Political Priorities

Examining the Last Four Years

For Voters It’s Still the Economy

Energy, Terrorism, Immigration Less Important Than in 2008

With Voters Focused on Economy, Obama Lead Narrows

Social Issues Rank as Lowest Priorities

Section 2: Issues of the 2012 Campaign

With Voters Focused on Economy, Obama Lead Narrows

Social Issues Rank as Lowest Priorities

Public Priorities: Deficit Rising, Terrorism Slipping

Tough Stance on Iran Endorsed

Public Priorities: Deficit Rising, Terrorism Slipping

Tough Stance on Iran Endorsed

Section 1: The Public’s Policy Priorities

No Consensus About Whether Nation Is Divided Into ‘Haves’ and ‘Have-Nots’

Historically, Public Has Given Low Priority to Promoting Democracy Overseas

Economy Dominates Public's Agenda, Dims Hopes for the Future

Less Optimism about America's Long-Term Prospects

Section 1: Public’s Policy Priorities

Economy Dominates Public’s Agenda, Dims Hopes for the Future

Less Optimism about America's Long-Term Prospects

Public’s Wish List for Congress – Jobs and Deficit Reduction

Public’s Priorities, Financial Regs

Congress's Job Rating - 13%

Distrust, Discontent, Anger and Partisan Rancor

The People and Their Government

Section 6: Tea Party and Views of Government Overreach

Public’s Priorities for 2010: Economy, Jobs, Terrorism

Energy Concerns Fall, Deficit Concerns Rise

U.S. Seen as Less Important, China as More Powerful

Isolationist Sentiment Surges to Four-Decade High

U.S. Seen as Less Important, China as More Powerful

Isolationist Sentiment Surges to Four-Decade High

Section 3: Top Global Problems, Long-Term Policy Goals

Pollwatch: Comparing the Polls on Spending and the Deficit

Partisan Bickering Is Back, Says Public

Obama's Ratings Hold Steady, Trip Well-Received

Economy, Jobs Trump All Other Policy Priorities In 2009

Environment, Immigration, Health Care Slip Down the List

Growing Doubts About McCain's Judgment, Age and Campaign Conduct

Obama's Lead Widens: 52%-38%

Section 3: Issues and Priorities