Poll Hub

This week, we’re taking a closer look at one of the few issues that appears to unite Americans across the political spectrum: concern about money in politics. From campaign spending and lobbying to billionaire influence and “dark money,” recent polling suggests large majorities of Americans believe wealth and special interests now hold too much power in shaping elections and political decision-making. Many also say the current system weakens democracy and creates the appearance of corruption, concerns that cut across party lines. At the same time, campaign finance reform has historically struggled to become a top public priority, even as election spending continues to reach record highs. In this segment, we break down what Americans think about the role of money in politics, why these concerns have become so widespread, and what they reveal about trust in the political system today.

We’re also examining how pets are increasingly becoming central to American family life. Pet ownership has reached record levels in the United States, and nearly all pet owners now describe their animals as part of the family. For many younger Americans especially, pets are not just companions but emotional anchors, sources of stability, and in some cases even substitutes for traditional milestones like marriage or parenthood. At the same time, the share of households with children continues to decline, while spending on pets continues to rise. In this segment, we explore what these changing attitudes toward pets reveal about shifting ideas surrounding family, adulthood, caregiving, and modern American life.

And finally, for our fun fact we are breaking down our dreams. Do you remember the details, the vibes, or nothing at all?

This week, we're breaking down our new national poll conducted with NPR and PBS News. President Donald Trump's job approval rating remains in the high 30s, with Americans' concerns cutting across multiple issues. Domestically, affordability remains a worry, and many say the economy is not working well for them personally. At the same time, views on foreign policy are also shaping public opinion, with a majority believing the United States’ position on the world stage has weakened. More than six in ten also say recent military action in Iran has done more harm than good. In this segment, we break down how these concerns connect, what they reveal about the current public mood, and their implications for the midterm elections.

We also zoom out to examine how Americans’ perceptions of the economy have evolved over the past year. What started in 2025 as growing worry about the cost of living has gradually turned into a broader sense of economic frustration. Over time, more Americans have come to feel that the economy is falling short in meeting their needs. By early 2026, concern about inflation had expanded across party lines. The data suggest that people are judging the economy less by traditional indicators and more by their day-to-day financial reality, whether they can keep up with rising prices and cover their monthly expenses. On both fronts, sentiment has clearly declined.

And, lastly, is age just a number? We are discussing the youthful age of 75.

On this week’s Poll Hub:

After the recent shooting tied to the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, we take a step back to look at how Americans are responding to the broader issue of political violence. New polling shows widespread concern that this type of violence is on the rise, but also a growing willingness among some to see it as justified in certain situations. We unpack what’s behind this shift, including generational divides, rising polarization, and how today’s political rhetoric may be shaping the way people think about conflict and accountability.

We also explore how public opinion around energy is becoming more complicated. While many Americans say they support expanding cleaner energy sources, those views are far from uniform and often shift depending on how the issue is framed. When questions turn to tradeoffs and affordability, support can become more uncertain. Additionally, political polarization seems to play an even larger role in this issue now. We break down how these mixed attitudes highlight a broader tension between long-term environmental goals and short-term practical concerns.

Finally, our fun fact has us debating whether range anxiety is enough to keep people from buying an EV, or whether hybrids are a safer compromise.

On this week’s Poll Hub:

We open with a deep dive into the Make America Healthy Again”(MAHA) initiative and how it’s landing with the public. At a surface level, many Americans are on board with the idea of improving overall health across the country. But that broad agreement doesn’t always translate into strong alignment with the movement itself. In fact, when people hear more detailed explanations of the policies tied to MAHA, their reactions often become more mixed. In this segment, we look at what this disconnect tells us about how Americans process health-related proposals, the role politics plays in shaping opinion, and how messaging can influence support.

From there, we shift to concerns surrounding drinking water and how Americans navigate choices between tap and bottled options. With water contamination topping the list of environmental worries nationwide, many individuals turn to bottled water as a perceived safer option. At the same time, there is widespread awareness of, and concern about, the environmental consequences of plastic waste. This creates a clear tension between what people value environmentally and the choices they make in their daily lives. We break down what the numbers say about public confidence in water systems, consumption patterns, and the broader environmental implications.

To wrap things up, we end on a lighter note with a fun fact focused on how frequently Americans are grabbing fast food, and what that trend might reveal about everyday routines and habits. Particularly how definitions of fast food have changed since the 70s.

maristpoll.com/podcast

This week on Poll Hub, we explore how beliefs, values, and identity are shaped and reshaped across generations in American life. Drawing on new data from the Pew Research Center, the conversation looks at how many Americans were raised with strong religious identities and consistent practices, yet far fewer maintain those same levels of engagement in adulthood. We examine what drives this shift —from changes in family structure and upbringing to broader cultural influences —and consider how early experiences—whether religious or secular—continue to shape people’s sense of meaning, belonging, and identity over time. Marist Lecturer in Religious Studies Dr. Brian Loh joins us to help unpack these trends and what they reveal about generational change.

We then turn to the evolving role of social media in American democracy, where new research highlights a striking tension. While heavy social media users are more likely to feel politically empowered and believe their participation can make a difference, they are also less likely to say democracy is the best form of government. Using findings from Gallup, the Kettering Foundation, and Pew Research, we explore how increased connectivity may be boosting engagement while simultaneously contributing to declining trust in institutions.

Together, these conversations point to a broader story about change in how Americans engage with both personal belief systems and public institutions. As traditional structures evolve and new forms of connection take their place, the ways people understand their identities and their role in democracy are shifting in complex and sometimes contradictory ways.

Listen here: maristpoll.com/podcast

This week on Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where Mayor Zohran Mamdani stands after his first 100 days in office, based on the latest Marist Poll data. The numbers point to a noticeable shift in public mood: a plurality of New York City residents approve of the job he’s doing, and for the first time in months, more than half of residents say the city is moving in the right direction. That marks a meaningful change from earlier polling trends.

Beyond the topline numbers, voters are also forming clear impressions of his leadership style. Many describe Mamdani as hard working and perceive him to be caring and trying to unify the city. Still, the discussion goes deeper than personal traits. We also explore how his early performance compares with previous mayors at similar points in their administrations, offering a broader sense of historical context.

In addition, this week features a spotlight on new work coming out of Marist’s Center for Sports Communication. Their newest podcast, Point Taken, is another Marist student featured podcast, and we speak with Center Director Andrew Elrick about its launch, goals, and early reception.

Listen here: maristpoll.com/podcast

On this week’s Poll Hub,

We start by unpacking a new Gallup survey that points to a notable global rebound in trust in banks and other financial institutions. While the United States is moving in the same upward direction, it still trails many other countries when it comes to public confidence. We take a closer look at why trust remains more fragile at home, exploring the lingering effects of past financial crises, differences in regulation, and what this gap could mean for the broader economy moving forward.

Then, we turn to a deeper dive into American public opinion on Iran. From the days of the Shah and the Iranian Revolution, through decades of diplomatic strain and periodic conflict, to today’s complex geopolitical landscape, we look at how perceptions have shifted over time. Using historical polling data, we examine how moments of tension, diplomacy, and uncertainty have shaped the way Americans view Iran and what that tells us about public opinion during times of international conflict.

Finally, we wrap things up on a lighter note with a fun fact that sparks a debate over just how violent different sports really are. This discussion might challenge some of your assumptions!

Listen now at Marist Poll: maristpoll.com/podcast

On this week’s Poll Hub, we take a closer look at a country pulled in different directions: abroad and at home.

Americans are deeply divided over the conflict with Iran. Many see the conflict as a “war of choice,” not necessity, and most say the administration hasn’t clearly explained its goals. And, amidst rising economic concerns, especially gas prices, public skepticism only grows.

That divide is especially stark along partisan lines. Republicans overwhelmingly support military action, while Democrats and independents very much oppose it. Even within the GOP, however, there are signs of tension, revealing one of the most significant internal splits in the party in years.

Next, we turn to a very different kind of story. Grandparents in America are playing a bigger role than many might expect. They’re not just part of the family, they’re caregivers, financial supporters, and everyday anchors in millions of households. From helping raise grandchildren to contributing billions of dollars each year, their impact stretches far beyond occasional visits. We break down how often grandparents provide care, how much they spend, and what this growing role says about the changing structure of American families and the pressures shaping them.

And, we finish with a step back in time, looking at what people said their favorite day was in 1952 and how those answers compare to today.

On this week’s Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where things stand with cancer in the United States. It’s still one of the most widespread diseases in the country, but the story is more multi-dimensional than it used to be. Treatments have improved significantly, and people are living longer than before. At the same time, more people are being diagnosed, including younger individuals, raising important questions about what’s driving that increase and how much we still don’t fully understand.

We also explore how cancer care is evolving. New treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapy are making a real impact, and in some cases, cancer is becoming something people manage over time rather than something immediately life-threatening. However, cancer isn’t just one disease. There are many different types, each with its own challenges and treatment approaches, depending on the patient.

And even with all this progress, there are still major challenges. Cancer can shape a person’s life long after treatment -- physically, emotionally, and financially. The cost of care, access to treatment, and long-term impacts all play a role in the patient experience. Joined by Dr. Thomas Blom of Princeton Medical Group and Penn Medicine, and host of Medical Insights with Dr. Thomas Blom, we talk through where things are improving, where challenges remain, and what the future of cancer care might look like.

Listen to Medical Insights with Dr. Thomas Blom here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dhkwZs6AQ20GlaSJJ5Tbn?si=baaeccba89b94df8

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?