Poll Hub

Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary delivered one of the biggest polling misses of the cycle. The final Marquette Law School Poll had Francesca Hong well ahead of the field, while eventual winner David Crowley remained in the single digits. A few weeks earlier in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed eked out a win in the Democratic Senate primary after polls had shown him running away with it. So, what happened? G. Elliott Morris joins the Poll Hub team to break down where the polling went wrong, why primaries can be especially difficult to measure, and what lessons pollsters can carry into th...

Women have transformed the American workforce, but the expectations surrounding work and family have not changed at the same pace. We look at how the traditional family model has shifted, from an era when Americans overwhelmingly believed mothers should stay home to today, when two parents working full-time has become much more common. Yet even when both parents work full-time, women continue to report taking on more parenting and household responsibilities. We also examine the progress women have made in leadership, education, and well-paying jobs, alongside the continued gender pay gap, and the divide over whether children are better...

As the 2026 midterms approach, we're taking on a defining question in American politics: is MAGA the same as Trump, and is Trump the same as the Republican Party? MAGA has become the party's public face, yet many of Trump's own voters don't consider themselves part of the movement. We examine whether that coalition can hold together with Trump off the ballot, what happened the last time his name wasn't on it, and why one party is heading into November noticeably more motivated to vote than the other. It may be the clearest test yet of whether MAGA is bigger...

Artificial intelligence may be transforming the way we work, but the infrastructure behind it is creating new questions for communities across the country. As demand for AI grows, so does the need for massive data centers that power everything from cloud computing to new AI tools. While supporters point to jobs, investment, and economic growth, many Americans are raising concerns about electricity use, water consumption, environmental impacts, and whether local communities should bear the costs of powering the AI revolution. And the issue is blasting into election campaigns across the country ahead of the mid-terms. Is this the sleeper...

Americans are spending more time, money, and energy trying to change how they look. Many adults want to lose weight; millions are using GLP-1 drugs, and the anti-aging industry continues to grow. For teens, appearance concerns are increasingly shaped by social media, with girls reporting especially high levels of pressure to look good. At the same time, the rise of looksmaxxing shows how boys and young men are also being drawn into increasingly intense, and sometimes dangerous, efforts to improve their appearance.

Next, we're talking about “job lock" -- that's what a growing number of workers are in...

Politics is no longer confined to campaigns and government. It now appears across sports, music, movies, social media, and celebrity culture. In this episode, we explore how Americans feel about athletes and entertainers speaking on political and social issues, whether those messages influence public opinion, and why many people think politics has become too present in everyday life. And, we remember that, while this is not really new, from the 1968 Black US Olympians in Mexico City to politically-charged Oscars shows, it does seem more widespread than ever.

Then, we look at the continuing disability employment gap. More...

In a week where one Senator died and another released hospital photos after public questions about whether or not he was alive, we're looking at what Americans think about our elderly political class. While Americans remain deeply divided on many political issues, there is broad bipartisan agreement on proposals like congressional age limits and term limits. This week, the Poll Hub team explores what the latest polling reveals about how Americans view the age of their leaders, why the issue has gained new urgency, and what the public wants the future of political leadership to look like.

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This week on Poll Hub, we begin with the complicated relationship between the United States and China. Americans see China as one of the country’s most important global rivals, especially when it comes to trade, technology, national security, and influence abroad. But public opinion is not only about conflict. Many Americans also understand that China remains deeply connected to the U.S. economy, making the relationship one that is difficult to define in simple terms.

Next, we look at a different kind of trust: the trust Americans have in one another. While declining confidence in government an...

America on its 250th birthday. As the country prepares to mark the occasion, public opinion shows a complicated picture of national pride. While many Americans still say they are proud to be American, that pride is not felt equally across political parties, generations, or views of the country’s future. This week, the Poll Hub team looks at what American pride means today and how it compares with earlier moments in U.S. history.

Then, we turn to another major generational moment: the oldest Baby Boomers turning 80. As millions of Americans enter older age, questions about death, ca...

More Americans than ever identify as LGBTQ+, but the story of acceptance in the United States is becoming more complicated. As Pride Month comes to a close, we look at new polling that shows LGBTQ+ visibility at a record high, while public acceptance has slipped in recent years, and we are joined by Michael Bronski, whose landmark book, A Queer History of the United States for Young People, has just been re-released in a revised and expanded 15th anniversary edition. The updated volume now spans more than 500 years of history, bringing the story of LGBTQ+ Americans into the 21st...

In our latest poll with NPR and PBS News, Donald Trump hits several record lows on his approval among Americans. The economy appears to be the main driver of this as rising costs continue to shape daily decisions, from filling up at the gas pump to planning a summer getaway. While most Americans still expect to take a vacation, many say financial pressures have forced them to adjust their plans. We also look at the political implications of those economic concerns as President Trump's ratings continue to slide. His approval on the economy has fallen to a new low...

This week, Poll Hub examines the intersection of space exploration, private wealth, and public trust. SpaceX is preparing for a historic IPO that will make the company the most valuable in the world, at least for a time. It should also push Elon Musk’s personal wealth to a level never seen before. The conversation goes beyond the stock market to ask what this moment says about concentrated wealth in America, the role billionaires (and now trillionaires) play in public life, and how Americans view the relationship between money, influence, and power.

We also examine the future of...

We’re looking at one of the fastest-growing crime problems in America: scams. From fake texts and phone calls to online attacks and fraudulent charges, scams have become a constant part of daily life for many Americans. But the data challenge a common assumption: older adults are not the only ones being targeted. Younger and lower-income Americans are often more likely to report being victimized, while many people never report scams at all because they feel embarrassed, do not know where to turn, or assume nothing can be done. We break down who is getting scammed, how much money Am...

We’re exploring a growing sense of disconnection in America. From loneliness to broader feelings of dissatisfaction, many people — especially men — are struggling to find meaningful connection, purpose, and support. What was once dismissed as a personal issue is now increasingly being framed as a public health concern, with the former Surgeon General even declaring an “epidemic of loneliness.” We break down what the latest research says about the rise in isolation, why young men appear to be disproportionately affected, and what may be driving this trend — from changing relationship patterns and declining social interaction to technology and shifting expectations...

Americans overwhelmingly oppose partisan gerrymandering in principle, with large bipartisan majorities saying congressional maps should not be drawn to favor one party and strongly supporting independent commissions over politicians controlling the process. However, attitudes become more partisan in practice, as many Democrats and Republicans support gerrymandering when it benefits their own side, revealing a tension between support for fairness and political self-interest, even as majorities say partisan redistricting is bad for democracy.

Then, Americans spent a record $104.7 billion on lottery tickets in 2024, nearly double what they spent in 2008, and the growth has been nearly uninterrupted for over...

This week, we’re taking a closer look at one of the few issues that appears to unite Americans across the political spectrum: concern about money in politics. From campaign spending and lobbying to billionaire influence and “dark money,” recent polling suggests large majorities of Americans believe wealth and special interests now hold too much power in shaping elections and political decision-making. Many also say the current system weakens democracy and creates the appearance of corruption, concerns that cut across party lines. At the same time, campaign finance reform has historically struggled to become a top public priority, even as ele...

This week, we're breaking down our new national poll conducted with NPR and PBS News. President Donald Trump's job approval rating remains in the high 30s, with Americans' concerns cutting across multiple issues. Domestically, affordability remains a worry, and many say the economy is not working well for them personally. At the same time, views on foreign policy are also shaping public opinion, with a majority believing the United States’ position on the world stage has weakened. More than six in ten also say recent military action in Iran has done more harm than good. In this segment, we br...

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After the recent shooting tied to the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, we take a step back to look at how Americans are responding to the broader issue of political violence. New polling shows widespread concern that this type of violence is on the rise, but also a growing willingness among some to see it as justified in certain situations. We unpack what’s behind this shift, including generational divides, rising polarization, and how today’s political rhetoric may be shaping the way people think about conflict and accountability.

We also...

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We open with a deep dive into the Make America Healthy Again”(MAHA) initiative and how it’s landing with the public. At a surface level, many Americans are on board with the idea of improving overall health across the country. But that broad agreement doesn’t always translate into strong alignment with the movement itself. In fact, when people hear more detailed explanations of the policies tied to MAHA, their reactions often become more mixed. In this segment, we look at what this disconnect tells us about how Americans process health-r...

This week on Poll Hub, we explore how beliefs, values, and identity are shaped and reshaped across generations in American life. Drawing on new data from the Pew Research Center, the conversation looks at how many Americans were raised with strong religious identities and consistent practices, yet far fewer maintain those same levels of engagement in adulthood. We examine what drives this shift —from changes in family structure and upbringing to broader cultural influences —and consider how early experiences—whether religious or secular—continue to shape people’s sense of meaning, belonging, and identity over time. Marist Lecturer in Religious...

This week on Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where Mayor Zohran Mamdani stands after his first 100 days in office, based on the latest Marist Poll data. The numbers point to a noticeable shift in public mood: a plurality of New York City residents approve of the job he’s doing, and for the first time in months, more than half of residents say the city is moving in the right direction. That marks a meaningful change from earlier polling trends.

Beyond the topline numbers, voters are also forming clear impressions of his leadership style. Man...

On this week’s Poll Hub,

We start by unpacking a new Gallup survey that points to a notable global rebound in trust in banks and other financial institutions. While the United States is moving in the same upward direction, it still trails many other countries when it comes to public confidence. We take a closer look at why trust remains more fragile at home, exploring the lingering effects of past financial crises, differences in regulation, and what this gap could mean for the broader economy moving forward.

Then, we turn to a deeper dive into...

On this week’s Poll Hub, we take a closer look at a country pulled in different directions: abroad and at home.

Americans are deeply divided over the conflict with Iran. Many see the conflict as a “war of choice,” not necessity, and most say the administration hasn’t clearly explained its goals. And, amidst rising economic concerns, especially gas prices, public skepticism only grows.

That divide is especially stark along partisan lines. Republicans overwhelmingly support military action, while Democrats and independents very much oppose it. Even within the GOP, however, there are signs of tension...

On this week’s Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where things stand with cancer in the United States. It’s still one of the most widespread diseases in the country, but the story is more multi-dimensional than it used to be. Treatments have improved significantly, and people are living longer than before. At the same time, more people are being diagnosed, including younger individuals, raising important questions about what’s driving that increase and how much we still don’t fully understand.

We also explore how cancer care is evolving. New treatments like targeted therapie...

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We take a deeper dive into the results of our newest national survey conducted with NPR and PBS News. The conversation looks at how Americans are feeling about the current political climate, including Donald Trump’s job approval rating and public confidence in the fairness and security of U.S. elections. We break down the data, explore where opinions differ, and discuss some of the factors that may be influencing attitudes across the country.

We also shift gears to talk about perfectionism. While striving to do things well can be motiv...

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We unpack how Americans’ confidence in higher education is shifting and what’s behind the change. Long viewed as a reliable path to success, a college degree is now being reassessed as concerns about cost, student debt, and real-world outcomes grow. We explore how attitudes differ across generations, political groups, and socioeconomic lines.

We also tackle the latest trends in remote and hybrid work, exploring how the workplace continues to evolve in a post-pandemic world. From flexibility and work-life balance to productivity and collaboration, we examine what Americans are gainin...

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After a historically long State of the Union this week, we're asking if President Trump helped himself as new polling captures how lousy Americans are feeling about Trump’s priorities and the direction of his administration. Disapproval remains a key part of the story, but the data goes deeper, highlighting where the public sees alignment, where there’s frustration, and how these views differ across political and demographic groups.

In the second segment, we turn to an issue that helps drive those gloomy polls: grocery prices. Even as grocery inflat...

On this week’s episode of Poll Hub, Peter Enns, professor at Cornell University and co-founder of Verasight, joins to explore how polling is evolving beyond traditional approval ratings. Rather than focusing solely on top-line numbers, Enns discusses how researchers are digging deeper into public opinion to better understand nuance, intensity, and underlying motivations.

As a lead researcher on The Breakthrough polling project, Enns is helping redefine how we measure public opinion by incorporating open-ended responses, topic modeling, and sentiment analysis. These tools allow researchers to capture, not just what people think, but how they think — r...

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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we take a closer look at how politics is shaping modern dating. From abortion to transgender rights, recent polling shows a growing share of singles say a potential partner’s political views factor into whether they’d pursue a relationship at all, highlighting how deeply political identity has become woven into personal life. At the same time, the data points to widening divides by age and ideology, with younger adults and women especially likely to say mismatched views are a deal-breaker.

Plus, do Ameri...

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GLP-1 weight loss drugs are everywhere: in ads, on social media, and, increasingly, in medicine cabinets. But, beyond the hype, what do Americans actually think about them?

Recent polling shows use of GLP-1s has more than doubled in the past year. At the same time, most Americans say willpower alone isn’t enough to manage weight long-term, reflecting a growing shift towards viewing obesity as a medical issue rather than a lifestyle choice.

Plus, our latest national poll takes a deeper look at how Americans currently view...

A surge of federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and surrounding communities has pushed questions of public safety, federal power, and civil liberties into the national spotlight. After two fatal shootings involving immigration officers, national polling shows growing concern about ICE tactics and increasing support for oversight and reform. We break down how Americans across party lines are reacting, and whether these events represent a broader shift in public opinion on immigration enforcement.

Then, we turn to sleep deprivation in America, a widespread but often overlooked public health issue. New polling shows that a majority of adults say...

Endometriosis remains one of the most under-recognized conditions in women’s health, with patients frequently facing years of pain before proper diagnosis. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Chief Medical Officer at Hers and a board-certified OB/GYN, helps unpack why awareness and education gaps persist and what steps can improve care, understanding, and patient experiences.

Next, we examine IVF and fertility access with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, a reproductive endocrinologist known as The Egg Whisperer. While more people are seeking fertility treatments, financial and systemic barriers continue to shape who can build families through medical care.

Finally, we co...

The CDC’s recent shift away from universal childhood vaccine recommendations marks a significant change in U.S. health policy. Moving toward a shared decision-making model between clinicians and parents, this change aligns the U.S. more closely with some European countries but has sparked debate among public health experts and parents alike. We unpack how Americans view this new approach, including strong overall support for routine vaccines and school mandates but also notable variations in confidence around vaccine safety, testing, and scheduling by political affiliation, age, and education.

Then, we turn to Martin Luther King Jr. Da...

The U.S. detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sparked a new political crisis abroad and a divided reaction at home. But, unlike many past U.S. actions, especially in this hemisphere, Americans don't seem to be rallying around the flag so much this time. We walk through what’s known about the operation, how Americans feel about the use of military force, and what polling shows about who the public believes should shape Venezuela’s future.

Then, we dig into why confidence in the news media continues to erode. As more Americans obtain information from...

Most Americans are giving gifts this year but how much are they spending? We're looking at the latest data about how the critical-to-retailers holiday shopping season will shape up.

It's a big question because, as we found in our new poll with NPR and PBS News out this week, Americans are bummed about the economy, whether about prices or jobs. Will this mean a blue Christmas?

Finally, we share a fun fact from past polling that looks at whether Americans ever give “rain check” gifts during the holidays -- plus a brand new result from our...

Gen Z takes over Poll Hub!

New polling shows a growing divide within Gen Z, revealing clear differences between young men and women in how they think about success. Young men and women differ in their views on marriage, children, career priorities, and whether they want to stay in the United States. We break down the data and discuss what may be driving these shifts within the generation...by bringing on 4 of our student producers to tell us what's up.

We also bring a holiday-themed fun fact that looks at a classic seasonal question about...

Many Americans believe that their diets are healthy, but access to nutritious food varies, especially in food deserts. Residents in these areas face challenges with affordability and access and are less likely to rate their diets as healthy. Similarly, many Americans who rely on SNAP benefits are likely to live in these food deserts, which only highlights these structural inequalities. Deanna Jacobs, the Food Systems Coordinator at Dutchess Outreach, joins us to discuss and share some of the work the organization does to combat food insecurity in Marist's area.

Then, could you tell the d...

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We’re digging into how Americans are consuming news in 2025 and what that shift means. Our first guest, Will Jordan from Global Strategy Group, walks us through new findings on the widening gap between active and passive news consumers. As more people stumble across information instead of intentionally searching for it, we ask what this means for staying informed. We also talk about how these habits are shaping trust, fact-checking, and the role algorithms now play in people’s daily news diets.

Then we shift to the growing use of biome...

This week, we’re digging into brand-new NPR/PBS News/Marist polling that offers an early snapshot of the 2026 midterms. The survey shows Democrats opening a clear lead on the national generic congressional ballot, their strongest position in more than three years. We also break down what’s driving voter attitudes, from blame for the nation’s most extended government shutdown to declining trust in major institutions. With voters prioritizing lowering prices and expressing deep frustration across the political landscape, we examine what this all means heading into 2026.
 

Then, we turn to how Americans are choosing to cast...

We’re exploring how access to “third spaces,” the cafés, libraries, community centers, and local hangouts where people gather outside of home and work, may shape civic life and voter participation. Author Sarah Stamper from the civic organization Murmuration, joins us to discuss new research showing that when people have fewer of these everyday spaces, they are less likely to vote, volunteer, or feel connected to their communities. We take a closer look at why Stamper argues these spaces should be treated as vital civic infrastructure and how rebuilding them could help rebuild trust and participation in democracy.

And...