2008-07-30-皮尤-Obama_s_Trip_a_Top_Campaign_Event_for_Public_14页_66kb

Summary of July 31, 2008 News Release Insights

The July 31, 2008, news release from Pew Research Center highlights extensive media coverage of Barack Obama's trip to the Middle East and Europe, which dominated campaign news for that week. Overall, 62% of the public were aware of the trip, with media devoting 51% of campaign coverage to it, making it one of the most covered stories of the year. Despite high awareness, only 15% of Americans learned a great deal about Obama's foreign policy approach from the trip; 52% learned little or nothing, with Democrats more likely to perceive some learning compared to Republicans and independents.

Perceptions of media bias in favor of Obama stood at 42%, with 6% favoring John McCain and 42% seeing no bias. This bias was more pronounced during Democratic primaries, where 71% of Republicans believed the press favored Obama, compared to 28% of Democrats. The public showed sustained interest in economic news, with 46% paying close attention, but campaign news interest remained relatively stable.

Public interest shifted to other topics like the Iraq situation (28%), Hurricane Dolly (19%), and China ahead of the Beijing Olympics (12%). Unfavorable opinions toward candidates were explored, with Obama and McCain ratings fluctuating around neutrality under close scrutiny.