ELECTION CENTER

Top issues
Polling Center
Top issues Economy Health care Education Deficit Energy Immigration Terrorism Wars

Economy 52%

Leaders clash over how to stave off economic catastrophe.
FULL STORY

Health
care 8%

Congress passed reform, but the debate still rages.
FULL STORY

Education 8%

States cut budgets, staff as students protest nationwide.
FULL STORY

Deficit 8%

Washington's mounting budget deficit sparks concern.
FULL STORY

Energy 4%

Leaders balance environmental concerns with an energy-hungry nation. FULL STORY

Illegal Immigration 8%

Arizona law reignites debate over illegal immigration.
FULL STORY

Terrorism 4%

Ideas differ on how to prosecute accused terrorists and defend against threats. FULL STORY

Wars 8%

Congress weighs strategies on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. FULL STORY

CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll conducted October 27-30 with 1,006 adult Americans. Sampling error: +/-3% pts
The Issues

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The Issues

ECONOMY

Economy
Amid fears of a depression, the Democratic-led Congress passed a stimulus bill with only three GOP votes. The White House says the bill funded 3 million jobs, while opponents point to its $787 billion price tag and a jobless rate around 10 percent. This year's budget includes funds for a second stimulus; will the administration use it?

DEFICIT

Deficit
Many voters are concerned about the ballooning U.S. budget deficit, which is the amount Washington spends each year beyond its means. Deficits can lead to rising prices and higher consumer interest rates for loans.

HEALTH CARE

Health care
Democrats say the $940 billion health care reform law extends coverage to about 32 million additional Americans, but Republicans want to repeal it, labeling it expensive, anti-business and ineffective against rising costs.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

Illegal Immigration
Arizona passed a law cracking down on illegal immigrants that critics say promotes racial profiling. The law set off nationwide debate, and some states are considering similar laws.

EDUCATION

Education
Recession-starved budgets have prompted officials in many states to lay off elementary and secondary school teachers, increase college tuition and cut programs at all levels, triggering coast-to-coast protests.

ENERGY

Energy
A deadly rig explosion and catastrophic oil spill off Louisiana have reignited debate over the country's energy policy, with environmentalists and even some Republicans questioning whether offshore drilling makes sense.

WARS

Wars
President Obama ordered 30,000 additional troops to the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, while his plan to withdraw all U.S. combat forces from Iraq by August remains on track.

TERRORISM

Terrorism
Recently failed terrorist plots on U.S. soil have highlighted the political divide over whether terrorist suspects should be tried by military tribunals or in civilian courts and raised concerns about how to defend against foreign and home-grown threats.
Political Ticker
Influencing Factors
Anger  |  Obama's first term  |  Democratic Congress

Evident during town hall-style meetings about health care reform and by the formation of the Tea Party movement, anger has provoked some independent voters to seek a voice outside the traditional two-party system.

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