Gallup polls Americans on unionization, the election, and the death penalty

NewsWorks Tonight host Dave Heller sits down for his weekly conversation with Gallup’s Frank Newport to talk about trends in U.S. opinion.

A looming SEPTA strike calls attention to Americans views of unions.  On the whole they are more positive than negative, although most Americans agree that unions help the workers who are unionized more than the economy as a whole.

Donald Trump has created controversy with his statements about not necessarily accepting the results of the election if he were to lose. 

How many Americans would themselves — in response to the precise question Chris Wallace asked the candidates — not accept the results?

All of the talk about the character, honesty and temperament of the two candidates has diverted attention away from the issues. Less than half of respondents now say the candidates are talking about the issues they care about — a big drop from previous months.

Nebraska and several other states are set to vote on death penalty initiatives in the coming election. Many assume that the public is turning against the death penalty, but while support is lower than it has been — our new data show that a majority still are in favor — 60 percent to be specific.