On Monday America celebrates Independence Day with fireworks and barbecues and beer, but according to a new Marist Poll one in four Americans don't even know what country America declared its independence from. And only 58 percent of residents know that the U.S. broke off in 1776. U.S.A.! more ›

According to a Marist Poll, New Yorkers may like Bloomberg more than they let on. The survey [PDF] says, "a plurality of registered voters citywide—38%—say Bloomberg has been the best mayor for New York City in three decades," and 56% of New Yorkers think he is doing well in office (down from his January 69% ratings). So what were the criteria? more ›

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is leading former Tennessee Congressman and likely Senate candidate Harold Ford by 19 points, according to a Marist Poll. In a survey that doesn't look particularly good for either Senate hopeful, 43 percent of Democratic voters favor Gillibrand and 24 percent favor Ford — who after announcing his interest in running has come under fire from the Democratic establishment. more ›

While the majority of Americans aren't happy with the plan to try Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four other suspected terrorists in New York City, more New Yorkers support the plan than oppose it, according to two new studies. Based on findings from a nationwide phone survey by Rasmussen Reports, 51 percent of Americans think it's a bad idea to host the trials in the city, while 29 percent of respondents favor the proposal to move the suspects from Guantanamo Bay to Lower Manhattan. more ›

The latest Marist poll reveals that Mayor Bloomberg has opened up his lead against challenger City Comptroller Bill Thompson to 16 points amongst likely voters, with the incumbent receiving 52% to Thompson's 36%. Marist notes, "Last month, Bloomberg led Thompson among this group of voters by 9 percentage points — 52% to 43%, respectively. Although Bloomberg’s support is unchanged, Thompson has lost ground." more ›

The Marist Poll has the answer with its latest numbers for Governor Paterson: "it can still go lower, but not by much! Not quite one-fifth of New York registered voters statewide — 19% — report that Governor David Paterson is doing either an excellent or good job in office." And 51% of respondents say they rather have Spitzer in office. Marist's Lee Miringoff said, "The numbers could barely be any weaker for Governor Paterson—although we said that last March when he had a 26% rating" and says voters may think Paterson as the "wrong guy at the wrong place at the wrong time—and he has to find a way to make three wrongs make a right" which might be very difficult. Especially when it come to the 2010 election: Marist's current numbers show Attorney General Cuomo leading Paterson by 50 points and in a Paterson vs. Rudy Giuliani matchup, Giuliani would win 56% to 32%. more ›