This has been a summer of nearly nonstop extreme weather. So, why are Americans in our brand-new poll less likely to prioritize dealing with climate change than they were just a few years back? Then, that same poll showed some slight slippage in GOP support for Trump and that was before the new indictments. But, do polls this early really matter? Finally, are you willing to exchange the bald eagle for a grizzly bear? This week's Fun Fact delves into the popularity of just such a "trade-in."
We begin by looking at the results of our new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll. A majority of Americans agree that climate change is affecting their communities--whether from wildfire smoke, blazing temperatures, or disastrous floods. However, since 2018, the number of Americans who think climate change is a major problem or should take precedence over economic growth has decreased. We discuss why that might be.
Next, how soon is too soon? A question the Poll Hub team asks as new numbers reveal that Trump is taking a clear lead amongst his GOP competitors. We discuss trends we have seen in the past, and if this election cycle is likely to follow.
We end with a poll asking which animal would be the most preferable replacement for the bald eagle-- and let's just say that no one's first pick was a catfish.