Analysts this year in particular have been speculating about the long-term impact of Hurricane Katrina and the run-up in gas (petrol) prices,

It's a mistake to assume that somehow this is a short-term problem caused by Katrina. This is just a continuation of the track he's been on since January.

There's been so much talk about beginning to pull them home. More speeches aren't going to make much difference now. The public reacts to real events. The public's looking for something real to happen, which would be like troops withdrawing.

America is still overwhelmingly perceived to be the land of opportunity, ... Even those at the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum still feel there is opportunity.

America is still overwhelmingly perceived to be the land of opportunity. Even those at the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum still feel there is opportunity.

Americans' religious attitudes and behaviors are so stable that they rarely change, no matter what big claims may briefly capture our attention.

Americans have always applauded veterans, and they've had great luck in the voter marketplace.

Despite their personal preferences which still splits even, the public is telling us let's get on with it. And if the Supreme Court says otherwise even if its against my own position, I'm willing to live with it.

These data suggest that retail spending this holiday season will not be depressed and may exceed normal seasonal patterns, despite what some consider a negative economic climate.

Whites are significantly less likely to say that there are problems for blacks today,