… The fierce tribalism that has characterized debates over immigration, taxes and health care is now coloring policy-making during a coronavirus outbreak that threatens countless lives and local economies across the nation. There are exceptions, but Republican leaders have been far more likely to resist the most aggressive social distancing […] Read more »
Ten Takes on COVID-19 as an Economist and Citizen
… The COVID-19 crisis revealed human vulnerability and society’s dependence on science and scientists. In the last few years, there was growing resentment of elites and gravitation toward populist regimes that frequently rejected scientific opinions. The recent crisis is elevating awareness of the crucial role of scientific competence and evidence-based […] Read more »
Our Great American Adaptation: Everything got worse this week
… I don’t want to spend too much time and space teasing out all the nuances of what our new abnormal means. The situation is changing too fast. So, for the sake of brevity, I present the five data points that I believe are worth seeing. 1. Consumer confidence tanks: […] Read more »
Navigating Coronavirus: March 28 Update
… This edition of our daily tracking release features findings from a national online survey of 1,022 registered voters conducted March 24-27, 2020. … • There is near universal support for social distancing, and Americans want it to continue as long as public health experts say is necessary. • State […] Read more »
Poll finds universal lifestyle changes, rising stress and growing fears about catching coronavirus
The spreading coronavirus pandemic has brought massive and sudden disruption to the daily lives of most Americans amid rapidly rising fears that they could become ill with the covid-19 disease, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll. Almost overnight, the threat from the virus has changed habits and lifestyles. CONT. […] Read more »
Six Emerging Conclusions: Public Opinion and COVID-19
Available survey data confirm that public health messaging associated with the COVID-19 virus is getting through. Americans are paying attention, and the public is generally taking the actions recommended by authorities. CONT. Frank Newport, Gallup Read more »