Franklin & Marshall Poll: Pennsylvanians weigh in on Biden, election review, abortion, masks

Thursday’s Smart Talk analyzes results of the October 2021 Franklin and Marshall College Poll.

President Joe Biden’s approval ratings have been going down nationally in the last few months after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, price inflation and infrastructure and budget plans that are stalled in Congress. The F&M poll provides data on how Pennsylvania voters view the president.

One of the most contentious issues this fall as students returned to school was whether they should be wearing masks to stop the spread of COVID-19 and whether they should be required to wear masks. It’s a question Pennsylvania weighed in on in the poll.

Texas recently enacted a law restricting abortions after a heartbeat is detected which usually is at about four weeks of pregnancy. Critics point out that’s before many women know they’re pregnant. What do voters think about a similar law in Pennsylvania?

The poll also explores voters’ thoughts on the legislature’s plans to conduct an investigation and review into the 2020 election.

Berwood Yost, Director of the Center for Opinion Research, Franklin and Marshall College appears on Smart Talk to share and analyze results of the F&M Poll.