posted July 28, 2006 06:39 PM            

AMERICANS SEE Bush’s democracy agenda flagging.

In new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, 58% call president’s attempts to promote democracy around the world unsuccessful so far. A 55% majority says administration has relied too much on military action.

But Americans split on using force to stop nuclear proliferation. A 48% plurality says that is appropriate to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon; a 46% plurality opposes similar action against North Korea. The error margin is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Back burner: Amid concerns about Iraq, China and Mideast, just 7% said Darfur genocide should be top U.S. priority.

MINIMUM-WAGE INCREASE draws support across political spectrum.

Two-thirds of conservatives join liberals in backing rise to $7.25 an hour from $5.15. That buoys congressional Democrats, who plan a renewed push as elections approach, and encourages Republican moderates to press their leadership to permit a vote soon. Seniors embrace Democratic candidates’ call for allowing Medicare to negotiate with industry for lower drug prices.

But Bush’s party boasts crossover appeal with legislation — which Senate Majority Leader Frist will revive soon — helping small businesses join to offer inexpensive health plans outside state insurance regulations. The concept wins most public favor among potential Republican campaign themes, drawing support across regions and racial groups.

WORRIES RISE about domestic spying, but public backs Bush on prisoners.

After media disclosures of telephone and financial surveillance, a 45% plurality frets terrorist-tracking will “go too far” and trample privacy, up from 31% three months after 9/11. Sen. Specter shrugs off Democratic concerns that his judicial oversight legislation is weak, saying, “I don’t think we’re going to get anything more” from the White House.

By 55%-34%, Americans say Bush has taken “the right course” on handling imprisoned terror suspects. Liberals and moderates want captured suspects to receive the same rights as POWs. Conservatives disagree.

Two-thirds of Republicans disdain news media, fueling administration attacks; Democrats are positive, 38%-31%.

HOUSE OFFENSIVE on border security hasn’t moved public opinion. By 45%-42%, Americans say immigration helps the country more than hurts. House Republican leaders plan 21 August hearings slamming Senate “amnesty bill,” but Democratic campaign chief Emanuel says, “They don’t have a single accomplishment” on the issue.

WAR PESSIMISM isn’t moving Americans toward quick pullout from Iraq. Though 54% want troops reduced, two-thirds oppose “immediate and orderly withdrawal” of all forces. That’s unchanged since March, despite rising Baghdad violence.

INTENSITY GAP: Republican “values” agenda hasn’t stirred rank and file to match adversaries. Fully 57% of Democrats, but just 46% of Republicans, express highest possible interest in November elections. That exceeds four-point gap favoring Democrats in January.

SCIENTIFIC CONSENSUS: Nearly half the public says conditions that might benefit from embryonic stem-cell research, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, have affected their immediate family. Among that group, 65% back expanded federal funding. Among those not affected, support for expanded funding is even greater at 71%.

DEEP FUNK: Pessimism extends beyond current events.

Among the six-in-10 Americans who say country is “on the wrong track,” most see “long-term decline.” More than two-thirds of those over 50 aren’t confident life will improve for “our children’s generation”; 62% of those under 35 agree.

Americans are especially gloomy about the environment, health care, public morals and housing costs; nearly eight in 10 expect college to become less affordable. By 47%-24%, Americans fear the quality of jobs in the U.S. will get worse.

Just one in four Midwesterners, like Americans overall, opposes potential alliance of GM, Nissan and Renault.