacted to 9/11
How will the Paris attacks influence French public opinion and affect its politics? Observers have speculated that France may get more militarily involved in in Syria, tighten its borders against migrants and refugees, or shift its political attitudes rightward. We can offer insight from our research into American public reactions […] Read more »