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Fishlinger Center News
- Overall Optimism Increases in June
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent went to 65 in June from 59 in May 2019. The data collection period was largely before the Democratic Debates and G20 Meeting in a period of record stock market advances.
Published July 1, 2019
- Support for the President Holds Steady in June
Slight increase in the likelihood that President Donald Trump will remain in office for the remainder of this term.
Published July 1, 2019
- Fishlinger Election 2020 Barometer–June 2019
Before the Democratic debates, Biden weakens and Harris gains
Published July 1, 2019
- Overall Optimism Remains Flat
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent went to 59 in May from 58 in April 2019.
Published June 4, 2019
- Support for the President Softens Slightly in May
Slight fall in likelihood President Donald Trump would remain in office for the remainder of this term.
Published June 4, 2019
- Fishlinger Election 2020 Barometer – May 2019
Among Democrats, Joe Biden holds his lead. Bernie Sanders slides significantly and Cory Booker enters and bumps Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris from the news cycle.
Published June 3, 2019
- After the Redacted Mueller Report, Overall Optimism Remains Flat
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent went to 58 in April from 57 in March 2019.
Published May 6, 2019
- After the Redacted Mueller Report, Overall Optimism Remains Flat
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent went to 58 in April from 57 in March 2019.
Published May 6, 2019
- Support for the President Increases since the Mueller Redacted Report
Rise in likelihood he would remain in office for the remainder of this term.
Published May 3, 2019
- Fishlinger Election 2020 Barometer – April 2019
Joe Biden enters and increases his lead. Kamala Harris rises, Pete Buttigieg enters with a splash.
Published May 3, 2019
- Support for the President Has Softened in the First Quarter of 2019
Undoubtedly, the government shutdown and heightened activity in the Mueller investigation have contributed to this pattern.
Published April 3, 2019
- Prior to the Attorney General’s Mueller Report Summary, Optimism Fell Dramatically
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent fell back to 57 in March from a high of 70 in February and 61 in January ’19. Please note that the data collection was largely completed before the issuance of the Attorney General’s summary of the Mueller Report.
Published April 2, 2019
- Election 2020—March 2019
Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are the early leaders for the Democratic nomination with Beto O’Rourke moving up to third position, followed by Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris falling back into the pack.
Published April 1, 2019
- Optimism Rises with the End of the Government Shutdown
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent rose to 70 in February versus 61 in January ’19.
Published March 5, 2019
- Election 2020
Joe Biden continues as the early leader for Democratic nomination followed by Bernie Sanders with Kamala Harris moving up in third position.
Published March 5, 2019
- Race and Upward Mobility
A recent Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research poll has analyzed upward mobility and race.
Published February 8, 2019
- Despite the Government Shutdown, Optimism Stayed Leveled in January
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, stayed at 61 in January 2019, the same as in November and December 2018.
Published February 5, 2019
- Election 2020
With a broad field just forming, Joe Biden is the early leader for Democratic nomination followed by others with name recognition
Published February 4, 2019
- Support for the President Softens in January 2019
Undoubtedly, the government shutdown and heightened activity in the Mueller investigation contributed to this pattern.
Published February 4, 2019
- Prior to Government Shutdown and Latest Stock Market Corrections, President’s Support Remains Stable
A majority feel he should remain in office this term
Published January 4, 2019
- Prior to Government Shutdown and Latest Stock Market Corrections, President’s Support Remains Stable
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, stayed at 61 in December, same as in November.
Published January 4, 2019
- Post Midterm Elections, Optimism Fell Slightly in November
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent went from 64 in October to 61 in November of 2018.
Published December 3, 2018
- Midterm Elections Turnout Hits Record 49%
The Fishlinger Center forecast was 44-48% within a percentage point.
Published December 3, 2018
- Post Midterm Elections, the President’s Support Increased Slightly
An approximately equal number of people feel he should and should not remain in office this term.
Published December 3, 2018
- Optimism Rose Dramatically in October
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, went from 54 in September to 64 in October 2018.
Published November 5, 2018
- President’s Support Remains with About Half of Americans
An approximately equal number feel he should and should not remain in office this term.
Published November 1, 2018
- Midterm Turnout Could Hit the Mid-Forties
A week before the election, “ceteris paribus” (other things being equal), the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent projects that turnout for the midterm congressional elections could hit the mid-forties as a percent of eligible voters (44-46%).
Published October 30, 2018
- Americans’ Optimism Falls Dramatically in September
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent went from 60 in August to 54 in September 2018.
Published October 1, 2018
- Midterm Voting Intentions in September Stabilize at About Two Thirds of U.S. Adults
Based on those states with midterm elections in 2018.
Published October 1, 2018
- President’s Support Falls Significantly
A small majority now feel he should not remain in office this term
Published October 1, 2018
- Republican Midterm Voting Intentions Increase in August
Based on those States with midterm elections in 2014, and those with midterm elections in 2018
Published September 4, 2018
- Guilty Plea from Cohen and Conviction on Ten Counts for Manafort Have Not Affected Overall American Optimism
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, went from 59 in July to 60 in August 2018.
Published August 31, 2018
- The Country Remains Divided Evenly on the Desired Tenure of the President Trump
The Michael Cohen guilty plea and the Paul Manafort conviction do not appear to have had an effect yet.
Published August 29, 2018
- Tariffs, NATO, and Putin Take Their Toll on Optimism in July
Perceptions of national leadership fall dramatically
Published August 1, 2018
- Increase in Midterm Voting Likely for Democrats
Early results from a July 2018 Fishlinger Poll suggest that there could be a rise in midterm elections voting for Democrats and Independents for both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Published July 31, 2018
- Introducing the Fishlinger Presidential Meter
The Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent is introducing a new report, the Fishlinger Presidential Meter.
Published July 30, 2018
- Optimism Rises Again with the North Korea Signing
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, increased from 60 in May to 63 in June 2018.
Published July 9, 2018
- Two Thirds of Americans Feel Marijuana for Recreational Use Should Be Legalized in the United States
Eighty percent feel it should be legalized for medical use.
Published June 6, 2018
- Overall Optimism Raises Slightly but Perceptions of World Affairs and Federal Policy Decline in May
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent from 58 in April to 60 in May 2018.
Published June 4, 2018
- Optimism Rises in April
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent from 56 in March to 58 in April 2018.
Published May 2, 2018
- Climate Change and Global Warming Considered Serious Issues
Prior to Earth Day, big gap between perceived global warming and satisfaction with current policy.
Published May 1, 2018
- Optimism Falls in March
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent fell from 59 in February to 56 in March ’18.
Published April 2, 2018
- Population Divided on Whether Teachers Should Carry Concealed Loaded Guns in Schools
A week before the March for Our Lives in Washington, two thirds of the US population feel that “gun control” laws in the US are only fair or poor.
Published April 2, 2018
- Perceptions of U.S. Environmental Policy Lag Behind Many Other Countries
The U.S. falls in the middle in ratings of Environmental Policy
Published March 7, 2018
- National Leadership and Personal Prosperity Fall in February
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent fell slightly from 61 in January to 59 in February ’18.
Published March 5, 2018
- Perceived Coverage of “Human Trafficking” Pales Compared to that of “Sexual Harassment”
Coverage of “sexual harassment” is more likely to be perceived as exaggerated when compared to that for “human trafficking”
Published February 19, 2018
- Will Donald Trump Finish His First Term, Resign, or Be Removed from Office?
Prior to the big stock market sell-off, most feel he will serve his entire first term
Published February 7, 2018
- She Says ‘No’ but Will or Should Oprah Run for President?
A third of the people said they would like Oprah Winfrey to run for President of the United States
Published February 6, 2018
- Optimism Fell Significantly in 2017 but Personal Prosperity is Lifting it in January
Optimism fell from 72 in November-December 2016 to 56 in November-December 2017 and then rose to 61 in January 2018.
Published February 5, 2018
- Fishlinger Priorities Segmentation Study
Optimism fell dramatically last year among President Trump’s most ardent supporters
Published January 16, 2018
- New Landmark Fishlinger Priorities Segmentation Study
Issues and Problems: Americans’ Priorities and Expectations
Published January 8, 2018
- Americans Associate “Human Trafficking” with Sex Slavery and Think It Is Not Accurately Covered
The Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent seeks to foster meaningful dialog on key public policy issues through independent, objective public opinion research. This survey focuses on social issues in the United States.
Published December 18, 2017
- Perceptions of National Leadership and Federal Policy Fell Dramatically in 2017
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent fell from 72 in November 2016 to 56 in November 2017.
Published December 15, 2017
- Americans Associate “Opioids” with Addiction and the Majority Feel the Issue is not Accurately Covered
The Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent seeks to foster meaningful dialog on key public policy issues through independent, objective public opinion research. This survey focuses on social issues in the United States.
Published December 13, 2017
- Revelations of Sexual Harassment Trigger Optimism for Social Progress
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent rose from 54 in October to 56 in November.
Published December 4, 2017
- Revelations of Sexual Harassment Trigger Optimism for Social Progress
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent rose from 54 in October to 56 in November.
Published December 4, 2017
- Country Remains on Wrong Track and Satisfaction with President Trump Continues to be Low
The percentage of Americans who believe the country is on the wrong track increased slightly according to the Fishlinger Poll for December from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. The number went slightly up from 63 in October to 65 in November.
Published December 4, 2017
- Direction of the Country Improves Slightly but Satisfaction with President Trump Remains Low
The percentage of Americans who believe the country is on the wrong track improved slightly according to the Fishlinger Poll for February from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. The number went slightly down from 66 in September.to 63 in October.
Published November 3, 2017
- The Fishlinger Optimism Index Levels Off
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, leveled off at 54 in October. Previously, the Index recovered slightly in September, moving from 48 in August to 55 in September.
Published November 3, 2017
- Direction of the Country and Satisfaction with President Trump Remains at a Low Level
The percentage of Americans who believe the country is on the wrong track fell slightly in a month, according to the Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. The number fell from 66 percent in August to 64 percent in September.
Published October 5, 2017
- The Fishlinger Optimism Index Recovers from Historic Low
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, recovered slightly in September moving from 48 in August to 55 in September.
Published October 5, 2017
- More Americans Believe the Country Is On the Wrong Track
The percentage of Americans who believe the country is on the wrong track rose 10 percentage points in a month, according to the Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. The number rose from 57 percent in July to 66 percent in August.
Published September 7, 2017
- The Fishlinger Optimism Index Hits Historic Low
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, fell to 48 in August, the lowest reading since the Index’s inception.
Published September 7, 2017
- Obama’s Last Year vs. Trump’s First Six Months: Country Continues on the Wrong Track
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, indicates that most Americans still believe the country is on the wrong track. The only difference is that the parties have changed.
Published August 7, 2017
- Six Months After Trump Takes Office, Optimism About the Future Falls Further
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, fell to 57 in July. This is the Index’s second lowest reading, after an all-time low of 55 in March.
Published August 7, 2017
- Democrats and Independents: Country Headed Down Wrong Track
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, indicates that many Americans—particularly Democrats and Independents—feel the country is headed down the wrong track.
Published July 18, 2017
- Trump Optimism Dropped Significantly in First Half of 2017
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, indicates that optimism about President Donald Trump dropped sharply in the first half of 2017.
Published July 18, 2017
- The Fishlinger Optimism Index: Americans More Optimistic About Social Progress in June
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, has risen significantly, reaching 69 percent in June. This may be attributable to the stock market’s record performance during the first half of the year.
Published July 7, 2017
- Optimism About Trump Falls in May
The public’s satisfaction with Trump continues to fall this May behind the level Obama achieved during his final months as president, according to the Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.
Published June 7, 2017
- Americans Significantly Less Optimistic About National Leadership in May
Americans’ optimism about the Trump administration has fallen significantly in May, according to the Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.
Published June 7, 2017
- Americans More Optimistic About National Leadership, Social Progress, and Prosperity
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, indicates that Americans’ optimism about federal policy, national leadership, social progress, and personal prosperity increased in April from March lows.
Published May 9, 2017
- First 100 Days: Satisfaction with Trump Significantly Trails Still-High Obama Levels
The Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, indicates that satisfaction with Trump’s first 100 days in office falls far behind Obama’s still-high approval levels.
Published May 9, 2017
- Fishlinger Optimism Index: Americans’ Concerns About Federal Policy, National Leadership Grows
The new Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, indicates that Americans’ concerns about federal policy, national leadership, and social progress increased in March. In contrast, optimism about personal prosperity and world affairs has held steady.
Published April 11, 2017
- Fishlinger Optimism Index: More Americans Satisfied With Obama Than Optimistic about Trump
The new Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, indicates that Americans are more satisfied with former president Barack Obama than optimistic about President Trump.
Published April 6, 2017
- The February Fishlinger Optimism Index Suggests Americans Less Optimistic About Future
The new Fishlinger Optimism Index™, a breakthrough measurement of public opinion centered on Americans’ optimism about the future from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, indicates that Americans’ concerns about national leadership, social progress, and personal prosperity increased significantly from January to February of this year.
Published March 22, 2017
- New Fishlinger Optimism Index Shows Americans Increasingly Concerned about National Leadership and Social Progress
The Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent has launched a breakthrough measurement of public opinion: the Fishlinger Optimism Index™.
Published March 1, 2017
- Public Sentiment Post-Inauguration
In the wake of Inauguration Day and the Women’s March on Washington, there appears to be little change in the public’s attitudes toward the new president.
Published February 3, 2017
- Public Sentiment Pre-Inauguration
Ahead of Inauguration Day and the Women’s March on Washington, satisfaction with Barack Obama increased as his second term ends.
Published January 20, 2017
- Public Sentiment at the End of 2016
Most Americans continue to say the country is headed in the wrong direction and few are happy any feature of the government or its policies.
Published January 13, 2017
- Presidential Election 2016: A Retrospective
Few pollsters or pundits expected Donald Trump’s Electoral College win last month. A Hillary Clinton victory was predicted by forecasters and reinforced in the media.
Published December 6, 2016
- Election 2016 – Race Tightens Before the Final Drive to Election Day
While Hillary Clinton continues to have a significant advantage over her Republican rival, Donald Trump, the race has tightened slightly, according to the latest national poll from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.
Published November 7, 2016
- Election 2016 – Before the F.B.I. Disclosure, Hillary Clinton was Leading and Most Voters Expect to See Her Win
In the final weeks before the end of the presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate, enjoys a substantial lead over her Republican rival, Donald Trump.
Published October 31, 2016
- Election 2016 – Presidential Race Tightens Ahead of the First Debate
Less than eight weeks before Election Day, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are locked in a close contest in which the challenge from third party candidates could make a difference.
Published September 26, 2016
- Election 2016– Post-Convention: Heading Toward the Home Stretch before Labor Day
Now that the Republican and Democratic candidates have been officially chosen for the 2016 presidential election, the latest national poll from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent finds fewer voters are unhappy with the process.
Published September 8, 2016
- Election 2016–Americans’ Views on the Election Process and Campaign Funding
There is growing dissatisfaction with the American process of electing a president and strong support for efforts to rein in the power of money on campaigns.
Published August 12, 2016
- Election 2016–Pre-Conventions: The Electorate is Dissatisfied and Polarized
In advance of the Republican and Democratic conventions this month, the latest national poll from the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research at the College of Mount Saint Vincent finds most voters feeling negative about the direction of the country and the state of the government’s policies.
Published July 13, 2016
