Humphrey Institute: What Are Americans Looking For?

Journalists, a self-proclaimed adult pollster, and a political consultant participated in a panel discussion about the American electorate, the top issues in this election, and the emergence of Gov. Sarah Palin (R – AK) at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday morning.

According to the United Nations Foundation and Public Opinion Strategies Americans, left, right, and swing, show consensus on the importance of three issues: America’s dependence on foreign oil, terrorism, and the global economy.

Co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies Bill McInturff said all Americans want a “balance of toughness and diplomacy” as a presidential attribute. Editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report Charlie Cook both argued Palin’s selection removed John McCain’s advantage with the experience argument – especially regarding national security. McInturff spoke last and said, “I think the electorate is far from resolved about who is going to be president.”