The Bottom Line

American Demographics, June 1, 2002 by Pamela Paul

Byline: PAMELA PAUL

*Americans are eager for peace in the Middle East and favor U.S. intervention in negotiating such an agreement. In a March 2002 Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll, 63 percent say the U.S. should take a more active role in achieving peace in the region.

*Majorities across all demographic groups show stronger support for Israel than they do for Palestinians. In general, most supportive of Israel are men, Jewish Americans, white evangelical Protestants, Southerners, Depression and War babies, conservatives and registered voters - especially registered Republicans. Less supportive of Israel are young adults (18 to 49), higher income earners, college graduates, registered Democrats and Independents, liberals, Catholics and seculars.

*Americans support some variation of the recent Saudi peace proposal. Polls show that a majority of Americans believe Israel should withdraw from lands seized during the 1967 war in exchange for Arab recognition of Israel's right to exist.