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? This painstakingly crafted ode to the internet raises important questions; for example, in what universe is cheese the new morphine?

President Obama launched a new ad that hits Mitt Romney on the issue of contraception. More than 8-in-10 (82%) Americans favor expanding birth control access for women who cannot afford it.

Remember “Julia,” the Obama campaign’s virtual poster girl for HeadStart and the Affordable Care Act? Tea Party women dismiss the campaign as sexist propaganda, but the data shows that most Americans disagree. More from PRRI Affiliated Scholar Melissa Deckman, at our blog.

A series of attacks against American Muslims are raising questions about Americans’ attitudes toward the second fastest-growing religious group in the country.

Although it may seem like we’re swimming in presidential horserace polls, Nate Silver points out that the number of presidential polls is down considerably since 2008. His conclusion? It’s a combination of factors – the expense of conducting polls, the increasing unreachability of willing interviewees, and a general lack of enthusiasm about the race.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan is receiving some unexpected criticism from a handful of Catholic advocates, who say he should not have invited President Obama to the annual Al Smith dinner in October. The dinner is usually a good-natured charity event attended by both of the presidential candidates, but anti-abortion groups say it is inappropriate to invite Obama, given the current tension between Obama and the Catholic hierarchy.

Guess who’s profiting most from SuperPACs this year? (Hint: it’s not Mitt Romney).

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