Democrat

The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy recently conducted a national poll to gauge Americans’ opinions on topics related to institutions of higher education, including their confidence in those institutions, their current relevance, federal policies targeting them and the principle of neutrality. The results indicate that, despite frequent coverage of the escalating charges and accusations against institutions of higher education, Americans’ have confidence in them — and that confidence is growing. Further, Americans believe colleges and universities have a positive effect on the state of the country.  Read More

The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy recently conducted a national poll about Americans’ opinions on topics including higher education, the state of the economy under President Donald Trump’s administration and immigration, among other key issues. The results reveal interesting nuances in public sentiment, as well as divisions among those Republican voters who identify as part of the Make America Great Again movement and those who identify more with the traditional Republican Party. Read More

At a time of deep political divisions, registered Tennessee voters are united in their overwhelming support for key federal programs, according to the latest semiannual statewide Vanderbilt Poll. Concern about the U.S. economy and personal financial futures is also prevalent, while partisan divides are more apparent on issues such as immigration, tariffs and President Donald Trump’s response to court rulings against his actions and policies.   Read More

With the first presidential debate of 2024 quickly approaching, the American public is expressing widespread concern about the state of democracy and our Constitution. There is also consensus among Americans that free speech is fundamental to democratic governance, according to the most recent Vanderbilt Unity Poll measuring Americans' views of unity and beliefs on government and democracy.  Read More

Americans saw an uptick in unity for the first time in over a year, with widespread agreement that the U.S. political system needs to be more responsive and an overall distrust of social media influencers, according to the most recent Vanderbilt Unity Poll measuring Americans' views of national unity and the democratic process. Read More

Vanderbilt professors John Geer, Efrén Pérez and Tracy Sharpley-Whiting discuss the 2016 presidential election. Read More

When Latinos hear tough talk about immigrants and immigration from politicians, their level of political trust is reduced and they start identifying more with their ethnic group than other qualities such as class or religion. Read More

Female candidates have to be more qualified than their male opponents to prevail in an election because many people don’t see women as leaders, according to research that reveals hidden bias that can emerge in the voting booth. Read More

Whether politicians and the press seem like friend or foe, elected officials regularly use news outlets to share and defend their views to the public. New research from Vanderbilt University finds certain media actually influenced the voting behavior of politicians. Read More

Of all the issues being debated by politicians, lawmakers and voters, funding health care may be the issue on which no one can agree. Read More

Assistant professor of political science Efrén Pérez explains what  he thinks is wrong with our current immigration policy and the immigration debate. View 2012 election expertise information for Efren Perez >> Visit election VU to find all Vanderbilt experts on the 2012 election >>… Read More

Assistant professor of political science Efrén Pérez explains why Latinos and African Americans seem like they would be ideal Republicans, but don’t vote with the GOP. View 2012 election expertise information for Efren Perez >> Visit election VU to find all Vanderbilt experts on the 2012 election >>… Read More

Republicans are making serious mistakes when it comes to attracting Latino voters, especially with the immigration issue.  Assistant professor of political science Efrén Pérez explains why. View 2012 election expertise information for Efren Perez >> Visit ElectionVU to find all of Vanderbilt experts on the 2012 election >>… Read More