Virtually no Democrats (2%) currently rate the nation’s economy as good or excellent, but Republicans are scarcely more upbeat.

Republicans were significantly less likely to vote for a candidate who is a mother of young children than one who is a father of young children, other factors being equal.

After the first presidential debate, the words most used to describe Obama’s performance and McCain’s were “confident” and “experienced,” respectively.

Fewer than four-in-ten (37%) say Sarah Palin is qualified to serve as president if necessary.

One-in-four middle-class workers worry that one or more negative events might affect their job status in the coming year.

Majorities in 14 of 23 countries have a favorable opinion of Americans, compared with only eight with a favorable opinion of the U.S.

Honesty leads the list of desired traits in a political leader.

Fewer than one-in-four Americans think that “women should return to their traditional roles in society.”

Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) favor a government guarantee of universal health insurance, even if it means raising taxes.