On many issues, particularly economic matters, the gap between rich and poor is as formidable as the partisan divide. Men and women also disagree, on issues ranging from gun control to health care. Not surprisingly, there is a sizable generation gap on questions relating to Social Security and Medicare. Presidential Campaign Gains Attention Interest in the presidential election has risen slowly but steadily since last summer and is now higher than at a comparable period in past election cycles. And the percentage following very closely is nine points higher than in January 1996 and eight points higher than in January 1992.
Likely voters are even more tuned into the campaign.
In contrast, however, Independents are not as engaged by the presidential race. Reflecting increased interest, all of the candidates are now better known, although only the frontrunners are readily recalled. Although Bill Bradley's recognition jumped 14 percentage points since fall, it still lags behind Gore. In fact, more Republicans correctly identify Bradley's former elective office than Democrats. And in each of three questions regarding the candidates, older men are much better informed than either women or younger men.