Poll Hub

On this week’s Poll Hub: We take a deeper dive into the results of our newest national survey conducted with NPR and PBS News. The conversation looks at how Americans are feeling about the current political climate, including Donald Trump’s job approval rating and public confidence in the fairness and security of U.S. elections. We break down the data, explore where opinions differ, and discuss some of the factors that may be influencing attitudes across the country. We also shift gears to talk about perfectionism. While striving to do things well can be motivating, perfectionism can sometimes create pressure that makes it harder to move forward. We look at how perfectionism appears in everyday life, from school and work to personal goals—and consider when high standards are helpful and when they might start to get in the way of productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. And，to wrap things up, we share a timely fun fact connected to the start of Daylight Saving Time. When the clocks “spring ahead,” many people lose an hour of sleep. What does that shift mean for our internal clocks and daily routines? 

On this week’s Poll Hub: We unpack how Americans’ confidence in higher education is shifting and what’s behind the change. Long viewed as a reliable path to success, a college degree is now being reassessed as concerns about cost, student debt, and real-world outcomes grow. We explore how attitudes differ across generations, political groups, and socioeconomic lines. We also tackle the latest trends in remote and hybrid work, exploring how the workplace continues to evolve in a post-pandemic world. From flexibility and work-life balance to productivity and collaboration, we examine what Americans are gaining — and what they may be losing — as traditional office norms give way to new models. Plus, we look at what Americans might be able to sacrifice for their preferred setting. Plus, our fun fact of the week explores birthdays, specifically, which birthdays people think are actually worth celebrating. From milestone moments to the debate over whether every year deserves a party, we look at how Americans approach marking another trip around the sun. maristpoll.com/podcast

On this week’s Poll Hub: After a historically long State of the Union this week, we're asking if President Trump helped himself as new polling captures how lousy Americans are feeling about Trump’s priorities and the direction of his administration. Disapproval remains a key part of the story, but the data goes deeper, highlighting where the public sees alignment, where there’s frustration, and how these views differ across political and demographic groups. In the second segment, we turn to an issue that helps drive those gloomy polls: grocery prices. Even as grocery inflation has calmed a bit, price increases since 2000 are still shaping how people shop and spend. From cutting back on certain items to seeking out deals and changing routines, Americans are making adjustments in real time. We explore what the latest data says about these behaviors and what they signal about consumer confidence and economic outlook. And, for our fun fact... would you dine in the dark? Americans don't seem inclined to dabble in this type of restaurant experience. Listen to the full episode: maristpoll.com/podcast

On this week’s episode of Poll Hub, Peter Enns, professor at Cornell University and co-founder of Verasight, joins to explore how polling is evolving beyond traditional approval ratings. Rather than focusing solely on top-line numbers, Enns discusses how researchers are digging deeper into public opinion to better understand nuance, intensity, and underlying motivations.   As a lead researcher on The Breakthrough polling project, Enns is helping redefine how we measure public opinion by incorporating open-ended responses, topic modeling, and sentiment analysis. These tools allow researchers to capture, not just what people think, but how they think — revealing patterns in language, emotion, and reasoning that often get lost in standard survey questions.   Then, we turn to dreams. We examine how factors like stress, anxiety, sleep patterns, and lifestyle habits shape the likelihood of experiencing nightmares, and what the data reveals about who is most affected. We also share some of our own dream experiences and dive into what may influence recurring dreams or why some people remember their dreams more vividly than others. From stress levels and major life changes to sleep quality and personality traits, we explore how both psychological and environmental factors can shape not just what we dream about, but whether those dreams stick with us after we wake up.   And, for this week’s fun fact, we take a look back at marijuana use in the 1960s and compare it to today. What was once associated with counterculture movements has become far more mainstream, with usage patterns shifting dramatically over time. It’s a fascinating snapshot of how attitudes, and behaviors, evolve across generations.

On this week’s Poll Hub:Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we take a closer look at how politics is shaping modern dating. From abortion to transgender rights, recent polling shows a growing share of singles say a potential partner’s political views factor into whether they’d pursue a relationship at all, highlighting how deeply political identity has become woven into personal life. At the same time, the data points to widening divides by age and ideology, with younger adults and women especially likely to say mismatched views are a deal-breaker.Plus, do Americans feel they’re given enough time to grieve after losing a loved one? We break down public opinion on bereavement leave, workplace support, and whether current policies reflect how people actually experience loss. The findings reveal broad concern that time off isn’t sufficient for meaningful recovery, raising questions about how workplaces can better support employees during moments of grief.

On this week’s Poll Hub:GLP-1 weight loss drugs are everywhere: in ads, on social media, and, increasingly, in medicine cabinets. But, beyond the hype, what do Americans actually think about them?Recent polling shows use of GLP-1s has more than doubled in the past year. At the same time, most Americans say willpower alone isn’t enough to manage weight long-term, reflecting a growing shift towards viewing obesity as a medical issue rather than a lifestyle choice.Plus, our latest national poll takes a deeper look at how Americans currently view the Trump Administration and the direction of the country more broadly. We unpack new data on foreign policy, immigration enforcement & ICE, and the state of the economy, three issues that continue to shape public opinion and drive intense reactions across the political spectrum. The findings reveal sharp divides, not just between parties, but across age, education, and region, highlighting how different groups are experiencing and interpreting recent developments. We explore what’s fueling shifts in sentiment, where frustration and support are most pronounced, and what these attitudes could signal for the broader political climate moving forward.maristpoll.com/podcast

A surge of federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and surrounding communities has pushed questions of public safety, federal power, and civil liberties into the national spotlight. After two fatal shootings involving immigration officers, national polling shows growing concern about ICE tactics and increasing support for oversight and reform. We break down how Americans across party lines are reacting, and whether these events represent a broader shift in public opinion on immigration enforcement.Then, we turn to sleep deprivation in America, a widespread but often overlooked public health issue. New polling shows that a majority of adults say they would feel better if they got more sleep, even as long-term trends reveal declining sleep duration and uneven sleep quality across age, gender, income, and education. We examine how sleep shortages shape daily life, health, and well-being—and why so many Americans struggle to get the rest they say they need.We close with a very arty fun fact!

Endometriosis remains one of the most under-recognized conditions in women’s health, with patients frequently facing years of pain before proper diagnosis. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Chief Medical Officer at Hers and a board-certified OB/GYN, helps unpack why awareness and education gaps persist and what steps can improve care, understanding, and patient experiences.Next, we examine IVF and fertility access with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, a reproductive endocrinologist known as The Egg Whisperer. While more people are seeking fertility treatments, financial and systemic barriers continue to shape who can build families through medical care.Finally, we consider the bigger picture of women’s healthcare through advocacy and visual storytelling. Amy Finkel, Assistant Professor of Photography at Marist, shares her project Getaway, which combines photography, historical research, and personal narratives to expose gender bias in medicine and honor the experiences and resilience of women across the U.S.

The CDC’s recent shift away from universal childhood vaccine recommendations marks a significant change in U.S. health policy. Moving toward a shared decision-making model between clinicians and parents, this change aligns the U.S. more closely with some European countries but has sparked debate among public health experts and parents alike. We unpack how Americans view this new approach, including strong overall support for routine vaccines and school mandates but also notable variations in confidence around vaccine safety, testing, and scheduling by political affiliation, age, and education.Then, we turn to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a widely respected holiday that offers a moment for national reflection on civil rights and racial justice. While nearly all Americans hold Dr. King in high regard, actual participation in community service and civic activities remains limited and uneven across different groups. We examine how these patterns reveal both shared values and ongoing challenges in civic engagement and social equality.Finally, we lighten things up with a fun fact from polling, highlighting a question that asked Americans which modern presidential election they think would have most surprised the Founding Fathers.

The U.S. detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sparked a new political crisis abroad and a divided reaction at home. But, unlike many past U.S. actions, especially in this hemisphere, Americans don't seem to be rallying around the flag so much this time. We walk through what’s known about the operation, how Americans feel about the use of military force, and what polling shows about who the public believes should shape Venezuela’s future.Then, we dig into why confidence in the news media continues to erode. As more Americans obtain information from platforms, creators, and algorithmic feeds rather than traditional outlets, we examine the consequences for shared facts, democratic engagement, and the ways pollsters measure public opinion in a fractured media landscape. And, what about the growing number of Americans who don't seem to be paying attention to news at all?Finally, we close with a fun fact from polling that changes pace a bit, looking at how many Americans have driven a car with a manual transmission.

Most Americans are giving gifts this year but how much are they spending? We're looking at the latest data about how the critical-to-retailers holiday shopping season will shape up.It's a big question because, as we found in our new poll with NPR and PBS News out this week, Americans are bummed about the economy, whether about prices or jobs. Will this mean a blue Christmas?Finally, we share a fun fact from past polling that looks at whether Americans ever give “rain check” gifts during the holidays -- plus a brand new result from our latest poll -- how many gifts do you want?

Gen Z takes over Poll Hub!New polling shows a growing divide within Gen Z, revealing clear differences between young men and women in how they think about success. Young men and women differ in their views on marriage, children, career priorities, and whether they want to stay in the United States. We break down the data and discuss what may be driving these shifts within the generation...by bringing on 4 of our student producers to tell us what's up.We also bring a holiday-themed fun fact that looks at a classic seasonal question about when Americans open their presents. Just in time for gift-giving season!

Many Americans believe that their diets are healthy, but access to nutritious food varies, especially in food deserts. Residents in these areas face challenges with affordability and access and are less likely to rate their diets as healthy. Similarly, many Americans who rely on SNAP benefits are likely to live in these food deserts, which only highlights these structural inequalities. Deanna Jacobs, the Food Systems Coordinator at Dutchess Outreach, joins us to discuss and share some of the work the organization does to combat food insecurity in Marist's area. Then, could you tell the difference between an AI-generated song and an actual musician? It might be more challenging than you think! Aspiring artist Xania Monet is the first AI-created performer to achieve mainstream chart success, sparking a heated debate about what it truly means to be an artist in the age of artificial intelligence. If a human writes the lyrics and defines the persona, who is the true "artist?" Finally, our Fun Fact talks vacations...when are you most likely to jet-set?

On this week’s Poll Hub:We’re digging into how Americans are consuming news in 2025 and what that shift means. Our first guest, Will Jordan from Global Strategy Group, walks us through new findings on the widening gap between active and passive news consumers. As more people stumble across information instead of intentionally searching for it, we ask what this means for staying informed. We also talk about how these habits are shaping trust, fact-checking, and the role algorithms now play in people’s daily news diets.Then we shift to the growing use of biometric security. Dr. Gideon Christian, University Research Chair in AI and the Law at the University of Calgary, joins us to unpack how Americans view these technologies, when they’re comfortable with their use, and where major concerns still surface. We explore support for biometrics in places like airports and law enforcement, as well as apprehension around workplace use, accuracy issues, and racial bias. Dr. Christian also gives insight into what responsible adoption might look like.And for our fun fact: Which season would you move Thanksgiving to?

This week, we’re digging into brand-new NPR/PBS News/Marist polling that offers an early snapshot of the 2026 midterms. The survey shows Democrats opening a clear lead on the national generic congressional ballot, their strongest position in more than three years. We also break down what’s driving voter attitudes, from blame for the nation’s most extended government shutdown to declining trust in major institutions. With voters prioritizing lowering prices and expressing deep frustration across the political landscape, we examine what this all means heading into 2026. Then, we turn to how Americans are choosing to cast their ballots. New data shows strong public support for expanded voting options, especially early in-person voting and mail-in ballots, and recent elections in Virginia and New York City offer real-time examples of how voters are embracing these methods. And, for our Fun Fact, if you had the choice, would you spend Thanksgiving at your own house…or at the White House?

We’re exploring how access to “third spaces,” the cafés, libraries, community centers, and local hangouts where people gather outside of home and work, may shape civic life and voter participation. Author Sarah Stamper from the civic organization Murmuration, joins us to discuss new research showing that when people have fewer of these everyday spaces, they are less likely to vote, volunteer, or feel connected to their communities. We take a closer look at why Stamper argues these spaces should be treated as vital civic infrastructure and how rebuilding them could help rebuild trust and participation in democracy.And for our Fun Fact, we’re going back to the early 1990s for a holiday shopping throwback that proves the pre-Thanksgiving rush has been around for decades.

The votes are in, and New York City elected Democrat Zohran Mamdani as its next mayor. Plus, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger have become governors-elects for New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. Now that we have the results, how did the pollsters do? We'll take a look at some of the last polls completed just before the election and see how they compare to actual results. Turkey trots invite first-time racers and families, while marathons attract serious runners, chasing personal bests and qualifying times. While the running community has seen growth since the 2020 pandemic, overall, many Americans seem fairly confident that they will not be taking up new running endeavors anytime soon. But, on the chance that they change their minds, we hear from ultra-marathon runner, Coach Pete Colaizzo from Marist University to get his advice on racing. Plus, we invite a second running expert on: former Poll Hub Producer and Marist track athlete Neel Viswanathan. Finally, for this week's fun fact--what American tradition would YOU want to do away with? If you said trick or treating, we've got some serious questions for you.

 New York City is poised to elect a new mayor, and the choice may have national implications. Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani continues to hold a large lead in our new poll over both Republican Curtis Sliwa and Democrat-turned-independent Andrew Cuomo. We're digging into the crosstabs to explain why the old rules of multi-ethnic coalition building in city elections may not hold any longer.Next, make sure to check out this part of the episode on YouTube because, for Halloween, we dressed up in some odd costumes. But it's not all fun, games, and candy. We're looking at the data about who celebrates, how, and why Halloween has become a big business.Finally, we're sticking with the spooky for the fun fact -- what's YOUR favorite scary movie? A few of ours didn't make the list. Boo (hoo). Watch the Halloween extravaganza on our YouTube channel.

When people describe a leader as "strong," it often has less to do with policies or accomplishments and more to do with language and style. At least that's what Dr. Jennifer Mercieca, a political rhetoric expert at Texas A&M, believes and, to her, Donald Trump is the perfect example. Her book Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump explores how performance and speech have, again, come to dominate American politics.Then, in the midst of the World Series and an exciting NFL season, we turn to sports betting. In less than a decade, wagering in sports has become a multi-billion dollar business. The industry’s rapid growth thanks to convenient mobile apps and non-stop advertising has attracted new fans while raising questions about its broader effects. What is it doing to sports? Fans? And why is there such a HUGE generational divide in American opinion about it?Finally, our Fun Fact lightens things up with a topic that might feel oddly familiar — déjà vu.

After two years of war in Gaza, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal and the conflict appears to have ended but many doubt that lasting peace is possible, and support for a two-state solution has dropped sharply. In the U.S., approval of Israel’s military actions in Gaza has reached record lows, especially among younger and Democratic voters, while more Americans now support recognizing Palestinian statehood. These shifts show a clear change in how people see Israel and Palestine after two years of war.Next, we look at online perfection. From perfect bodies to luxury lifestyles, social media has blurred the line between real life and what’s staged. Constant exposure to other people’s highlight reels makes it easy to compare and feel like you’re falling short. With some Americans saying that much of what they see online is fake or exaggerated, the internet often looks more like fantasy than reality.And, in this week’s fun fact, we’re talking sports collectibles — from signed baseballs to vintage cards, Americans love holding onto pieces of sports history.