Do you believe in miracles?
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Americans have got religion... at least according to a new poll.
The Pew survey of more than 35,000 people found that 92% of those surveyed believe in God or a universal spirit and more than half pray at least once a day.
It turns out we Americans are a tolerant bunch, at least when it comes to religion. Although a majority of those polled say religion is very important to them, nearly three-quarters believe that many faiths besides their own can lead to salvation. Also, most think there's more than one way to interpret the teachings of their religion.
Experts say this seems to go against the theory that the more religious people are, the more intolerant they are. They add that tolerance might come from the great diversity of the U-S.
The report also found that across many faiths, those who pray more often are also more politically conservative. For many of these people, the fight against abortion and gay rights remain key issues. Findings show that the South is by far the most religious part of the country... and the Northeast is the most secular.
It also found that almost 80% of Americans believe in miracles, 74% believe in heaven and most believe in angels and demons, too. Only 59% believe in hell.
Here’s my question to you: Do you believe in miracles?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
On the brink of a recession, or already there?
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/06/24/art.five.gallon.gi.jpg caption=" AAA reports the national average for regular unleaded is at $4.07, up nearly 37% from a year ago."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
When former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan speaks, people listen. He says the United States is on the brink of a recession. There's more.
He warns that the chances of a recession happening are more than 50%, and that a quick recovery is unlikely. Greenspan says that there are still "very considerable structural problems" in our financial system and that it's going to be "very difficult."
And Americans seem to be on the same page as Greenspan. The Conference Board, a private business research group, reported today that consumer confidence dropped to an all-time low of 50.4 in June – a significant decline from last month.
It's because people are dealing with tough situations, everything from falling home values, to tight credit to rising prices for everything from food to energy, especially gas prices. Toss in rising unemployment, inflation, a loss of jobs and the decline in the value of the dollar and, well, you get the idea.
The national average for a gallon of gas is still more than $4, and there probably won't be much relief anytime soon. Energy experts say that despite all the squawking from lawmakers, don't expect them to do much to cut gas prices. That's because Congress can't really control the price of oil, which is in part due to worldwide demand from places like China and India.
But the candidates continue to rattle on about gas prices nonetheless, because polls show that energy – including gas prices – is now tied with the economy as the top issue on voters' minds.
Here’s my question to you: Do you agree with Alan Greenspan that the U.S is on the brink of a recession or are we already there?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Would a woman V.P. help McCain get Clinton supporters?
Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, suggested as two potential McCain running mates. Click the Play Button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Women who supported Hillary Clinton are suddenly the belles of the ball. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are getting ready to woo her supporters-but John McCain wants them too. Polls suggest Obama leads McCain when it comes to women, but what if McCain picked a woman as his V.P.?
The Politico takes a look at McCain's options for filling out the ticket, noting that any of these women would be a symbolic turn away from Dick Cheney, "the ultimate D.C. old-boys-club insider." Although some have suggested Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, she's repeatedly said she's not interested. That leaves McCain with:
– Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. At 44, she would add youth to the ticket. It could use it. Palin may not be well-known nationally, but she's one of the country's most popular governors – with approval ratings as high as 90%. She is also stridently anti-abortion, recently giving birth to her 5th child who she knew would have Down Syndrome.
– Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina is another option. Fiorina is in charge of preparing the party's crucial get-out-the vote operation. She's been all over the campaign trail and TV supporting McCain and has become one of his top economic advisers.
– And there's Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas – the longest serving female Republican Senator. Hutchison has held key posts within the party. She's been a surrogate for McCain in the race, and has proven she can get out the Hispanic vote.
Although Republican insiders point to downsides for each of these three potential candidates, they say a woman on the ticket could add some excitement to McCain's candidacy. In case you hadn't noticed, Republicans are a little short on excitement these days.
Here’s my question to you: Would John McCain's selection of a woman as V.P. help him get some of Hillary Clinton's supporters?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
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