Most Americans want Snowden jailed, poll finds
In a new USA TODAY/Pew Research Center Poll, most Americans say Edward Snowden should be prosecuted, but two-thirds don’t like the idea that the government is collecting their own communication records.
The poll shows a nation riven by cross-currents about the unauthorized disclosures from the former NSA contractor of sweeping surveillance programs that can collect information about millions of Americans and foreigners.
By 54%-38%, those surveyed say he should be prosecuted. Most Americans say the programs have helped prevent terrorist attacks, by 53%-41%, a point pressed by top administration officials including Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.
There is an almost even split on the most fundamental question. By 48%-47%, Americans divide over whether they approve or disapprove of the programs as part of the effort to fight terrorism. By another narrow margin, 49%-44%, they say the release of classified information serves rather than harms the public interest.
We have to get back to negotiation. A little has to come out of each person’s hide to resolve all these issues.
The 5 longest Senate filibusters
They went on and on … and on.
- Strom Thurmond — 24 hours, 18 minutes, 1957.
- Alfonse D’Amato — 23 hours, 30 minutes, 1986.
- Wayne Morse — 22 hours, 26 minutes, 1953.
- Robert LaFollette — 18 hours, 23 minutes, 1908.
- William Proxmire — 16 hours, 12 minutes, 1981.
Rand Paul has a ways to go before breaking any of these records.
The state of our union
Tomorrow, President Obama will give his fifth State of the Union Address.
What one word do you think best describe the current state of our union?
Follow the live inaugural ceremony with us
We’re streaming video from the National Mall, plus Twitter updates from USA TODAY and Gannett reporters, as well as Twitter users around the country.
Check out the live page here: http://usat.ly/WAoa0y
White men now a minority among House Dems
Nancy Pelosi said today that she would again seek the top spot among her Democratic colleagues in the House, a bid for which she is not expected to see much opposition.
She made the announcement today flanked by female lawmakers — a bit of theater to underscore the fact that for the first time in U.S. history, a party faction in Congress is made up of a majority of women and minorities.
In contrast, House Republicans are still predominantly white men.
More: http://usat.ly/QdWbpi
How ready was Romney?
He had victory fireworks and a transition website ready to go.
A viewer’s guide: Here’s how to watch tonight’s results as they roll in.
All times are Eastern, and states with asterisks have varied closing times.
More info: http://usat.ly/QjfLQO
Our readers have been sharing their Election Day images with us on the #USAvotes hashtag. Tag yours on Twitter or Instagram.
