Economy, jobs continue to rank as most important problems
February 9, 2012
Though Americans remain largely dissatisfied with the way things are going in the U.S., the 22% who are satisfied is up from 15% in December and is the highest since last spring.
Economy rating is still low vs. other issues, but is most improved since November
February 9, 2012
President Obama's 38% approval rating on the economy is far from robust, but has perked up from 30% in November and 26% last summer. Despite these gains, Obama continues to rate worse on economic issues than on foreign policy issues.
A review of key indicators that could help determine the outcome
February 6, 2012
Gallup editors review the key indicators that are likely to determine the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, putting the current data into historical context.
Egyptians are as likely to favor economic aid from Arab governments (68%) as they are to oppose aid from the U.S. (71%). Half favor aid from international institutions.
State patterns in ideology largely stable compared with previous years
February 3, 2012
Mississippi, Utah, Wyoming, and Alabama are the four most conservative states in the U.S., each with 50% or more of its population identifying as conservative. The District of Columbia and Massachusetts are the most liberal states.
Seventeen states solidly or leaning Republican, up from 10 in 2010
February 2, 2012
Seventeen states showed a Republican advantage in party affiliation of at least five points in 2011, up from 10 in 2010 and 5 in 2008. Meanwhile, 19 states including D.C. showed a similar Democratic advantage, with 15 competitive.
Mitt Romney has moved ahead of Newt Gingrich in national Republican voters' preferences for the 2012 GOP nomination, 31% to 26%, according to Gallup Daily tracking from Jan. 27-31.
Independents tend to favor each of five specific economic proposals
February 1, 2012
Republicans and Democrats find rare agreement on giving tax breaks to businesses that bring jobs back from overseas and pressuring China for fairer trade. Independents tend to favor all five proposals Gallup asked about.
District of Columbia, Hawaii most approving; Utah, Idaho, least
January 31, 2012
President Obama's job approval rating exceeded the majority level in 10 states plus the District of Columbia in 2011. His ratings were highest in D.C., Hawaii, and Maryland, and lowest in Utah and Idaho, and declined in most states.
