How closely have Americans been following the controversy over stem cell research?
According to the latest poll, 57% of Americans are following the debate over government funding of stem cell research “very” or “somewhat closely.” Only 12% say they are following it “very closely.” This represents a significant increase from a month ago, when just 38% said they were following the debate closely (9% very closely, 29% somewhat closely). Several major news stories this year have received more public attention, including the disappearance of Chandra Levy (69%), Andrea Yates’ murder of her five children (66%), and President Clinton’s pardons (62%). It is, however, on par with public interest in Timothy McVeigh’s execution (59%). 10. How important is the issue to Americans? In the latest poll, almost eight in 10 Americans say the issue is either “very” (36%) or “somewhat” important (42%) to them. Only 21% say it is either “not too important” or “not at all important.” Bush’s speech may have affected the perceived level of importance among the public, as a poll conducted the
