Mood on Economy Up, Race Relations Sharply Down

Americans’ views about the economy, their overall quality of life and the opportunity to get ahead through hard work are more positive than they were before the 2014 State of the Union Address — echoing their improving economic confidence. At the same time, Americans are markedly less satisfied with the […] Read more »

Public’s Policy Priorities Reflect Changing Conditions at Home and Abroad

As views of the economy improve and terrorist threats persist, the public’s policy priorities have changed: For the first time in five years, as many Americans cite defending the U.S. against terrorism (76%) as a top policy priority  as say that about strengthening the nation’s economy (75%). CONT. Pew Read more »

Many in U.S. followed Charlie Hebdo story closely, but past terrorist incidents abroad drew more attention

The attack on the offices of the satirical French newspaper Charlie Hebdo claiming 12 lives was the most closely followed news in the U.S. last week, but interest in the story was not as high when compared with four previous terrorist incidents abroad. CONT. Bruce Drake, Pew Read more »

Terrorism Worries Little Changed; Most Give Government Good Marks for Reducing Threat

In the aftermath of deadly terrorist attacks in Paris — and months after the start of U.S. airstrikes against ISIS — there has been little change in the public’s worries about an imminent terrorist attack in the United States. … In addition, the public gives high ratings to the U.S. […] Read more »

American Public Attitudes Toward ISIS and Syria

Although the fight against the Islamic State, or ISIS, found broad support in Congress and amongst a growing international coalition, questions remain about America’s commitment to a mission to “degrade and ultimately destroy” this terrorist organization, and about the efficacy of the current military strategy in stopping ISIS from seizing […] Read more »