'Moral values' remain murky; Press, public see differently.(NATION)

From: The Washington Times (Washington, DC) | Date: January 10, 2008 | Copyright information

Byline: Jennifer Harper, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

American public opinion can evade journalists and pollsters, evidenced by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's unexpected victory in the New Hampshire primary.

But there also is a disconnect when it comes to the simple phrase "moral values." News organizations and the voting public don't see eye to eye on these words, according to research.

"A large majority of those who say moral values are very important in their voting choices are thinking about the characters of the candidates, not their positions on controversial issues," ...

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