February, 2012

Breaking Down Mitt Romney’s Michigan Win

[02.29.2012]

Mitt Romney eked out a narrow victory in Michigan, retaining his grip on front-runner status (at least until Super Tuesday). His win in Arizona was much more decisive. The exit polls in both states show that Romney’s support came from a familiar coalition, which indicates that his intense battle with Santorum for his home state may not have jostled him as severely as some feared. Romney did best among higher-income… more

The Morning Buzz | February 29, 2012

[02.29.2012]

Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Happy Leap Day! A new study confirms my suspicions that most of the people who cut me off on my daily bike commute just happen to be driving a Lexus or Mercedes. According to the study’s authors, wealthier participants were… more

The Morning Buzz | February 28, 2012

[02.28.2012]

Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Politics can, at times, veer perilously close to parody. But you know that it’s taken a turn for the worse when someone decides that their cat is the best candidate for a Senate seat. The question is: does Hank the… more

Santorum Misses the Mark on Famous Kennedy Speech

[02.27.2012]

Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum had some harsh words for president John F. Kennedy’s now famous address, declaring that the 1960 speech to a group of ministers in Houston on the role of religion in public life made him want to “throw up.” Ironically, the main purpose of Kennedy’s speech was to allay pervasive fears that Kennedy, a Catholic, would base his presidential decisions on the Vatican’s decrees, rather than the… more

Romney’s Losing Female Voters, But Not Just to Obama

[02.27.2012]

In the wake of the debate over the White House’s contraception mandate, are women turning away from Mitt Romney and looking toward Obama? Not necessarily. Ever since culture wars issues like abortion and contraception became a major focus in the 2012 election, strategists have had their eyes on women, and new surveys are starting to provide some clues as to what they think about it. To be sure, the contraception… more

The Morning Buzz | February 27, 2012

[02.27.2012]

Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? You know you’re a geek when a new style guide makes Monday morning seem exciting – but I just had to share this new offering from the Economist, which admonishes writers not to be “hectoring or arrogant.” Sound advice indeed!… more

The Morning Buzz | February 24, 2012

[02.24.2012]

Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? I raised my eyebrows in skepticism twice today: once, at the idea that Google expects anyone to wear these glasses (what about those of us who already have glasses? Huh, Google?), and again, when J.K. Rowling announced that she will… more

Our Corner | Franklin Graham and Obama’s Faith

[02.23.2012]

If you haven’t checked out Politico’s Arena, a “super blog” where policymakers and opinion shapers debate timely issues, take a few minutes to read Dr. Robert P. Jones’ contribution to the ongoing conversation about Franklin Graham’s controversial remarks about President Obama’s faith. As Dr. Jones points out, Graham, who declared that he did not know if Obama was a Christian, is the latest in a string of conservative and Republican… more

The Morning Buzz | February 23, 2012

[02.23.2012]

Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Public health notice: your skinny jeans could be giving you heartburn. Based on this litany of health hazards associated with your favorite fashions, it seems like we’d better all switch to muu-muus, just to be safe. New Jersey Gov. Chris… more

The Morning Buzz | February 22, 2012

[02.22.2012]

Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? If you’re a fan of “The Simpsons,” reading this will probably make you feel old (and nostalgic), but here’s an article that I promise will make you feel young, spry, and totally amazed at what scientists can do. Franklin Graham,… more