Today’s report that former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is considering a 2016 presidential run raises a few questions. What is he thinking? Does he really think he can win? And is it worth a billion dollars of his own money? Here are the answers: He is thinking rationally. […] Read more »
Democratic, Republican Identification Near Historical Lows
In 2015, for the fifth consecutive year, at least four in 10 U.S. adults identified as political independents. The 42% identifying as independents in 2015 was down slightly from the record 43% in 2014. This elevated percentage of political independents leaves Democratic (29%) and Republican (26%) identification at or near […] Read more »
How politics determines the way Americans perceive discrimination
… Past research has shown that partisans will often perceive the same events—from a hostage crisis abroad to objective markers of an improving economy at home—in completely divergent ways based on their preconceived and firmly held political convictions. The partisan lens through which many view the social and political world […] Read more »
Four Poll Findings That Should Concern Democrats Heading Into 2016
There is little holiday cheer in this country, nor a sense of peace on Earth or goodwill toward man, according to the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll. Behind these findings are four sets of numbers that Democrats should study if they hope to hold on to the White House. […] Read more »
Both Sides Now
An age-old argument among political operatives is the relative importance of persuasion versus turnout. … Which candidate Republicans decide to nominate for president next year could well turn on that basic question. CONT. Charlie Cook Read more »
Gauging the Impact of the GOP Debates on Independents and Democrats
Republican presidential candidates have been involved in three nationally televised debates so far this year. The debates are primarily focused on providing potential Republican voters with the opportunity to look over the field of candidates. But independents and Democrats can’t help being exposed to the events, if not directly by […] Read more »