Happy in their personal lives, Americans worry about country

Wed Nov 21, 06:00 AM ET

Most Americans say they are personally happy and feel in control of their lives and finances. But there is a widespread unease that the country has meandered off in the wrong direction.

People are paying attention to the 2008 presidential campaign. Solid majorities think their vote matters and say this wide-open presidential contest is more important than usual. Although almost half express interest and hope in the upcoming elections, but a third voice frustration.

More Democrats than Republicans say the 2008 contest is unusually important, and they are likelier to describe themselves as excited, interested and hopeful. By wider margins than Democrats, Republicans say the election makes them feel frustrated and bored. Read more.

The most likable candidates? Obama and Giuliani

The most likable candidates? Obama and Giuliani.

Tue Nov 20, 06:00 AM ET

Democrats and Republicans alike have strong opinions about who has the best chance of capturing the presidency in 2008 -- Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani, that is -- but those aren't necessarily the candidates they find most likable.

An in-depth survey of more than 2,000 people by the Associated Press and Yahoo! News offers a window into the thinking of Americans as they look far beyond electability in making their choices for president, grappling with matters of personality, policy and religion in sorting through the candidates.

Asked who they would vote for if their primary or caucus were to be held today, 48 percent of Democrats selected Clinton, well ahead of Barack Obama at 22 percent. Giuliani led Republicans with 27 percent, followed by Fred Thompson with 17 percent and John McCain at 16 percent. Read more.

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