Executive Summary

Section I: National Messages and Reconciling Competing Views of Globalization

1. In many ways, voters see globalization as a force with two faces. The Internet, jobs, and security are three examples where voters see both the positive and negative aspects of globalization.

2. Americans are convinced of the need to invest in science and technology in order to help us turn globalization to our advantage.

3. The words to which people respond most strongly today do not reflect a belief in the promise of the New Economy as much as a desire for quality jobs and to buy American.

4. One trait of the American psyche remains strong  the belief in entrepreneurialism. While the global economy suggests the emergence of new and bigger global economic players, it also widens the doors for entrepreneurs to find a market and be successful.

5. The mixture of positive and negative voter perspectives on globalization is best illustrated by their attitudes toward trade agreements. While less than one-third of voters are for their repeal, only about one-third of those surveyed are for the creation of new trade agreements.

6. These attitudes on globalization translate into a tough challenge for the next presidential candidates. Candidates will have to thread the needle of being optimistic, yet not pollyannaish; they have to help redefine what fair trade means in the 21st century; they need to have the ability to overcome concerns about trade by building new international alliances; and perhaps most importantly, they need to demonstrate an understanding of the needs of workers.

7. There is no single idea or silver bullet for dealing with the expanse of issues created by globalization. An agenda for coping with the New Economy must include a wide range of programs -- creating expanded 401(k)s, more flextime, incentives for alternative energy, and a greater sense of equity and fairness so that stock and option programs reach down to all the workers in each company.

8. While Democrats have a wide lead on most issues today, they have yet to win the debate over globalization. Less than a majority pick either party for this task, with older communities favoring the Democrats and high-growth communities favoring the Republicans.

Section II: Key Perceived Costs and Benefits of Globalization

1. Voters do not want to stop globalization entirely, but they are worried about its consequences. They want globalization to be controlled and made to benefit all of society.

2. Globalization is not feared in and of itself  but there are rising concerns related to a more global world: child poverty, outsourcing, higher energy prices, greater terrorism, etc.

3. The public currently sees the benefits of globalization primarily in terms of lower prices for consumer goods.

4. Despite cheaper goods, however, voters see very significant costs associated with globalization. These costs include the possible loss of benefits, longer work hours/less time with the family, lower wages, and more job losses.

5. Americans remain optimistic about the future. Nonetheless, a large majority balances that optimism with a belief that a better economic life lies in protectionism and favors job security over income growth.

Section III: Attitudes of Different Voter Segments Toward Globalization

1. Voters in high-growth areas are more Republican, more pro-globalization, and more free-trade than voters in the rest of the country.

2. Voters' choice between more money and more free time depends substantially on demographics. Poorer workers and seniors are looking for more money, while married parents and those doing well financially would like more time.

3. Despite growing pessimism in general, there are still many voters who believe they are benefiting from globalization. This includes younger voters, people who work in export industries, Hispanics, and those who are doing well financially.

The authors would like to thank Andrew Claster and Matt Lindsey for their work preparing and analyzing the data and Ed Gerrish for his help in preparing this report.