1. Increase in Christmas Spending

http://www.gallup.com/poll/150737/Consumers-Holiday-Spending-Intentions-Perk-November.aspx

According to this poll, Americans are planning to spend $50 more this year during their Christmas shopping than they predicted they would spend a year and a month ago. This shows that the American confidence in the economy is slowly (very slowly) growing. This is a good thing because if Americans spend even a little more money, it will help the economy regulate itself. The increase in estimated Christmas spending can also reflect that the public is on slightly better financial terms this year compared to last year. Now they that feel more in control of their money, they are able to be a little more risky and spend more on gifts.

2. Student Loans

http://zogby.com/news/2011/11/02/ibope-zogby-poll-54-voters-support-student-loan-changes-are-split-increased-government-involvement/

In this reccent poll, the majority of Americans have shown that they supported Obama's changes that would limit federal student loans repayment to only ten percent of their income. This would help a lot of college students who are graduating with thousands of dollars in debt pay off their debt in a manageable way. The 54% of Americans who said they supported this, shows that most of America supports helping out the students who are wallowing in debt. However, this poll also showed that Americans are split on whether or not the government should increase its involvement in the federal loan program. They are also concerned whether this will increase the national debt even more. These results show that while Americans are willing to help others, they are very cautious as to what effect it will have on themselves and the government. It is clear that there is a discord in increasing the involement of the governement in another area. Also, it clear that America is very concerned about the national debt situation and are wary to do anything that will increase it.

3. Immigration

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/60_put_border_control_ahead_of_legalizing_undocumented_workers

According to Rasmussen Reports, 60% of Americans believe that it is more important to take control of the border than to legalize undocumented workers. This reflects the public's current view that they should first take care of the source of the problem and then take care of the effects. If they take control of the border and reduce the number of illegal immigrants coming into the U.S., then the government will be able to concentrate on legalizing the undocumented workers without having more and more come in, making their progress seem like no progress at all.

4. Republican Nomination

http://www.gallup.com/poll/150659/Republicans-Believe-Romney-Likely-Win-Nomination.aspx

45% of Americans believe that Mitt Romney will win the Republican presidential nomination. This does not come as much of a surprise because with all the sex scandals with Cain, it stands to reason that he would drop in the polls. However, I find it very interesting to see that Cain has 13%, which is more than any other Republican candidate besides Romney. I would expext with all of the talk of "outrage" and "disapproval" with Cain's sexual allegations that his number would be lower. This presents that Americans are willing to put these allegations aside when considering who should represent the Republicans. 

5. Rick Perry

http://gretawire.foxnewsinsider.com/2011/11/10/vote-in-this-poll-governor-rick-perry-his-gaffe-and-the-media/

According to this poll, an overwhelming majority of Americans believes that the media spent a "ridiculous amount of time" on Perry's blunder and not enough on the actual economic issues that were debated. This represents the public's opinion on the media-- they do not spend nearly enough time on what is truly important. America thinks that the media is not doing its job in informing the public on issues because they are too busy in pointing out mistakes that will catch a viewer's attention and keep them entertained, not informed.