Topic: Pew Research Center for the People and the Press

Focus Tax reform: Why a kinder, simpler tax code eludes Congress, so far

As Tax Day nears, Americans in the throes of preparing their returns may be dreaming of a simpler tax code. Here's why tax reform is such a tall order for Congress – and how two lawmakers are laying the groundwork for it now.

Resignation of New Yorker writer revives questions about media ethics

The resignation of New Yorker magazine staff writer Jonah Lehrer again raises concerns about the credibility of journalists. Smaller newsroom budgets and demand for quick stories may be partly to blame, say media analysts.   

Donald Marron Do public opinion surveys work anymore?

A new Pew study shows that less and less people are willing to respond to public opinion surveys. This increases the cost of reliable surveys and raises the question of whether the minority of respondents are representative of the population as a whole.

Blunt amendment brings culture wars to Congress

The Blunt amendment would attach a provision to a key highway bill that would let employers opt out of a new federal health-care mandate for their employees if they have religious objections.

Is public support for the tea party movement fading?

The tea party movement has lost public support, including in the 60 House districts represented by member of the Congressional Tea Party Caucus. Is that just a blip, or is it significant?

Occupy Wall Street: Can it ever match tea party clout?

Economic conditions have seemed ripe for a popular uprising from the left, and now 'Occupy Wall Street' protests are marshaling those forces. But so far the tea party has greater focus and intensity.

Abortion opponents have a new voice

In the often heated debate over abortion, a less confrontational, more pragmatic force is behind a record number of antiabortion laws and pro-choice's 'bad year.'

Nuclear power in US: public support plummets in wake of Fukushima crisis

Several polls show that Americans are once again wary of nuclear power. Before the Fukushima disaster, support for nuclear power had hit record highs in the US.

Peter King hearing shows 'sharply polarized' attitudes toward Islam

Americans who are older, conservative in their religion and politics, and Republican are more likely to be wary of Muslims in this country, according to polls conducted before Rep. Peter King's hearing on 'radicalization' among American Muslims.

Struggling in Wisconsin, 'maverick' Russ Feingold cozies up to Obama

Dubbed by some as the 'least loyal' of all Senate Democrats and trailing in the polls, Wisconsin's Russ Feingold is in a tricky spot as he tries to appeal to the Democratic base.

Are Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert going all serious on us?

The Comedy Central's Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are drawing closer to the institutions they love to mock. President Obama even gave a nod to their upcoming rallies in Washington. When that happens, they need to retreat, analysts advise.

President Obama's week of wooing younger Democrats ahead of Election 2010

All week President Obama has been trying to reenergize the youth vote for the Democrats. Comedians Jon Stewart and David Letterman had some suggestions for President Obama as he works to combat the Democrats' apathy.

Is Ground Zero mosque part of culture war or symbol of tolerance?

The debate over the so-called Ground Zero mosque planned for lower Manhattan is bringing to the fore a debate over the meaning of America's growing Muslim population.

Won't fill out the 2010 census? Your ranks are getting smaller.

Attitudes toward the 2010 census have improved markedly in the last few months.

Global warming: Why public concern declines

On eve of the global warming summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, an informal global survey shows that public interest in the issue is waning. But many people are taking individual steps to curb global warming.

Isolationism among Americans is at highest level in 40 years

Almost half say the United States should 'mind its own business,' a Pew survey shows. War-weariness and economic concerns are pushing isolationism to 40-year peak.

Will talking change anyone's mind about climate change?

A new guide gives advice for talking with people who don't accept climate change, in hopes of getting them to change their minds.

Poll: Global warming is real, so do something, US voters say

A bipartisan poll released Monday finds that a majority of Americans believe global warming is happening and want the US government to act. The Senate will discuss a global warming bill Tuesday.

The world demonstrates against climate change, but US public concern wanes

Activities around the world Saturday focused on the need to reduce carbon emissions. But a new Pew survey shows that fewer and fewer Americans believe there is solid evidence the earth is warming.

New polls find Americans in a sour mood

Public likes local government, but Washington not so much

Sotomayor is sworn in, but the politics are far from over

It’s a dilemma for the GOP, particularly among Hispanic voters. But Democrats could feel a backlash if she’s perceived as too liberal.

Americans favor science, but less than before

The share of Americans who see science as the nation's greatest achievement is down sharply, even as the public continues to hold scientists in high regard.

Overwhelmingly popular Michelle Obama heads to West Coast