Nov 23, 2017

5. America's shifting views on racial discrimination

Axios
Data: Pew Research Center; Note: Excluding "both," "don't know," and "refused" responses; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon / Axios

A growing number of Americans — 41%— believe "racial discrimination is the main reason black people can't get ahead" in society, per a Pew Research report published this fall. This is up from 32% in 1994.

When presented with the statement: "Racial discrimination is the main reason why many black people can't get ahead these days," the participants who agreed were:

  • 39% of Democrats and 26% of Republicans, in 1994.
  • 64% of Democrats and 14% of Republicans, in 2017.

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Marisa Fernandez

Most Americans think measles vaccine has "very high" preventative care benefits

A vial containing the MMR vaccine. Photo: Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

56% of Americans believe the measles vaccine has "very high" preventative care benefits — an 11-point increase since 2016, according to data out Tuesday from the Pew Research Center.

The big picture: While overall approval of the vaccine (88%) has remained unchanged, Pew credits the increase in perceived preventative health benefits to improved awareness of how measles outbreaks have become a public health problem.

Go deeper: America's dangerous backslide on infectious diseases

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Ina Fried

Fitness trackers are more popular with women than men

A Fitbit fitness tracker. Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images for Fitbit

About one-in-five American adults use a smart watch or fitness tracker, with women more likely than men to use a fitness device, according to new research from Pew.

Why it matters: The category is still in its early days, and understanding who uses the products and who doesn't could help the industry improve its products and broaden their appeal.

Go deeperArrowJan 13, 2020
Axios

Biden on bipartisanship: If anyone has reason to be angry with Republicans, it's me

Former Vice President Joe Biden said at the Democratic debate on Thursday that he refuses to accept the notion that Democrats will never get to a place where they can cooperate with Republicans again, adding: "If anyone has reason to be angry with the Republicans and not want to cooperate, it's me."

Why it matters: Biden and his son have been targeted by Republicans as a defense of President Trump's efforts to pressure Ukraine to announce an investigation into their activities in Ukraine. The former VP has been criticized by some on the left for reflecting fondly on his past cooperation with Republicans in Congress, but his message on Thursday night brought more nuance to the question of bipartisanship and said the country will be "dead" without it.

Go deeper: Biden says he's "embarrassed" by Lindsey Graham's defense of Trump

Keep ReadingArrowDec 20, 2019