February, 2012

President Obama Presents Christian Message of Economic Fairness

[02.03.2012]

In his speech at the annual National Prayer Breakfast yesterday morning, President Obama added a controversial twist to his recent emphasis on economic fairness: he added a religious imperative. “I think to myself, if I’m willing to give something up as somebody who’s been extraordinarily blessed, and give up some of the tax breaks that I enjoy, I actually think that’s going to make economic sense,” Obama told the audience…. more

The Morning Buzz | February 3, 2012

[02.03.2012]

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? Yesterday, of course, was Groundhog Day, a holiday which I (like many, I suspect) celebrate with an annual viewing of the classic Bill Murray movie of the same name. Little did I know how much squabbling the film has caused… more

Republican Voters See Electability As Romney’s Major Strength

[02.02.2012]

One thing’s for sure: however uncomfortable white evangelical Protestants may be with Mitt Romney’s Mormonism, their reservations doesn’t seem to be stopping Republicans voters from believing that Romney is their best option against Obama in the narrowing slate of contenders for the GOP nomination. In fact, according to the new PRRI/RNS Religion News Survey, Romney’s most significant advantage over his competitors in the eyes of GOP voters is their confidence… more

Intriguing New Report From Pew On Lower-Income Republicans

[02.02.2012]

The media aftershock from Mitt Romney’s offhand remark that he does not care about the “very poor” is still humming through the blogosphere, drawing criticism from liberal and conservative commentators alike. This is sure to provide fodder for Democrats’ criticisms of Romney, especially given new PRRI data which shows that 63% of Democratic voters say the growing gap between the rich and the poor is a critical issue. A newly… more

Our Corner | Talking Religion & Politics on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal

[02.02.2012]

On the morning of the National Prayer Breakfast, our CEO, Dr. Robert P. Jones, went on C-SPAN’s popular morning program, “The Washington Journal,” to discuss major religious groups’ influence on elections, with a particular emphasis on the issues that are already circulating in the 2012 presidential campaign. He took questions from the audience in addition to discussing PRRI findings with the host, and delved into topics like the current debates… more

The Morning Buzz | February 2, 2012

[02.02.2012]

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? Yesterday was a big day for Mitt Romney: not only was he riding the high from his victory in the Sunshine State, he will start receiving Secret Service protection. That means he gets an awesome codename like “Renegade” (Obama) or… more

Florida Exit Polls Show That Romney’s Blueprint for Success Still Has a Few Holes

[02.01.2012]

Mitt Romney walked away with a decisive victory in Florida yesterday, clutching fistfuls of much-needed momentum for his previously flagging campaign (although, like his rivals, he did not escape the battle for the Sunshine State completely unscathed). The exit polls from this first “mega-state” provide some clues as to how Romney can wrap up the nomination, but they also reveal weaknesses that may continue to vex him through the primary… more

The Morning Buzz | February 1, 2012

[02.01.2012]

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? These days, it seems like there’s always a dozen articles ominously predicting the downfall of print books and physical bookstores, and they all make me terribly anxious – until some kind person puts together a slideshow like this and I… more