What’s the Point?

This regular column examines in plain language what Americans need to know about new and interesting public opinion research, from the economy to foreign policy issues.

In this series

What’s the Point? On Overall Growth Versus Regional Development
Photo shows a group of newly constructed houses closely bordering farmland.
Article

What’s the Point? On Overall Growth Versus Regional Development

Citizens across 11 leading democracies say they are more willing than not to sacrifice some overall growth to help build successful economies in the less well-off regions of their nations.

John Halpin

What’s the Point? Building a Successful Economy
Article

What’s the Point? Building a Successful Economy

Citizens across 11 leading countries see education, regional investments, and cooperation between labor unions and businesses as good ways to build a successful economy.

John Halpin

What’s the Point? How Shifting Issue Priorities Could Influence the Midterms
Photo shows two people at voting booths
Article

What’s the Point? How Shifting Issue Priorities Could Influence the Midterms

Democratic and Republican voters have different priorities heading into the 2022 midterm elections; whichever set of policies drives more political engagement and persuasion among voters will likely determine the outcome this November.

John Halpin

What’s the Point? Americans Support the CHIPS and Science Act
Photo shows a hand holding a semiconductor chip.
Article

What’s the Point? Americans Support the CHIPS and Science Act

Americans across party lines support federal efforts to bolster U.S. semiconductor production, fix domestic supply chains, and encourage more scientific research and education.

John Halpin

What’s the Point? Americans Back Strong Action Against Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine
Article

What’s the Point? Americans Back Strong Action Against Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine

National security concerns among Americans have risen dramatically since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Voters back President Joe Biden’s efforts to impose economic sanctions and send military aid to Ukraine.

John Halpin, Ruy Teixeira

What’s the Point? Americans’ Views on Inflation
An educator reads to a 6-month-old girl at a child care center in Denver.
Article

What’s the Point? Americans’ Views on Inflation

On inflation, voters want child care support to help get people back to work—but strongly object to a rise in unemployment to lower costs.

Ruy Teixeira, John Halpin

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