Pew Research Center Staff

After the first presidential debate, the words most used to describe Obama's performance and McCain's were "confident" and "experienced," respectively.

Republicans were significantly less likely to vote for a candidate who is a mother of young children than one who is a father of young children, other factors being equal.

Fewer than four-in-ten (37%) say Sarah Palin is qualified to serve as president if necessary.

Honesty leads the list of desired traits in a political leader.

Majorities in 14 of 23 countries have a favorable opinion of Americans, compared with only eight with a favorable opinion of the U.S.

One-in-four middle-class workers worry that one or more negative events might affect their job status in the coming year.

Half of self-described conservatives now express the view that churches and other houses of worship should stay out of politics; four years ago, only 30% of conservatives expressed this view.

Majorities or pluralities in 20 of 24 countries surveyed in the 2008 Pew Global Attitudes poll express unfavorable opinions of Iran.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) favor a government guarantee of universal health insurance, even if it means raising taxes.

Fewer than one-in-four Americans think that “women should return to their traditional roles in society.”