2012-05-14-皮尤-Obama_Support_for_Gay_Marriage_Public_s_Top_Story_11页_412kb

Summary of Pew Research Center News Interest Index - May 15, 2012

Main Findings

• President Obama's expression of support for same-sex marriage was the most closely followed news story by the public (37% very closely, compared to media coverage at 14%).

• Other top stories included the U.S. economy (40% very closely followed, 8% media coverage) and the 2012 election (34% interest, 11% coverage).

Audience Differences

• Democrats showed higher interest than other groups, with 49% following Obama's comments very closely.
• Republicans were less engaged, at 39%.
• Women were more likely to follow the story (42%) than men (33%).
• Older adults (50+) demonstrated greater interest (45%) compared to the 18-49 age group (31%).

Public Reaction

• About half (52%) said Obama's comments did not change their opinion of him.
• 25% found the comments less favorable, while 19% viewed them more favorably.

Methodology

• Data from a survey of 1,003 adults conducted May 10-13, 2012.
• Includes analysis of news coverage by the Project for Excellence in Journalism.