Brookings: Topics - Polling and Public Opinion

Governance Studies

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:55:43 GMT

Governance Studies brings together people interested in improving the performance of our national government and bettering the economic security, social welfare, and opportunity available to all Americans.

Red and Blue Nation

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:38:59 GMT

America's Image Rebounds

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over recent years, politicians and analysts inside and outside the United States contended that America’s popularity was in terminal decline. Michael Fullilove and Fergus Hanson explore new public opinion data showing quite the opposite – a quick return to a positive image of the United States around the world.

Battleground or Common Ground? American Public Opinion on Health Care Reform

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To dig deeper into what the American public really thinks about health care, experts at Brookings and WorldPublicOpinion.org gathered and interpreted polling research about public attitudes toward reform of the country’s health care system. Their results offer a new and complex portrait of how Americans view health care reform and the policy debate surrounding the polarizing issue.

What the Public Thinks about Health Care Reform

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 08, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Comprehensive health care reform legislation is moving through Congress. Democrats and Republicans have relied on vast amounts of research, including public opinion polls, to shape their positions and formulate policy solutions. Pundits and legislators alike regularly cite what the American people want in the final reform package. But just how complete is this research? On October 8, Brookings and WorldPublicOpinion.org unveiled new survey research about public attitudes on health care reform.

Arab Citizens of Israel: What Do They Think?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 01, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On October 1, Shibley Telhami, Saban Center nonresident senior fellow and Anwar Sadat professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, presented results of the 2009 University of Maryland/Zogby International opinion poll, conducted in August 2009, that surveyed Israeli Arabs and Palestinian public opinion.

Should Democrats Worry About President Obama’s Declining Approval Ratings?

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although President Obama’s approval ratings are declining, there is nothing inexorable about this drop or the larger swing against him among Independents, writes Thomas Mann. However, if the economic downturn persists a year from now and President Obama’s approval ratings have sunk well below 50 percent, Mann predicts, Democrats are likely to lose 20 or more seats in the House and a few in the Senate.

Why Are Afghans Smiling?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though Afghanistan has been at war much of the last 30 years, Carol Graham and Jeremy Shapiro find that Afghans remain surprisingly happy. Graham and Shapiro believe adaptations to crime and corruption play a major role and argue that better understanding of multiple happiness factors, including Taliban influence, should shape future U.S. strategy in the country.

Is Obama Losing Health Care Reform?

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With his approval ratings declining and increasing congressional infighting about health care overhaul, President Obama's reform efforts are starting to resemble President Clinton's failed attempt in 1994. However, Darrell West argues President Obama has already demonstrated much greater political effectiveness than President Clinton, and on this issue ultimately, Democrats will succeed in passing health care reform because the risks of failure are too high.

Prospects for Immigration Reform in the New Political Climate

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New federal policies on immigration will require a new narrative, bold and innovative ideas and a determination to overcome major obstacles to action. Darrell West and Thomas Mann offer a forecast for immigration reform in the new political climate as the nation’s growing Latino factor and some recent shifts in immigration positions suggest that forging a new policy is possible. However, the topic still evokes economic, social, political and cultural obstacles that must be overcome if congressional reform is going to effective.

The Health Care Disconnect

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington’s arguments on new health care reform appear far removed from the public’s needs, writes Darrell West. He argues that the clashes on the so-called public option do not satisfy the most important concern consumers have: that their current care will not suffer.

Innovation in Government: How to Make the Public Sector Faster, Smarter and More Connected

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 17, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On June 17, Brookings hosted an event on how new technology can make the public sector perform faster and smarter. Brookings Vice President and Director of Governance Studies Darrell West released a new study, “Comparing Technology Innovation in the Private and Public Sectors.”

Obama's Cairo Speech Could Make the World a Safer Place

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama’s speech in Cairo has been heralded as a historic moment in redefining and reorienting the U.S. approach to the Muslim world. Michael Fullilove examines the issues, themes and tone of Obama’s speech while exploring the implications of the speech for U.S.-Muslim relations, particularly in reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Lebanon on the Brink of Elections: Key Public Opinion Findings

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this Saban Center Middle East Memo, Shibley Telhami presents data from his March-May public opinion poll in Lebanon. Telhami examines the attitudes of the Lebanese public on core foreign and domestic issues that will be critical to the type of government that could emerge following the June 7 parliamentary elections. Many of the issues addressed in the poll are of great interest to the United States as it implements its policy in the region.

The 2009 Arab Public Opinion Poll: A View from the Middle East

Tue, 19 May 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 19, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

As President Obama prepared to address the greater Muslim world from Egypt, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted the release of a new 2009 University of Maryland/Zogby International public opinion poll which reveals long-term trends and surprising revelations about perceptions of the United States and President Barack Obama in the Middle East.

Well-being and Public Attitudes in Afghanistan: Some Insights from the Economics of Happiness

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In Afghanistan, individuals have to cope with the most adverse of circumstances. Carol Graham and Soumya Chattopadhyay use tools provided by a new approach in economics that relies on surveys of happiness or reported well-being to deepen our understanding of conditions there.They conclude that average happiness scores in Afghanistan are higher than the world average and discuss the implications of this and other findings for policy.

President Obama at 100 Days

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 30, 2009, 10:00 AM to 12:45 PM

On April 30, the Brookings Institution hosted an event to discuss President Obama's performance during his first 100 days in office, on issues ranging from health care to the Middle East.

GovWatch: Setting the First Mark at 100 Days

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As our nation confronts an economic crisis of a severity unlike any since the Great Depression, much attention has been placed on President Obama’s first 100 days and the administration’s progress in combating these unprecedented challenges. Expert Darrell West tracks public opinion on Obama’s handling of the recovery effort for a new index, GovWatch.

Panama at the Polls: A Study in Political Weakness

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On May 3, Panama will elect a new president. Kevin Casas-Zamora explores the campaigns of the incumbent and challenger and examines why Panama can be viewed as one of the better functioning and most stable polities in Latin America.

Center-Left America?

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pietro Nivola examines public attitudes toward the economic crisis, health care, the environment, immigration and foreign affairs. He argues that Americans appear to have tilted toward the Democrats only on some matters and that much of the public remains divided or doubtful about the capacity of government to meet the nation’s greatest challenges.

To Rebuild U.S.-Muslim World Relations, Obama Is Not Enough

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama has demonstrated a strong personal commitment to strengthening relations between the United States and the Muslim world, in support of common security, political, economic, and social interests. Stephen Grand and Kristin Lord argue that he also needs an army, of civilians, behind him.

A Cap And Trade Calamity?

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A strong cap-and-trade program seems unlikely to pass given the economic downturn, writes William Galston. Since a majority of Americans say economic growth should be given the priority and Midwestern states depend more heavily on coal-fired power plants, President Obama’s options for cap-and-trade legislation are limited.

Asia Still Likes America

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tours East Asia this week she may find something surprising: respect for the United States remains strong. David Shambaugh and Thomas Wright explore the positive attitudes emanating from the region toward the U.S., and they note that this is an invaluable asset given the current need for cooperation regarding the global economic crisis.

Cuban American Opinions Concerning U.S. Policy Toward Cuba and Recent U.S. Election

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 02, 2008, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

On December 2, The Brookings Institution released the results of a new poll on Cuban American opinion conducted by Florida International University in collaboration with the Brookings Institution and the Cuba Study Group.

2008 U.S.-Islamic World Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 13, 2008, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
October 14, 2008, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

On October 13-14, The Brookings Institution in partnership with The Asia Foundation and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, brought together 50 key leaders from Southeast Asia, the broader Muslim world, and the United States for open and frank dialogue directed at developing actionable programs for government, civil society, and the private sector.

The Political Geography of America’s Purple States: Five Trends That Will Decide the 2008 Election

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 10, 2008, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

A briefing on a new series of reports on the political demography of "purple" states in the 2008 election. Authors William Frey and Ruy Teixeira highlighted the political and demographic trends in the 10 battleground states: Virginia, Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Democracy in the Age of New Media: A Report on the Media and the Immigration Debate

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new Brookings/USC report finds that the U.S. media have hindered effective policy making on immigration in recent years, and their impact has been increasing as a result of an ongoing evolution in the media industry.

The Climate of Opinion: State Views on Climate Change and Policy Options

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The 2008 presidential race may be the first in which the candidates’ positions on climate change have some influence on electoral outcome. Barry Rabe and Christopher Borick examine public attitudes toward climate change, with particular emphasis on policy options, including how to design and implement policies with states that have very different levels of capacity and patterns of emissions growth.

Politicians Cry Poor as They Dig Deep for Log Cabins

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove reflects on speeches at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in which many speakers focused on their own humble beginnings.

The Post-Convention Bump

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:57:34 GMT

Candidates typically gain popularity with voters immediately following their party conventions. But, as Darrell West explains, this “bump” in popularity is generally short-lived. This election cycle is no different and, he says, people won’t really know where the candidates stand until a few weeks after the Republican convention.

What to Expect from the Cuban-American Electorate

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Andy Gomez, Benjamin Bishin, Feryal Cherif and Daniel Stevens explore myths and facts about the Cuban-American electorate. The evidence presented by the writers indicates that Cuban-Americans do not hold homogenous beliefs and that the community as a whole is more liberal than conventional wisdom has led observers to think.

Can Obama Carry the Evangelical Vote?

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

E.J. Dionne joins George Will, Michael Gerson and Jan Crawford Greenburg on This Week with George Stephanopoulos to discuss the impact of evangelical voters in election 2008.

Public Diplomacy and the New Transatlantic Agenda

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kristin Lord examines public opinion relevant to the transatlantic relationship; transatlantic opinion regarding terrorism, climate change, and international trade; and public diplomacy and how it might advance the transatlantic agenda.

A Reason to Believe: Examining the Factors that Determine Americans’ Views on Global Warming

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

During the past two years, public perceptions of global warming have shifted significantly in the U.S. In the first of a two-part series, Barry Rabe and Christopher Borick examine the factors that drive individual views on global warming.

L’atout d’Obama ? Ne pas être Bush

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with Libération, Justin Vaisse explored the reasons for Barack Obama’s popularity in Europe and stressed the contrast between political classes on each side of the Atlantic for minority candidates. (French)

The Myth of a Toss-up Election

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

News media depict the 2008 presidential election as hotly contested and essentially up for grabs. After reviewing historical patterns, structural features of this election cycle, and national and state polls conducted over the last several months, Thomas Mann, Alan Abramowitz and Larry Sabato dispel the myth of the toss-up election.

A Report on the 2008 Presidential Nomination Ads

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Few aspects of campaigns attract as much discussion as television advertisements. Yet many observers are not happy with the quality of information presented in ads or the tone of political discourse. In looking at campaign ads in this year’s presidential nominating election, Darrell West finds that ads were more negative than in previous races.

Does the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Still Matter?

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 01, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Arab public sentiment and opinion present critical challenges to the struggle for peace, stability and economic growth in the Middle East. On July 1, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted a discussion of Shibley Telhami’s new analysis paper, Does the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Still Matter? with Steven Kull, director of WorldPublicOpinion.org and the Program on International Policy Attitudes, who presented data from his recent poll of 18 nations focused on attitudes towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Does the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Still Matter?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this Saban Center Analysis Paper, Shibley Telhami analyzes emerging trends in public attitudes and whether there has been a change over time in the degree to which Arabs assign importance to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the prospects of Middle East peace. In addition, Telhami addresses the ramifications of the divide between Hamas and Fatah, between the government appointed by President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah and the Hamas-appointed government in Gaza.

Why Are Women Still Not Running for Public Office?

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Women in the United States remain severely under-represented in our political institutions. Jennifer Lawless and Richard Fox argue that this is because women do not run for office at the same rate men do. They offer guidance to organizations and individuals seeking to increase the number of women in elected positions.

America and the Middle East: The Role of Public Opinion

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 15, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

On May 15, 2008, The Brookings Doha Center (BDC), a project of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, hosted Shibley Telhami for the first in-house BDC policy luncheon. The discussion focused on Dr. Telhami’s latest academic polling on public attitudes in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Vote Like Thy Neighbor

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The ideological differences between the political parties are growing, write Pietro Nivola and William Galston, and political polarization has become akin to political segregation. You are less likely to live near someone whose politics differ from your own. While many Americans want less polarization, they argue, "the underlying structure of our politics remains so deeply divided, the 2008 election may not requite their wish."

Democratic Nod in Barack Obama’s Reach

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Voters in North Carolina and Indiana padded Barack Obama’s popular vote margin by more than 200,000. William Galston writes that continuing warning signs remain. Obama doesn't have a strong base among religious and more moderate voters. Plus, if nominated, he must reunite the party.

Public Confidence in Charities, 2008 Report

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Public confidence in charities remains at contemporary lows, writes Paul C. Light in a recent report. Americans will be treated to a cascade of stories about charitable fraud, waste and abuse unless the sector takes aggressive action to create headlines about success.

High Time for a Helping Hand for Strapped American Families

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Americans are gloomy about the economy these days. Despite widespread economic malaise, writes Elisabeth Jacobs, little has been done to strengthen the safety net for American families in financial duress. And though some presidential candidates have begun to call for action, evidence suggests that the American people need action now.

Pennsylvania Speaks: The Democratic Contest Will Continue

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the Pennsylvania primary, Hillary Clinton won an overwhelming victory, writes senior fellow William Galston. These results have quieted calls for her to leave the race and will probably slow the steady flow of superdelegates to Obama. Nonetheless, her path to the nomination remains steep.

Views from the Middle East: Public Opinion in the Arab World

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 14, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

The Saban Center for Middle East Policy hosted the release of a new University of Maryland/Zogby International opinion poll reflecting public attitudes in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.

Obama Criticized for 'Bitter' Blue-Collar Remarks

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Visiting Fellow Ruy Teixeira and experts appear on NPR's Talk of the Nation to discuss the Pennsylvania primary and the working-class vote.

Kidnapped: My Friend in Pakistan and American Ideals

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr writes about U.S. ideals and overall appearance in the Muslim world.

Presidential Politics Can Help Iraq Policy

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ivo Daalder and Philip Gordon note that a majority of Americans now believes the war in Iraq was a mistake and that we should begin to withdraw troops. In this light, domestic politics will play an important role in future military and diplomatic considerations toward the country, especially once a new administration is in office come January 2009.

How and When Experience in a President Counts

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Experience has become a dominant issue in the 2008 presidential campaign. Charles Jones examines the CVs of the three remaining contenders and explores whether prior White House experience is a guarantee for success and how the historical experience of experience might apply to 2008.

Creating a New Public Diplomacy Cabinet Post

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the 21st century, spreading global public understanding of America’s institutions, culture and political values is as important as the work of traditional diplomats, writes William Galston. Galston proposes creating a Cabinet-level agency with the mission to make the case for America as a force for peace, prosperity and political reform.

March 4 Primaries: One Nomination Settled; One Muddled

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the certain GOP presidential candidate, John McCain starts the long dash to November, while Democratic contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will continue to sprint for voters and superdelegates. William Galston writes that only prudent foresight among Democratic party leaders will ward off controversy and chaos that might ensue if their party's nomination goes all the way to the convention.

The Search for the Next Soccer Mom: Trends to Watch in 2008

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The evolution of American politics is bound up with demographic and geographic change. So what are the trends to watch in 2008? A number of them are examined by Visiting Fellow Ruy Teixeira and AEI's Karlyn Bowman.

The “Potomac Primary”: Surprisingly Consequential

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For months, the “Potomac Primary” on February 12 languished in the shadow of the previous week’s Super Tuesday, when more than 20 states made their choices. In the end, as Brookings William Galston writes, the Potomac voters in fact clarified the challenges facing the remaining candidates.

Super Tuesday Turned Into a Super Flop

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A national primary emerged as 24 states fell over one another in a Keystone Kop spectacle by moving up their primaries and caucuses to Feb. 5. Brookings Michael McDonald examines voter participation on Super Tuesday.

Examining the Presidential Nominating Process

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Expert E.J. Dionne and David Brooks of the New York Times discuss the presidential nominating process.

Causes, Defining Moments Line Road to S.C. Primary

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Senior Fellow E.J. Dionne joins David Brooks of the New York Times to discuss the New Hampshire primary results and candidates' futures on NPR's All Things Considered.

Collapsible Candidates from Iowa to New Hampshire

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A comeback victory in New Hampshire to Hillary Clinton and John McCain leaves a wide open race for both parties as the candidates continue their campaigns for the presidential nomination. Brookings Michael McDonald examines how the dynamic of the presidential election can swiftly and stunningly change, as it did in on Tuesday.

The New Hampshire Surprise

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One lesson from New Hampshire for the 2008 primary election is that the common wisdom, the polls and the pundits can be wrong. Ron Nessen says that many more unexpected twists and turns in this presidential campaign are likely before the November election.

The Generational Turnout War

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Young voters propelled Barack Obama to victory in Iowa. Mike Huckabee won every age demographic in his Iowa caucus victory. Michael McDonald examines the impact of youth voter turnout on the Iowa results.

The Iowa Caucuses

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:00:28 GMT

The day after the Iowa caucuses, Thomas Mann discusses what happened in both the Republican and Democratic contests and looks ahead to the upcoming presidential primaries.

The Youth Vote

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 05, 2007, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Voter turnout by young people will be crucial in the 2008 election. Harvard University’s Institute of Politics (IOP) has been conducting regular polling of America’s college students for seven years, highlighting key trends and issues related to politics and public service. On December 5, Brookings’s Opportunity 08 Project and the IOP released the findings of the Fall 2007 Youth Survey on Politics and Public Service.

First, Get the Knowledge

Fri, 25 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Diane Ravitch, The New York Sun (5/25/07)

Reaching American Voters: Strengthen Candidates’ Traditional and New Media Approaches

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The media’s focus on who’s ahead or who’s behind in the polls—rather than on candidates’ positions on specific issues—is worrisome. Brooklings journalist-in-residence Ron Nessen advises that 2008 Presidential candidates seeking to define themselves to voters must pay attention to major changes in the media and public attitudes toward it.

U.S. Exit From Iraq: Zogby Poll Analysis

Fri, 03 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon analyzes a recent Zogby Poll question regarding troop withdrawl in Iraq.

The 60's and the 90's: American's Political, Moral, and Religious, Values Then and Now

Mon, 01 Mar 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Robert J. Blendon, John M. Benson, Mollyann Brodie, Drew E. Altman, Richard Morin, Claudia Deane, and Nina Kjellson (Spring 1999)